Teacher Assistant - Early Childhood
2026.27
Location: PPS Early Childhood Center - formerly Curious Kids
Job Summary:
Performs essential job functions
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Must have knowledge of and comply with Pre-K All Policies and Procedures, and State of Michigan Licensing for Child Care Centers
- Assists with creating and implementing lesson plans which incorporate hands-on activities and experiential learning considering factors such as individual needs, abilities, learning levels and physical limitations of students
- Assist with creating a flexible environment that is focused on student success to maximize potential
- Assist with using student assessment data to inform whole group, small group, and individualized instruction
- Establishes effective communication with parents regarding the progress of students and includes them in setting curricular goals for their child
- Implements Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) in the classroom
- Assist with maintaining accurate and up-to-date child records and lesson plan
- Establish a safe, healthy, stimulating and developmentally appropriate learning environment for all children
- Assists with observing and assessing children’s development on a regular basis, analyze data and make plans or referrals specific to the needs of the individual child
- Build positive relationships with families to promote positive parent/child relationships including family events in the classroom and program, and take-home activities
- Work in partnership with the lead teacher and classroom teaching team
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Regular and consistent attendance
- Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Portage Public Schools Employee Handbook.
The above duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the nature of the work by this position. The listing is not all-inclusive.
Qualifications
- An associate degree (AA) in early childhood education or child development or the equivalent preferred
- CDA credential with preschool emphasis and commitment to renew preferred
- Early Childhood required training hours, and experience equivalent to MiLeap requirements required
- CPR/First Aid/AED training, or ability to obtain the training when offered during work hours
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with district staff and the public
- Ability to assume responsibility, display initiative, and exercise good judgment
- Proficient computer and document skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Please use this link to view our job postings and apply online at: https://www.portageps.org/page/employment-at-pps
Who is PPS? Use this link to view our Strategic Commitments at: Strategic Commitments
Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The following positions at Portage Public Schools have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Human Resources Director Jennifer Meisterheim and Assistant Superintendent of Operations Russell Gerbers. Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002
