RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Assistant Preschool Teacher is responsible for supporting the overall day-to-day operations of a classroom in Oakland Family Services' Children's Learning Center (CLC). The teacher is responsible for assisting with the implementation of high quality, HighScope learning experiences for children, daily lesson planning, interacting with parents and volunteers, record keeping, and other miscellaneous operations related to the Children's Learning Center Programs. The position reports to the Early Childhood Education Supervisor.

SPECIFIC DUTIES/JOB EXPECTATIONS

The specific duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist in the design and implementation of developmentally appropriate, engaging activities using the HighScope approach to learning with children. 
• Assist in maintaining standards of quality as required by State licensure, Great Start to Quality, NAEYC and COA accreditation.
• Assist in maintaining accurate child records. 
• Participate in daily and weekly team planning meetings to support the creation of lesson plans, discuss classroom support needs and coordinate task responsibilities with the Lead Teacher and other classroom support staff.
• Collaborate with classroom partners, supervisor and administrative team members on curriculum, student, and center needs.
• Implements coaching, mentoring, feedback and professional development suggestions and strategies provided by the classroom lead teacher.
• Attend and participate in Agency and program events and activities.
• In conjunction with the Lead Teacher, conduct a minimum of two parent-teacher conferences per school year with each enrolled family.
• In conjunction with the Lead Teacher, conduct two home visits with each Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) enrolled family.
• Assist with daily documentation of children's interactions and play through anecdotal notes.
• In conjunction with the Lead Teacher, assess children’s developmental progress using HighScope’s Child Observation Record (COR).
• Assist in the creation and implementation of children’s behavioral support plans as needed. 
• Provides support in the creation and ongoing maintenance of a clean, healthy, and esthetically pleasing learning environment for children.
• Provides active supervision to ensure the safety and wellbeing of each child.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, meetings, and other program and agency activities as required by licensing, accreditation, and other funding requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to be physical and capable of successfully managing an early learning environment. The employee is frequently required to sit and/or stand for 8 hours or more. Staff must have the ability to reach with hands and arms and must occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds.

Does This Describe YOU? 

• Must possess training in Early Childhood Education, including, but not limited to, a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), Associate Degree in child development or related field or equivalent continuing education experience as approved by the Michigan Department of Education. 
• One year of preschool teaching experience is preferred. 
• Experience utilizing the HighScope approach preferred. 
• Selected candidates for this position must possess a sensitivity to the diversity of the Agency’s service population including (but not limited to) differences of culture, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Communication skills that focus on positive and professional communication with parents and children.
• Utilization of positive classroom management techniques.
• Abilities and skills in the team approach to problem solving and task completion.
• Special abilities and skills necessary to perform the required tasks and that best meet the needs of the Agency also will be considered. Any standard above may be waived when compensating specifications or circumstances exist.

Oakland Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status

*New Hire Incentives are offered to newly hired staff only.