Contact Person: Nick Huston

Job Location:
Owendale-Gagetown Area Schools
7166 Main St, Owendale, MI 48754

Job Description:

A GSRP (Great Start Readiness Program) Lead Teacher in Michigan is responsible for creating a nurturing and developmentally appropriate classroom environment for preschool-aged children, specifically for those identified as at-risk, to promote school readiness and lifelong learning. This role is essential to Michigan’s state-funded preschool program aimed at preparing 4-year-olds for kindergarten through high-quality early childhood education.

Position Title: GSRP Lead Teacher
Location: Owendale-Gagetown Area Schools, Owendale, Michigan
Reports To: Program Director / Site Supervisor

Primary Responsibilities:
1. Curriculum Implementation and Planning
o Develop and implement daily lesson plans that meet the developmental, social-emotional, and educational needs of young children.
o Follow Michigan’s Early Childhood Standards of Quality (ECSQ) and GSRP requirements to provide age-appropriate activities.
o Utilize an evidence-based curriculum tailored to each child’s growth and developmental level. The current curriculum is C4L.
2. Classroom Management and Environment
o Create a safe, welcoming, and stimulating environment that encourages exploration and learning.
o Employ positive behavior management techniques and foster a nurturing classroom atmosphere to support social and emotional learning.
3. Assessment and Documentation
o Conduct assessments such as Brigance and PELI or another approved assessment tool, to track each child’s progress.
o Document and analyze assessment data to individualize instruction and prepare progress reports for parents and administrators.
4. Family Engagement and Communication
o Build strong partnerships with families by conducting regular communication, home visits, and family conferences.
o Provide resources, field trips, and support to engage parents in their child’s learning and development journey.
5. Collaboration with Support Staff o Work closely with the GSRP Associate Teacher when applicable, and other support staff to ensure a cohesive and supportive classroom environment.
o Participate in regular meetings with program supervisors, other GSRP teachers, and specialists to enhance learning experiences.
6. Professional Development and Compliance
o Attend required GSRP and early childhood education training and professional development sessions.
o Stay up-to-date with Michigan Department of Education (MDE) standards, child development research, and best practices in early childhood education.
o Comply with all program requirements, state licensing regulations, and district policies.

Qualifications:
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field. Michigan Teaching Certificate with ZA/ZS Endorsement preferred.
• Experience: Prior experience working in early childhood education, preferably in a GSRP or similar program.
• Certifications: CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Skills: Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills; ability to work well in a team; proficient in classroom technology tools.

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, participate in active play, and work in various positions (sitting on the floor, standing, etc.).

Closing Date for Job:  09/30/2025