1 on 1 Preschool Caregiver Harper Creek

Provide individualized support to a preschool-aged child with special needs while working closely with the classroom team, family, and educational partners.

Community Unlimited staff are essential to the quality and success of our programs. Employees are directly involved in program implementation, development, and evaluation. Positive character, communication, teamwork, and a strong commitment to children and families are essential.

The 1:1 Preschool Special Needs Caregiver provides individualized support to a preschool-aged child with special needs while working as part of the Harper Creek GSRP classroom team.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work one-on-one with a preschool-aged child with special needs, providing support with communication, development, basic skills, toileting, classroom participation, and daily routines.
• Ensure accommodations and supports identified in the child’s IEP are consistently provided.
• Support implementation of the High Scope curriculum, family activities, instructional services, GSRP programming, CACFP requirements, ASQs, and other assessments as directed by the classroom teacher.
• Follow all mandated-reporting requirements for suspected child abuse or neglect, including immediate verbal reporting and required written follow-up.
• Provide appropriate, positive behavioral guidance and treat every child with dignity and respect.
• Understand and follow procedures related to food allergies, medical needs, and other health and safety concerns.
• Maintain proper supervision of children at all times, including in the classroom, outdoors, on the playground, during toileting, and in other program areas.
• Work collaboratively with the classroom teacher, Community Unlimited staff, families, educational specialists, community partners, and other agencies serving the child.
• Follow the child’s educational and support plan and work cooperatively with the classroom’s Early Childhood Specialist and other applicable professionals.
• Participate in classroom planning, family engagement activities, parent advisory activities, playgroups, student recruitment, and retention efforts.
• Assist with attendance, meal counts, enrollment records, Skyward documentation, and other program records as requested by the GSRP teacher.
• Attend required staff meetings, conferences, professional development, and training.
• Complete a minimum of 24 qualifying professional-development hours annually as required.
• Submit accurate timekeeping records, purchase orders, receipts, and other required documentation in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience working in a child-related field with preschool-aged children preferred.
• Experience supporting children with disabilities, developmental needs, behavioral needs, or IEPs is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work cooperatively with children, families, coworkers, educators, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow applicable licensing, educational, and organizational requirements.

The employee must be able to stand for extended periods, sit on the floor, bend, kneel, move quickly when necessary, work at a child’s level, and lift up to 50 pounds.

This is a full-time, hourly position averaging approximately 37.5 hours per week, five days per week during the program year.

Summer training may be required.

Pay range: $16.32–$21.91 per hour

Compensation is based on education and experience.

Benefits may include paid time off, retirement plan, life insurance, short-term disability insurance, monthly stipend program, and TEACH sponsorship in accordance with Community Unlimited policies and eligibility requirements.

This position is based on current program and student needs and is not guaranteed beyond the current program year
.

Community Unlimited employees are expected to comply with the CU Employee Handbook, Michigan child care licensing requirements, applicable GSRP requirements, Early Childhood Standards of Quality, High Scope practices, CLASS expectations, Great Start to Quality requirements, and other applicable program standards.