Preschool Teacher

Preschool Teacher, West Michigan Site

Details: Hourly, 24 hours per week, Mid-August-May. Paid time off, paid holidays, Simple IRA match. Compensation based on experience and qualifications. Reports to: Executive Director, West Michigan Site

Children’s Healing Centers (CHC) are the nation’s first recreational centers for kids with weak immune systems. With sites in Grand Rapids and Ypsilanti Township, Michigan, we provide social and emotional healing in a germ-free environment. The Centers are safe havens for kids ages 0 to 26, and their families, to step away from the stress of a complex medical diagnosis to just have fun! We break down the barriers of isolation and make play possible.

The Little Tots University Preschool Teacher responsibilities include:

Program Leadership & Teaching

• Drive operational success of Little Tots University program for kids ages 3-5. Age exceptions based on child’s developmental level.

• Develop and implement age-appropriate curriculum for a 3s and 4s class that enhances social skills and works toward school readiness. I.e. listen and follow directions, think independently, share toys.

• Utilize classroom experience and teaching skills to create engaging and educational age- appropriate lesson plans. Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet interests and learning styles of the children.

• Maintain a safe and clean space for kids to learn and play. Implement Center germ-free procedures, cleaning policies and social interaction guidelines.

• Create a nurturing and engaging environment, establish and enforce classroom and behavior policies.

• Track and assess child’s progress throughout the school year. Share assessment with parents in spring and fall.

• Identify and secure supplies and program partnerships as needed for curriculum.

Member engagement and recruitment

• Manage written and verbal communication with parents/caregivers – weekly email reminders, upcoming events, annual goals, progress reports, parent conferences.

• Responsible to achieve member enrollment targets.

• Participate in Center early childhood programming outside of LTU to recruit enrollees.

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Intern, volunteer and staff oversight

• Lead LTU intern, program volunteers and support staff.

• Strengthen relationships with local universities to support future internships.

• Required to engage a new intern each semester.

• Willing to help wherever needed on a small team including additional program coverage.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years’ experience working with young children in a classroom setting.

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred in Early Childhood Education or related field. Teaching certification not required.

• Clear communication and writing skills.

• Ability to manage Center in emergency situation.

• Familiarity with Office 365 and computer software (i.e. Word, Excel, SharePoint).

• Physical demands include to stoop, kneel, climb/ position oneself at kids’ level, move throughout Center to oversee programs and lift/ move +/-25lbs.

• Meet qualifications for Center participation including annual flu vaccination.

Key Characteristics for CHC staff:

• Welcoming and engaging person, inclusive of everyone

• Patient compassionate attitude with friendly, energetic disposition.

• Passionate and committed to serving immune compromised children and their families.

• Relational individual with ability to connect to both kids and adults and build trust.

• Ability to put others before self, listen before talking, meet others where they are at

• Willing to do whatever is needed to make the organization a success.

• Organized with a focus on detail. Ability to multi-task.

• Self-starter with the ability to generate and prioritize work for themselves.

• Team player—believes that partnerships strengthen, everyone has valuable skills.

• Can handle sensitive information with integrity and confidentiality.

Children’s Healing Center is an equal opportunity employer.

Please send cover letter and resume to Autumn Haan at ahaan@childrenshealingcenter.org