Contact Person: Melinda Nelson

Job Location:
Portage Public Schools
PPS Early Childhood Center
1010 W Milham Ave
Portage MI 49024

Job Description:

Lead Teacher – 3-year-olds
Location: PPS Early Childhood Center formerly Curious Kids location
Full days Monday to Friday, school year
Job Summary:
Performs, teaches and facilitates academic and social-emotional skills to 3-year-old children in a classroom setting that is aligned with curriculum and MiLeap standards. Partners with KCR4 coaching team to implement support for all students in the classroom. Teachers plan and implement a healthy, safe, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool children that promote developmental gains toward the attainment of kindergarten readiness skills as defined in the Great Start to Quality Standards, within an PBIS framework. Teacher professionalism in the classroom, with families, the community and with staff serve as a model of excellence.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Must have knowledge of MiLeap policies and procedures and previous experience with these policies
Creates and implements curriculum and lesson plans that are in alignment with Creative Curriculum while considering needs of individual students’ abilities, learning levels and potential limitations.
Organize and facilitate conferences with parents/caregivers per the early childhood agreement
Implements students IEPs and follows all PBIS standards and frameworks.
Supports social emotional learning through curriculum and lesson plans through approved evidence-based framework.
Implements, maintains and facilitates program data and assessment tools to enhance student learning.
Maintains up to date and accurate child records for all students.
Establishes a safe and healthy learning environment that is developmentally appropriate for all learners.
Guides, supports and structures classroom schedules to support the teaching team in the classroom.
Maintains confidentiality and FERPA standards with all students and families.
Provides, structures and oversees all classroom management techniques and strategies to maximize a safe learning environment.
Work as the liaison for families and community members for referrals, resource allocation and services to help support student success.
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
Current and in good standing CDA Certification with Preschool Emphasis-commitment to for renewal or attainment of CDA within first 6 months of employment.
Prefers Valid Michigan Teacher Certification with Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or equivalent
Previous experience in a preschool setting.
Ability to interact with a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with district staff and the public.
Ability to assume responsibility, display initiative, and exercise good judgment.
Excellent and reliable attendance
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 apply online at: https://www.portageps.org/page/employment-at-pps

Who is PPS? View our Strategic Commitments

Notice of Non-Discrimination: he 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 or Assistant Superintendent of Operations Russell Gerbers. Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002

Closing Date for Job:  11/13/2026