Preschool Associate Teacher- Watervliet PY 26-27

Flowers Early Learning is a high-quality preschool located in Watervliet, Michigan and is currently looking for Preschool Associate Teacher, serving classrooms with children ages 3-5 for next Program Year (August 2026- May 2027).

Flowers Early Learning, formally known as Tri-County Head Start, was selected as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation in 2024, and one of the Moody Market Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan in 2021, for their commitment to employee engagement, feedback, and wellness.

Our Mission: To build a future where children, families and communities thrive.

About Us: Our impact lasts a lifetime. Flowers Early Learning, formally known as Tri-County Head Start, employees promote social, emotional and physical health in our community by providing high-quality education, health services and more for the families who need us most in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.

Benefits: We offer medical, dental, vision, & life insurance, 401(k) with employer contribution, and assistance in furthering your education.

Other benefits include paid time off, earned sick time, paid parental leave, paid holidays and breaks, paid weather days, tuition reimbursement, and an employee assistance program. Our wellness committee is dedicated in providing resources that enhance your life outside of work.

Position Summary: Associate Teachers assist lead teachers with instruction, classroom management, cleaning, food preparation, and implement curriculum, on-going assessments, and observations for preschool-age children utilizing developmentally appropriate practices consistent with agency policies, Michigan childcare licensing, and the Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Job Type: Full-time, Program Year (August-May), Hourly, Non- Exempt

Expected Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00a-4:30p, 40 Hours per week

Rate of Pay: HS Diploma/GED: $15.61 Preschool Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA): $15.93 AA $17.84 Bachelors or Higher: $19.12

Education Requirement: Minimum – High school diploma or equivalent with one year of relevant experience. Must complete age-appropriate Child Development Associate credential, child development apprenticeship or associate’s degree in early childhood education within two years of hire.

Other Selection Criteria: All candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and their own reliable transportation, complete a physical examination, comprehensive fingerprinted criminal background check, and pre-employment drug screen including a negative result for Amphetamines, Cannabinoids (including Marijuana/THC), Cocaine, Opiates, and Phencyclidine (PCP). Marijuana is not legal at the federal level and is prohibited in the workplace or in one's system, even if legally prescribed.

Equal Opportunity Policy: Flowers Early Learning is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination against any employee, volunteer, or applicant regarding race, sex (including pregnancy), age, color, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, religion, height, weight, marital status, genetic status and/or genetic information, veteran status, physical or mental disability and/or handicap as defined by State and Federal law