Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Assistant/Apprentice Teacher
Summary: The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Assistant Teacher will provide high-quality, mission-aligned early childhood education for children in assigned classrooms and take an active role in the classroom leadership responsibilities. They will work with the lead/mentor teacher to implement the components of the Michigan Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) to ensure enrolled children demonstrate positive growth throughout the school year. GSRP Assistant/Apprentice Teachers are required to work a minimum of 30 hours per week in the classroom.
Reports to: GSRP Mentor Teacher (direct supervision)
Supervises: None
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Embody and align with the mission, vision, and practices of the organization.
- Create a safe, secure, and stimulating classroom environment conducive to the physical, social, and emotional development of students. Ensure materials and activities represent diverse cultures.
- Support the social and emotional development of children.
- Provide input on lesson planning, documentation, and child assessments.
- Actively facilitate learning with children for at least 4 hours per day.
- Maintain daily communication with families via email, conferences, and home visits.
- Ensure compliance with all licensing regulations and follow all Apple Playschools policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Act as a mandated reporter for abuse and neglect.
- Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Mentor Teacher or Program Director.
Active Participation in School Community:
- Serve as an “Apple Playschools Ambassador” in the community by spreading positive information about the program and communicating feedback to the Program Director.
Required Events:
- Fall and Winter In-service
- Monthly staff meetings
- Two site events
- One signature event
- One external event
- GSRP county-wide staff training and meetings
Key Responsibilities within GSRP:
- Collaborate professionally with GSRP lead teachers to provide optimal services for children.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive family engagement plan, including sharing knowledge, partnering for children’s learning, problem-solving at the child and program level, fostering parent leadership, and building strong school-to-home connections.
- Maintain and submit all required records for local education agencies per schedule.
- Secure and document professional development as required by the GSRP grant, child care licensing, Great Start to Quality system, and the certification required for the position.
- Actively participate in required GSRP county-wide staff training and meetings.
Essential Requirements & Qualifications:
- Age Requirement: Must be 19 years or older.
- Educational Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree (AA) in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or equivalent.
- OR a valid classroom CDA (Child Development Associate) credential.
- Experience: Previous experience teaching in early childhood education is preferred.
- Background Check: Must be able to pass all required background checks and criminal history review.
- LARA Licensing Requirements: Meet all applicable LARA licensing education requirements.
- Conflict Resolution: Must be committed to effective conflict resolution and maintain collaborative communication with staff, families, children, and community partners.
- Sound Judgment: Ability to assess risk appropriately and respond quickly and appropriately in emergencies.
- Physical Requirements:
- Ability to be on your feet for most of the day.
- Comfortably bend, move around with young children, and ascend/descend stairs.
- Ability to walk on uneven terrain, work outside in all weather conditions, and quickly respond in the learning environment.
- Exposure to environmental allergens (dust, animals, etc.).
- Ability to hold, carry, or lift up to 25 pounds.
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to early childhood education while growing within a supportive and collaborative team. If you are passionate about shaping the future of young children and creating a positive learning environment, we encourage you to apply!
Powered by JazzHR