POSITION GOAL:

To work with at risk preschoolers in co-instructor role with GSRP Lead Teacher for kindergarten readiness.

QUALIFICATIONS:

An Associate Teacher will be considered credentialed for the position with the following:

• An associate’s degree (AA) in early childhood education or child development or the equivalent; or
• Applicants may be considered if they have at least one course in early childhood education or child development and are willing to meet an approved compliance plan.
• Prior experience with preschool preferred.
• Ability to work in cooperative and collegial manner with GSRP Lead Teacher and Supervisor.
• Yearly CPR/AED and first aid certification.
• Responsibility of employee to obtain and maintain all training(s), certificate(s), approval(s), etc. and provide documentation to the business office before expiration date of said document(s).
• Must have regular and reliable job attendance, performance, and the physical ability to do the job.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and work at physical level with preschooler.
• Required to have a physical presence at the designated job site each scheduled work day.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to use computers, software and other current technology.
• Effective written communication skills; including parent/family communications and program data and reports.
• Effective oral communication with children, families and other program staff.
• Effective organizational skills.
• Maintain professional atmosphere and demeanor in classroom, acting at all times as a representative of GSRP and/or ISD.
• Attend and engage in continuous professional development.
• Implement high quality developmentally appropriate practices as outlined by GSRP Implementation Manual. http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-6353350451-217313_,00.html
• Knowledge of the Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Prekindergarten.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a part of a team, including co-teaching with Lead Teacher, Early Childhood Specialist, Early Childhood Speech Therapist, Early Childhood Support Specialist and Supervisor to coordinate and plan curriculum and activities.
• Engage in activities with children at their physical level.
• Create an overall supportive, nurturing, strength based atmosphere.
• Maintain student confidentiality.
• Co-Implementation of High Scope Curriculum.
• Co-Implementation of Conscious Discipline.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the St. Joseph County ISD Administrators.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise children during classroom activities and outdoor periods on the playground.
• Supervise emergency situations (i.e. tornado drills, fire drills, etc.).
• Monitor safety of children during arrival and departure activities.
• Supervision of children out of the classroom and/or school building (i.e. community based instruction/leisure, field trips, etc.).
• Constantly monitor & evaluate the safety of all children.
• Participate in screening for preschool applications.
• Coordinate with GSRP Lead Teacher and assist in planning instruction and engagement of preschool.
• Participate in home visits.

NON-INSTRUCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Lead Teacher with classroom clerical and record keeping duties (i.e. attendance, lunch count, progress monitoring of child development).
• Complete accident and/or incident reports as needed.
• Assist the Lead Teacher in room preparation.
• Assist the Lead Teacher with planning the preparation of instructional materials.
• Attend and provide input at student/staff/team meetings and in-service when required.
• Assist with communication to parents and bus drivers.
• Actively seeks advice and information relating to job.
• Assist with other school related responsibilities as assigned by both the GSRP Lead Teacher and/or the St. Joseph County ISD administration.
  REPORTS TO: GSRP Program Manager
  ASSESSMENT: GSRP Program Manager
  TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: To be determined based on the Non-Union Conditions of Employment. Work schedule: 190 days, 37.5 hours per week Monday –Thursday with children and Friday for other duties including planning, home visits and professional development