Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Teacher Assistant

Little Glad Early Childhood Center

Position Summary

The GSRP Teacher Assistant supports the Lead Teacher in creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool children enrolled in the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP).

Under the direction of the Lead Teacher and the Little Glad Early Childhood Principal, the GSRP Teacher Assistant assists with implementing daily classroom activities that promote children's academic, social, emotional, physical, and language development. The Teacher Assistant works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher to support instruction, classroom management, student supervision, assessment activities, and family engagement while ensuring compliance with Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), Great Start to Quality (GSQ), Michigan Child Care Licensing, and district requirements.

The GSRP Teacher Assistant plays an important role in fostering a positive, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment that supports school readiness and the success of every child.

The District reserves the right to interview and select a candidate prior to the posted closing date to ensure the timely filling of this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The duties listed below are representative of the responsibilities of this position. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Instructional Support

• Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing daily classroom instruction using developmentally appropriate practices.
• Support children during whole-group, small-group, and play-based learning activities.
• Reinforce early literacy, language, mathematics, problem-solving, and social-emotional learning through classroom experiences.
• Assist in preparing instructional materials, classroom centers, and learning activities.
• Support individual students and small groups as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Assist with classroom observations, documentation, and assessment activities as requested.

Classroom Environment and Student Supervision

• Help maintain a safe, clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment.
• Supervise children in the classroom, playground, cafeteria, and other program areas to ensure their health, safety, and well-being.
• Assist with daily classroom routines, transitions, meals, rest time, toileting, and outdoor play.
• Model positive behavior, respectful communication, and appropriate social interactions.
• Support children in developing independence, self-regulation, and positive relationships with peers and adults.
• Help maintain classroom materials and equipment in accordance with licensing and program requirements.

Student Support

• Provide individualized support for children with varying developmental needs.
• Assist in implementing accommodations and strategies for children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), or other support plans under the direction of the Lead Teacher.
• Observe student behaviors and progress and communicate relevant information to the Lead Teacher.
• Support positive behavior guidance using developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices.

Family and Program Support

• Welcome children and families and assist with arrival and dismissal routines.
• Foster positive, respectful relationships with families.
• Support family engagement activities and classroom events.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student and family information.

Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher, Early Childhood Principal, and other staff members to support program goals.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and required GSRP, Great Start to Quality, licensing, and district trainings.
• Follow all district policies, GSRP requirements, Michigan Child Care Licensing regulations, and health and safety procedures.
• Maintain professionalism and positive working relationships with children, families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities but may assist in supervising classroom volunteers, student teachers, and visitors under the direction of the Lead Teacher.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Candidates must meet current Michigan Child Care Licensing and Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) requirements for Teacher Assistants and possess one of the following:

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or
• Associate degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field, or
• Equivalent education and experience that meets Michigan licensing requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with preschool-aged children.
• Experience in a licensed early childhood or GSRP classroom.
• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, ChildPlus, and Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Ability to work effectively with preschool-aged children.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow directions while working collaboratively as part of a teaching team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Basic computer and technology skills.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and flexible in a fast-paced classroom environment.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The employee is regularly required to:

• Stand, walk, sit, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach throughout the day.
• Move actively throughout the classroom and playground while supervising children.
• Lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Assist children with daily routines as needed.
• Maintain continuous visual and auditory supervision of children.

Work Environment

The work environment consists primarily of a preschool classroom and outdoor learning/play environments. The employee will regularly interact with young children, families, and staff in an active setting with moderate to occasionally high noise levels.

This position requires flexibility, teamwork, strong organizational skills, and the ability to effectively manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining a positive and nurturing learning environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Fowlerville Community Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Fowlerville Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices.

Questions or concerns regarding nondiscrimination may be directed to:

Director of Human Resources
Trisha Reed
Fowlerville Community Schools
7677 Sharpe Road, Suite A
Fowlerville, MI 48836
(517) 223-6018