Job Details

A cover letter is recommended for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The ECDC Lead Teacher plans, implements, and evaluates a developmentally appropriate classroom program; oversees child assessment; guides assigned classroom staff; and provides for the overall care, active supervision, safety, and development of children. The position works collaboratively with families, colleagues, the Program Administrator, and program partners to provide a consistent, inclusive, and high-quality early learning experience.

We intend to fill multiple positions with this posting, both GSRP and non-GSRP qualified.

Responsibilities*

95% Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with the center's approved curriculum and applicable program standards.

• Organize and guide daily classroom routines, transitions, learning centers, outdoor experiences, meals, rest, and care practices.
• Maintain active supervision and ensure compliance with required staff-to-child ratios and group-size requirements.
• Complete observations, developmental assessments, lesson planning, portfolios, reports, and required child and classroom documentation.
• Provide direction, modeling, feedback, and daily work coordination to associate teachers, temporary staff, and student temporary employees. 
• Build respectful partnerships with families and communicate regarding children's experiences, development, needs, and progress.
• Use positive, developmentally appropriate guidance and support inclusion and individual needs.
• Maintain a healthy, safe, organized classroom and promptly report safety, health, licensing, staffing, or child-welfare concerns.
• Follow mandated-reporter and center procedures for incidents, injuries, illness, medication, emergency response, and suspected abuse or neglect.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional learning, coaching, Great Start to Quality activities, GSRP requirements when assigned, and continuous quality improvement.
• Maintain required credentials, MiRegistry records, health and safety training, CPR/first aid, and professional development.

5% Perform other related duties consistent with the Lead Teacher role and applicable licensing requirements.

Required Qualifications*

For Non-GSRP Classrooms:

• Must be at least 19 years of age and possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

   

  Meets at least one of the following qualifying pathways applicable to the assigned age group:

• A current, valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential appropriate to the assigned age group; or
• An associate?s degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or another qualifying field; or
• The combination of approved early-childhood coursework or training and documented experience required under current Michigan childcare licensing rules.
• Must meet all qualifications for a Lead Teacher under Michigan Child Care Center Licensing Rule R 400.8210 before assignment to the position.
• Must complete and maintain the MiRegistry-approved training required by R 400.8210, including applicable training in program management; observation, documentation, and assessment; teaching and learning; and approved child guidance, challenging behavior, or trauma-informed practices.
• If assigned to an infant or toddler classroom, must complete three semester hours, 4.5 CEUs, or 45 hours of an approved MiRegistry infant-and-toddler development and care track within six months of hire.
• Must satisfy and maintain all applicable comprehensive background-check, MiRegistry, orientation, health and safety, CPR/first aid, mandated-reporter, and ongoing professional-development requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to provide active supervision, implement developmentally appropriate curriculum, guide other classroom staff, maintain required documentation, and communicate effectively with families.
• Consistent and reliable attendance.

For GSRP Classrooms:

• The above required qualifications, with:
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, with a specialization or major in preschool teaching; OR
• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with a qualifying early childhood endorsement or approval recognized by GSRP.
• Experience as a Lead Teacher in a licensed early childhood program, GSRP, Head Start, Great Start to Quality program, or comparable regulated early childhood setting.
• Experience with child assessment, curriculum implementation, family engagement, inclusive practices, classroom-team leadership, and regulatory documentation.

GSRP Assignment Requirement

GSRP Lead Teacher qualifications are desired for general recruitment and required before assignment as Lead Teacher of a GSRP-funded classroom. The University is seeking already credentialed candidates for GSRP assignments and will not rely on a future credential-completion or compliance-plan pathway. Otherwise-qualified candidates who lack GSRP credentials may be considered for a non-GSRP Lead Teacher assignment.