The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Teacher is responsible for all aspects of planning, assessing, and instructing 4-year-olds, based on the needs of each child, and the requirements of the GSRP grant. The teacher is also responsible for maintaining program quality and documentation as outlined in the GSRP Implementation Manual, Preschool Program Quality Assessment (PQA), and DHS licensing guidelines.

Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with Early Childhood (ZA or ZS) endorsement or degree in the area of Early Childhood.

• Teaching experience with early childhood/preschool children, particularly with at-risk children

• Training and experience with research-based preschool curricula with knowledge of Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Pre-K (ECSQ-PK)

• Certification in CPR and First Aid

• Knowledge of current research on early childhood literacy

• Knowledge of the Preschool Program Quality Assessment (PQA) and its relationship to quality experiences for young children

• Skill in providing effective learning experiences that foster academic growth in a developmentally appropriate manner

• Work effectively, make decisions, and problem-solve collaboratively within a team

• Work well with diverse families and engage parents as full partners in their child’s learning

• Ability to act as a resource person for families

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with students, parents, and teachers

• Implement developmentally-appropriate instruction for children using a research-based curriculum

• Follow the daily schedule as outlined in the curriculum and GSRP guidelines

• Conduct screening and ongoing assessment of children and provide age-appropriate instructional support

• Meet with an Early Childhood Specialist as needed to ensure quality programming and maintain a high-level PQA rating

• Attend staff meetings, workshops, and other scheduled program activities as requested

• Consider the associate teacher an essential member of the teaching team

• Collaborate with the associate teacher in planning, team meetings, troubleshooting, and decision-making

• Empower the associate teacher to monitor behavior and support the educational process in the classroom

• Participate in-home visits with associate teacher to partner with parents to meet the educational needs of their children

• Organize and maintain records for grant and licensing purposes

• Create and update anecdotal records and portfolios for each child

• Complete required progress reports and other paperwork

• Participate in district recruitment efforts, including open houses and round-ups, and assist in student selection

• Maintain inventory of classroom equipment, materials, and supplies

• Schedule parent/family activities

• Develop newsletters and informational materials for families

• Able to work flexible hours as needed for family involvement activities, including home visits, recruitment events, open house

• Perform other duties as assigned