Classroom Associate - Preschool

Muskegon Area Intermediate School District

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Classroom Associate - Preschool

CLASSIFICATION: Support

REPORTS TO: Coordinator, Early Childhood Center

GENERAL JOB FUNCTION:

The Classroom Associate - preschool provides age and developmentally appropriate learning experiences which enhance the school readiness of assigned pre-kindergarten children, ages three and/or four. Responsible to assist the classroom facilitator/teacher in providing nurturing care to preschool children and assist in successfully developing the emotional, physical, social, and intellectual growth of assigned children, recognizing and responding to the individual needs of each child. The Classroom Associate will adhere to early childhood program standards (i.e., the Head Start Performance Standards and/or GSRP Implementation Manual)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• In Head Start classrooms, possession of one of the following credentials:
• Have a current child development associate (CDA) credential,
• Be currently enrolled in a CDA credential program that will be completed within two years, or
• Have an associate or baccalaureate degree (in any area) or be enrolled in a program leading to such a degree.
• In GSRP classrooms, possession of one of the following credentials:
• An associate’s degree (AA) in early childhood education or child development or the equivalent, or
• A valid classroom CDA credential, or
• An existing 120 clock-hour approval letter from MDE.
• Past experience in pre-k environment preferred.
• The ability to work and communicate effectively with parents and young children.
• Knowledge of and working relationship with local community service agencies.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and/or GSRP regulations preferred.
• Successful pre-employment physical exam including tuberculosis screening & criminal records background check.

PREFERRED COMPETENCIES: A MAISD Organizational Support Employee Skillfully Demonstrates...

Understanding the Organization:

• Business Insight: Keeps up with current and possible future policies, practices, and trends within the MAISD and public education
• Customer Focus: Builds and delivers solutions that meet customer expectations
• Financial Acumen: Understands the meaning and implications of key financial indicators

Making Complex Decisions:

• Thoroughly weighs the risks and benefits of different solution options in a timely manner
• Actively seeks input from pertinent sources to make timely and well-informed decisions (separates opinions from facts)
• Considers ethical factors and impact on all stakeholders in the decision-making process

Taking Initiative:

• Quickly and decisively takes action in fast-changing, difficult, and unpredictable situations
• Actively seeks and secures unique resources
• Continuously seeking to improve processes and procedures

Building Collaborative Relationships:

• Proactively develops relationships with a wide variety of people
• Anticipates conflict but finds common ground and ensures that all feel heard in high tension situations

Being Authentic:

• Keeps confidences

Being Flexible and Adaptable:

• Adapts style to fit the specific needs of others
• Serves as a source of confidence in high-stress situations

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assists teacher daily in preparing classroom, greeting children and families, instructing children, feeding, monitoring, and ensuring children’s safety.
• Engages in instructional practices which are aligned with the program’s adopted research-based curriculum.
• Provides an appropriate climate to establish and reinforce acceptable pupil behavior, attitudes, and social skills. Actively utilizes the program’s adopted child behavior framework.
• Helps create a safe and effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, interesting learning centers and exhibits of children’s work.
• As assigned, may provide individual and small group instruction designed to meet individual needs of pupils in communication skills, health habits, physical skills and development of self-concepts.
• Attends and actively participates in staff meetings and professional development opportunities as assigned.
• If working in Head Start classroom, upholds the Head Start Code of Conduct.
• Conducts such other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as may be assigned

NOTABLE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: There are frequent requirements to lift, hold and move moderate weight (students) and to control outbursts of physical behavior in the classroom setting. Must pass a MAISD-paid physical examination before an unconditional offer of employment can be made.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Commensurate with MAISD Early Childhood Center wage and benefit schedule / may

be employed by third party contractor.

Rev. 7/2022

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.70 - $17.78 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $18