This position qualifies for a signing bonus up to $2,500

Division: Head Start - Multiple Locations

Position Type:
Full Time-10-Month
Mon – Fri 8:00am – 4:00pm
(Job Grade: 11e)

Summary:

This position partners with the lead teacher in a three- or 4-year-old classroom. Associate teacher assists the lead teacher in planning and implementing a healthy, safe, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for pre-school children that promote developmental gains toward the attainment of kindergarten readiness skills as defined in the Early Learning Framework, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and GSRP Implementation Manual, within a MTSS framework. The associate teacher is committed to promoting the four Anti-Bias Education goals while promoting value and respect for all individuals. The associate teacher will establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with other program staff, families, and community partners to achieve positive student outcomes to ensure equitable educational excellence. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Must have knowledge of and comply with Head Start Policies and Procedures, and State of Michigan Licensing for Child Care Centers
• Assists with creating and implementing lesson plans which incorporate hands-on activities and experiential learning considering factors such as individual needs, abilities, learning levels and physical limitations of students
• Assist with creating a flexible environment that is focused on student success to maximize potential
• Assist with using student assessment data to inform whole group, small group, and individualized instruction
• Implements program assessment tools with fidelity
• Establishes effective communication with parents regarding the progress of students and includes them in setting curricular goals for their child
• Implements Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) in the classroom
• Assist with maintaining accurate and up-to-date child records and lesson plan
• Embodies and demonstrates Kalamazoo RESA’s Core Values: Collaboration, Respect, Trustworthy, innovation, and compassion
• Assist with delivery of Head Start services as defined by Head Start Performance Standards
• Establish a safe, healthy, stimulating and developmentally appropriate learning environment for all children
• Assists with implementing program curriculum with fidelity
• Assists with observing and assessing children’s development on a regular basis, analyze data and make plans or referrals specific to the needs of the individual child
• Build positive relationships with families to promote positive parent/child relationships including family events in the classroom and program, and take-home activities
• Work with program staff to provide comprehensive services to families and children
• Work in partnership with the lead teacher and family advocate
• Takes on the lead teacher role during occasional absences
• Assists students with self-care and hygiene needs
• Regular and consistent attendance
• Other duties as assigned

Education and/or Experience:

An associate degree (AA) in early childhood education or child development or the equivalent. A valid classroom CDA credential. An existing 120 Hour approval.

A high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of one course that earns college credit in child development or early childhood education, and the ability to obtain a Child Development Associate Credential within 36 months from the date of hire.

Knowledge of and/or experience with pre-school children and the ability to work with children of varying learning abilities and developmental levels. The ability to communicate with adults in a professional work setting is necessary.

Other Skill & Abilities:

• Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to diversity, inclusiveness, and anti-racism
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of cultures
• Ability to discuss cultural differences with colleagues and clients
• Ability to assess one's own strengths and limitations or challenges and integrate this understanding into interpersonal interactions
• Has high expectations for all students
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally, and non-verbally  
• Reflective practitioner willing to be coached
• Ability to efficiently use computer and applicable software. Ability to problem solve.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adapts to frequent changes in the work environment.
• Practices safe work habits.
• Develops and maintains atmosphere of teamwork.
• Uses equipment and material properly.
• Understands Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the

essential functions.

The employee is frequently required to reach with arms and hands, stand, walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must support and transfer students who are unable to completely bear weight on their own without the assistance of other staff. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

This position works in a pre-school classroom with child size furniture and seating. The position requires, sitting in 13.5” chairs and on the floor; adverse driving conditions; bending; stretching, extended sitting; extended standing; stair climbing; kneeling; crouching; reaching; fine and gross motor skills; coordination of hands – fine and gross; eye/hand/foot coordination; visual memory and discrimination; auditory memory and discrimination; reading and writing ability; judgment; simple and complex decision making; and lifting up to 75 pounds. This position is covered by the OHSA Final Rule

Blood borne Pathogens Act, Category A, with potential for exposure to communicable disease and pests such as head lice. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

This position is a mandated reporter of child abuse/neglect and must have a Department of Humans Services child abuse and neglect clearance. The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or nonprescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the district.

A Great Place to Live and Work

Kalamazoo was recently recognized as a great place to live in the 2024 50 Best Places to Live roundup by Money.com. Kalamazoo was noted for its abundant family-friendly activities and appreciation for artisan-crafted goods, as well as the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship for each Kalamazoo Public School resident graduate that provides up to 100% tuition for post-secondary education.

Apply online at www.kresa.org/jobs

Kalamazoo RESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals.

It is the policy of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency that no discriminating practices based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category be allowed during any program, activity, service or in employment. The following position at Kalamazoo RESA has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Executive Director of Human Resources. Contact information: 269-250-9200, 1819 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002.