Preschool Teacher - Dowagiac PY 26-27

Flowers Early Learning is a high-quality preschool located in Dowagiac, Michigan and is currently looking for a Lead Preschool Teacher serving classrooms with children ages 3-5 for next Program Year (August 2026 - May 2027). We will begin scheduling interviews for this position as early as June 2026.

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:
Preschool teachers provide nurturing care, supervision, support and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children aged 3-5. Responsibilities include implementing High Scope curriculum and social emotional growth strategies, like Conscious Discipline, performing regular observations and assessments, and ensuring that the classroom meets all Head Start and Michigan childcare licensing requirements. In the Head Start program, teachers build child-focused partnerships with families to promote consistent developmental strategies, and work as a team with coworkers and volunteers to ensure that all classrooms meet health, safety and quality standards.

Job Type: Full Time, Program Year (August-May), Salaried, Exempt

Expected Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:00a-4:30p, 40 hours per week and as otherwise necessary to fulfill the duties and obligations of this exempt position. Work hours may vary due to daily schedule.

Rate of Pay: AA: 18.40 /hr. BA: $20.94/hr.

Education Requirement: Minimum: must be 18 years or older with an AA or BA in Child Development or Early Childhood Education with 1 to 2 years of related experience. Mandatory: must have the Admin for Early Childhood Education college course and two years supervisory experience.

Desired - BA degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education is required within 6 years of hire. The Tuition Assistance Program may be available upon request.

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.