PreK Associate Teacher

PreK FOR ALL ASSOCIATE TEACHER

The Associate Teacher serves as an active instructional partner within the classroom and collaborates closely with the Lead Teacher to support high-quality early childhood instruction and care. In this collaborative co-instructor role, the Associate Teacher helps facilitate classroom instruction and support preschool students in building the foundational skills needed for kindergarten readiness.

As part of the "PreK for All" initiative, this program expands access to high-quality early childhood education for Michigan families while helping students build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. The ideal candidate demonstrates initiative, professionalism, resilience, and collaboration, and is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and strength-based learning environment that supports children's social, emotional, and academic development in partnership with the Lead Teacher and broader educational team.

Saline Area Schools strives to hire individuals who are intrinsically motivated, have a deep desire to grow professionally, believe children deserve to learn in an environment that is the least restrictive, and demonstrate the highest level of cultural competence. SAS strives to employ individuals who possess a strong work ethic, are committed to providing children with boundless opportunities, and understand that equity, inclusion, and social justice are essential to the success of a 21st-century school community.

Required Education and Certification

• Associate degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or a related field; OR
• A valid preschool CDA credential; OR
• Meets all PreK for All Associate Teacher qualification requirements
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (infant, child, adult) or ability to obtain upon hire
• Background checks: school employee and child care licensing

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with an Early Childhood (ZA or ZS) endorsement
• Training and/or certification in High Scope Curriculum and COR Advantage assessment

Required Experience

• Experience working with preschool-aged children (ages 4–5) in an early childhood classroom
• Demonstrated understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a PreK for All or publicly funded preschool program
• Experience implementing High Scope Curriculum and using COR Advantage or similar Early Childhood assessment tools
• Experience supporting diverse learners, including students with IEPs, 504 plans, and multilingual learners
• Experience building strong school family partnerships

• Work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher to co-implement developmentally appropriate instruction aligned to the High Scope Curriculum and PreK for All expectations.
• Contribute input to the lesson planning process collaboratively with the Lead teacher.
• Support the establishment of consistent daily routines that promote active learning, exploration, and student independence, through the partnered implementation of consistent daily routines and consistent communication.
• Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment (indoor and outdoor)
• Work with the whole class, individual and small groups of learners to support the educational process.
• Partner with teaching staff to brainstorm and implement creative solutions that drive student achievement and overcome classroom challenges.
• Partner with the Lead Teacher to ensure effective classroom operations and shared responsibility for student learning, and the overall care of the classroom environment and all aspects of the day.
• Collaborate with early childhood staff, specialists, and administration to support program quality and student success
• Support children's social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development through intentional instruction and responsive interactions
• Implement accommodations and supports for students with IEPs, 504 plans, and multilingual needs in collaboration with appropriate staff
• Assist the Lead Teacher to conduct ongoing child observations and assessments using approved tools (e.g., COR Advantage, Kaymbu)
• Support the use of assessment data to inform instruction and monitor student progress in collaboration with the Lead Teacher.
• Build positive relationships with families.
• Share class, student, and family information with the Lead Teacher to deliver the communication to families.
• Participate alongside the Lead Teacher in required home visits (minimum two per year per child) and parent-teacher conferences
• Support family engagement activities and program outreach efforts
• Follow and ensure full compliance with PreK for All requirements, State of Michigan childcare licensing rules, and Great Start to Quality standards
• Support the maintenance of accurate documentation and records as required by the program
• Participate in professional…