GSRP Lead Teacher

River Rouge School District Job Description: Lead Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Teacher Department: Early Childhood Education Reports To: Building Principal and/or District Early Childhood Program Administrator Location: River Rouge School District Employment Status: Full-Time Position Classification: Certified Teaching Staff Position Summary The Lead Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating a high-quality preschool program that supports the academic, social, emotional, physical, and developmental needs of young children. The Lead Teacher establishes a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that prepares children for a successful transition to kindergarten. The Lead GSRP Teacher ensures that classroom instruction and program operations align with Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) requirements, applicable state and federal regulations, and River Rouge School District policies. The teacher collaborates with families, instructional staff, administrators, and community partners to support children's growth and kindergarten readiness. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Instructional Leadership and Curriculum Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons aligned with Michigan's Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Prekindergarten and applicable GSRP requirements. Use approved curricula, ongoing assessment, and child observations to guide instruction and monitor student progress. Provide differentiated learning experiences that address individual developmental levels, interests, strengths, and needs. Establish classroom routines that promote language development, early literacy, mathematics, problem-solving, creativity, and social-emotional growth. Maintain an organized, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment that supports active learning and exploration.
2. Classroom Management and Student Development Establish clear, developmentally appropriate expectations and positive behavior-support practices. Promote children's independence, communication, cooperation, and conflict-resolution skills. Monitor student attendance, participation, developmental progress, and overall well- being. Identify developmental concerns and collaborate with families and appropriate district personnel to coordinate referrals and additional supports. Ensure the health, safety, supervision, and security of all children throughout the school day and during program activities.
3. Program Compliance and Documentation Maintain accurate and timely student records, attendance documentation, developmental assessments, lesson plans, and required program reports. Support compliance with GSRP program standards, licensing requirements, applicable child-care regulations, and district procedures. Participate in program monitoring, classroom observations, quality-improvement activities, and required reporting. Ensure that required screenings, family conferences, and developmental assessments are completed and documented according to program timelines. Maintain confidentiality of student, family, and personnel information.
4. Family Engagement and Communication Establish positive, respectful relationships with families and caregivers. Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, attendance, developmental milestones, and classroom activities. Conduct family conferences and contribute to individualized plans that support children's development and school readiness. Encourage family participation in classroom activities, parent education opportunities, and district-sponsored events. Connect families with appropriate district or community resources when additional support is needed.
5. Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities Work collaboratively with classroom assistants, paraprofessionals, administrators, support personnel, and early childhood program partners. Provide classroom leadership by modeling effective instructional practices and supporting consistent implementation of classroom procedures. Participate in professional development, staff meetings, program planning, and continuous-improvement initiatives. Coordinate with kindergarten teachers to support a smooth transition from preschool to elementary school. Perform other duties assigned by the building principal or district administration that are consistent with the position. Minimum Qualifications Hold a valid Michigan teaching certificate with the appropriate early childhood endorsement or other credentials authorized for the position under current Michigan GSRP requirements. Meet applicable Michigan GSRP lead-teacher qualification requirements. Demonstrate knowledge of early childhood development, developmentally appropriate practices, and preschool instructional strategies. Demonstrate effective classroom management, communication, organizational, and family-engagement skills. Possess the ability to work collaboratively with students, families, colleagues, administrators, and community partners. Meet all applicable background-check, fingerprinting, and employment requirements. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience teaching in a GSRP, Head Start, preschool, or comparable early childhood program. Experience with developmentally appropriate assessment, individualized instruction, and family engagement. Knowledge of Michigan early childhood program standards, classroom quality practices, and school-readiness expectations. Experience working with children from diverse backgrounds and children who may require additional educational or developmental supports. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The successful candidate will demonstrate: Strong instructional planning and implementation skills. Knowledge of early childhood learning and developmental milestones. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to maintain accurate records and meet established deadlines. Sound judgment in matters involving child safety, confidentiality, and student well-being. A commitment to inclusive practices, family partnerships, continuous improvement, and kindergarten readiness. Performance Evaluation Performance will be evaluated by the building principal and/or designated district administrator in accordance with River Rouge School District policies, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and established evaluation procedures. Equal Employment Opportunity River Rouge School District is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable federal and state employment laws. Note: This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected for this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Qualifications and responsibilities are subject to applicable Michigan GSRP requirements and district policies.