Co-Lead / Assistant Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY: Manchester Early Childhood Center (MECC) is seeking enthusiastic and caring individuals to join our early childhood teaching team. We currently have multiple Co-Lead and Assistant Teacher openings available in different classrooms and age groups, including our Infant, Toddler, and Preschool programs. Positions may be available on a full-time or part-time basis, depending on the classroom assignment and center needs.

Current openings may include:

Co-Lead Infant Teacher – Infant classroom, ages 0–18 months; full-time or part-time

Co-Lead or Assistant Teacher – Toddler classroom; full-time or part-time

Co-Lead or Assistant Teacher – Preschool/3-year-old classroom; full-time or part-time

Floating Teacher – Individual who can provide classroom support and work with different age groups based on the greatest daily need

Aftercare Assistant Teacher – Preschool or Kids Club available; part-time; 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Schedules and assignments will vary based on the position and classroom. Applicants may be considered for the opening that best matches their experience, availability, and the needs of the center. Flexibility is important, as schedules and classroom assignments may occasionally change based on enrollment and ratio needs.

The Co-Lead/Assistant Teacher is responsible for supporting the care, supervision, safety, and development of children enrolled in our early childhood programs. Responsibilities may include physical caregiving, development and implementation of age-appropriate activities, classroom support, and fostering positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation from high school or GED (required for Co-Lead, preferred for Aftercare Assistant Teachers)

One year of experience in an early childhood program serving young children in a developmentally appropriate environment preferred

Experience working with infants, toddlers, or preschool-aged children preferred

CPR/First Aid certification preferred

Ability to work cooperatively with classroom staff and adapt to changing classroom needs

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsibilities of this position will include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

Early Childhood Programming:

Ensure the safety of each child enrolled in the program whether in the classroom, on the playground, or in common areas

Maintain regular observation and evaluation of children's development and progress as directed by administration

Assist with implementing age- and developmentally appropriate classroom practices that address the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs of young children

Assist with planning and implementing activities appropriate for the age and developmental level of the children

Help maintain a clean, safe, organized, and welcoming classroom environment

Interaction with Children:

Serve as a positive role model for children in attitude, speech, and actions

Treat each child with dignity and respect for their individual and cultural backgrounds

Encourage children's development in the areas of self-confidence, problem solving, independence, and responsibility

Interact with children throughout the day through age-appropriate activities, centers, meals, snacks, playground time, free play, and other classroom routines

Provide nurturing and responsive care to children while maintaining appropriate classroom expectations and routines

Assist with physical caregiving responsibilities, including feeding, diapering/toileting, and other age-appropriate personal care as needed

Relationships with Parents:

Respect the cultural differences and socioeconomic diversity of all families

Greet parents and families in a warm and welcoming manner

Communicate appropriately and professionally with families regarding their child's daily experiences

Maintain confidentiality of information related to children and families

Teamwork and Other Responsibilities:

Work cooperatively with the classroom Co-Lead Teacher, Assistant Teachers, Director, and other MECC staff

Be familiar with and adhere to the State of Michigan Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers

Be flexible, as scheduling and classroom assignments may change based on enrollment and ratio needs

Provide classroom coverage and support in other areas of the center when needed

Attend staff meetings and required training

Perform other duties as assigned by administration

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to communicate with others and clearly understand normal conversations in person and on the telephone. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to have ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-50 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard. The employee frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Requires regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.

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