Assistant Teacher/Floater

POSITION SUMMARY (Lead Toddler, Preschool, PreK, and Kindergarten Teacher)

As an Assistant Teacher in our Reggio Emilia-inspired/Multiple Intelligence Learning Theory childcare center, you will play a pivotal role in creating a nurturing and enriching environment for children to explore and develop their unique abilities. Your responsibilities will involve implementing the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach and Multiple Intelligence theory, fostering a love for learning, and ensuring the holistic development of each child.

Early Spark Academy will engage, enhance, and enrich learning to illuminate the innate potential of each child.

Our learning is active, creative, collaborative, and reflective and we nurture the whole child through high-quality, holistic, developmentally appropriate, intentional, and authentic child-centric learning experiences based on their natural curiosity, interests, and abilities in a positive, supportive, and safe environment.

We will support children and families by being a resource and partner as children gain new skills, become culturally competent, and gain an appreciation for the world around them.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Curriculum/Instruction

• Implement a balanced Daily Rhythm/age-appropriate lesson plans based on the Reggio Emilia approach and Multiple Intelligence learning theory
• Design engaging and stimulating learning experiences that cater to diverse learning styles and intelligences
• Implement the components of the Early Spark Academy curriculum and other essential teaching tools
• Supervise, interact with, and lead children throughout the day according to the class’ Daily Rhythm
• Identify and nurture children's unique intelligences through a variety of activities and experiences
• Integrate the concept of "100 languages" to encourage diverse forms of expression
• Align the Michigan Early Childhood Standards of Quality into the class Daily Rhythm
• Ability to sit or assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with the children
• Ability to engage in physical activity indoors or outdoors

Environment Design

• Create and maintain a conducive learning environment that reflects the principles of the Reggio Emilia philosophy
• Utilize the physical space to encourage exploration, creativity, community, and collaboration among children

Documentation, Assessment, and Accountability

• Conduct ongoing assessments of students and learning journeys using observations, anecdotal records, and standards as appropriate
• Analyze and use student assessment data to track, plan, improve, and tailor teaching strategies accordingly

Collaboration, Communication, and Professionalism

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with co-teachers, support staff, and parents.
• Communicate regularly with parents, providing insights into their child's development and learning experiences.
• Meet, reflect, and plan with your teaching team daily
• Resolve conflicts with colleagues as soon as they arise using support from the Center Director when needed

Professional Development:

• Become knowledgeable about all aspects of the center in order to answer questions families may have
• Understand and enforce all Early Spark Academy, State of Michigan, and organizational compliance of policies and procedures
• Stay informed about the latest research and best practices in early childhood education
• Attend training sessions and workshops to enhance your knowledge and skills

Health and Safety

• Comply with universal precautions and procedures for infection control
• Good hearing and eyesight to keep children safe during the day
• Help prepare lunch and snack times and lead in the clean-up process
• Supervise children at all times, as well as, in the bathroom in accordance to the Daily Rhythm
• Assists calmly in building evacuation and practice drills
• Clean and disinfect cots and mouthed toys before the next use and toys when soiled or at least weekly

Center Culture

• Accepts and respects diversity among children, families, and the team
• Create and maintain a physically, emotionally, nurturing, and intellectually safe environment for students
• Communicate respectfully to parents, students, and team at all times
• Model and practice effective and appropriate communication with parents, students, and parents
• Ensure and support all school-wide policies

Parent Communication and Engagement

• Actively involve families in their child's learning journey, encouraging participation in center activities and decision-making processes
• Conduct parent-teacher team meetings at least twice a year to share assessments and make recommendations
• Keep parents informed about classroom activities and units of study through daily communication (drop off/pick up, newsletters, messaging app, etc…)
• Support, collaborate, and communicate with families in regard to Early Spark Academy’s instructional approach, center expectations, and policies
• Offer opportunities for families to be involved in and out of the classroom
• Utilize the Six Steps to Conflict Resolution to assist in successfully resolving conflicts between children

Other Professional Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in school events
• Check messaging platform and email daily and promptly respond to parent, administrator, and team requests

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills (effective, professional, respectful, etc…)
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Professional Integrity (An openness to differing views and objectives and the ability to serve the children and families to the best of your ability without allowing for your own opinions to interfere.)
• Competent in email, Google Workspace, and other relevant software applications
• Dedication to our mission
• Team player
• Creative Thinking
• Growth mindset
• Reflective attitude
• Flexibility

Education, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Associate’s Degree in childhood development, valid CDA Credential, or higher preferred
• Experience with play-based curricula a plus
• At least 2 years prior teaching experience
• Valid identification
• State and Federal fingerprint clearance
• Up-to-date TB vaccination
• First Aid/CPR certification

Early Spark Academy is dedicated to equal employment opportunities and fair labor practices. Early Spark Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications, and the ability to perform a job without regard to gender, age, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or disability. It is our policy to maintain a non-discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Southfield, MI 48033 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Southfield, MI 48033: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20