Associate Teacher

Associate Teacher Early Childhood

The Associate Teacher (Early Childhood) works as a part of a teaching team to assist the Classroom Teacher in the preparation, planning and executing of the daily operations of the District's Pre-kindergarten classroom (Head Start and GSRP) including building relationships with families, supporting the transportation of children when needed, taking the Classroom Teacher role during teacher planning and occasional absences and implementing the Head Start and GSRP Performance Standards.

This position works with families to promote parent involvement in the program. The Associate Teacher may be assigned additional duties based upon program need and areas of developing expertise. This position works in partnership with the Classroom Teacher to attain the goals of the program, ensure program quality and achieve appropriate child outcomes.

YPSILANTI COMMUNITY SCHOOLS EXPECTS THAT EACH ASSOCIATE TEACHER:

• Commits to ongoing learning and the development of the craft of teaching for self; encourages, supports and mentors ongoing learning in students.
• Commits to high expectations for students, developing a vision of success for each student and moving that student towards its achievement.
• Commits to positive relationships and communication, promoting and modeling a safe and supportive learning culture for all.
• Commits to honoring all students, embracing their community and diversity.
• Commits to establishing a learning environment that is accountable for effective instruction, assessment and data-driven decision-making.
• Commits to using community resources to improve instruction.
• Commits to collegiality and professionalism of self and staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Alternative requirements that may be appropriate and acceptable to the Board of Education may be considered. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or

EXPERIENCE:

Possession of a Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood or Child Development preferred. A current CDA credential with appropriate experience may be acceptable in some circumstances. Some exceptions can be made for an individual with an existing 120 clock hour CDA equivalency. A minimum of two years early childhood classroom experience an asset. Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus. Extensive knowledge and skills in the field of early childhood development.

Must be willing and able to obtain Basic First Aid and CPR Certification and maintain certification. Appropriate Early Childhood Educational experience preferred. Knowledge of the basics of working with preschool children. Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Great Start Readiness Programs. Knowledge of rules and regulations related to Department of Transportation for times when supporting child transportation. Knowledge of local resources, customs and language helpful.

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Other duties may be assigned.)

Assists with delivery of Head Start and GSRP services as defined by Head Start Performance Standards, GSRP Implementation Standards and Ypsilanti Community Schools Head Start and GSRP Operational Procedures, especially in the Operations and Education areas of service. Assists in establishing a safe, healthy, stimulating and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children between the ages of two and a half to five years old with all abilities.

Fosters self-esteem, self-direction, self-control and school readiness skills with preschool children by using positive methods and modeling and participating in curriculum development and implementation. Complies with program curriculum and supplemental curriculum, State of Michigan Licensing for child care centers, the Head Start Program Performance Standards and GSRP Implementation Standards. Assists in screening, observing and assessing children's development on a regular basis, analyzing data and making plans or referrals specific to the needs of the individual child.

Responsible for understanding Head Start Performance Standards, GSRP Implementation Standards and local child care licensing regulations. Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary and in accordance with Head Start and GSRP Performance Standards and Michigan State Licensing requirements. Assists in designing daily plans for the classroom which incorporate all aspects of the program's curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice focusing on social-emotional development;

cognitive skills; language and literacy development and physical development. Assists in providing direction to parents, volunteers and interns through positive communication, mentoring and…