Contact Person: Brian Puffer

Job Location:
Saline Area Schools
7265 N Ann Arbor Street
Saline MI 48197

Job Description:

PreK FOR ALL ASSOCIATE TEACHER at Saline Area Schools

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Associate Teacher serves as an active instructional partner within the classroom and collaborates closely with the Lead Teacher to support high-quality early childhood instruction and care. In this collaborative co-instructor role, the Associate Teacher helps facilitate classroom instruction and support preschool students in building the foundational skills needed for kindergarten readiness.

As part of the “PreK for All” initiative, this program expands access to high-quality early childhood education for Michigan families while helping students build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. The ideal candidate demonstrates initiative, professionalism, resilience, and collaboration, and is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and strength-based learning environment that supports children’s social, emotional, and academic development in partnership with the Lead Teacher and broader educational team.

Saline Area Schools strives to hire individuals who are intrinsically motivated, have a deep desire to grow professionally, believe children deserve to learn in an environment that is the least restrictive, and demonstrate the highest level of cultural competence. SAS strives to employ individuals who possess a strong work ethic, are committed to providing children with boundless opportunities, and understand that equity, inclusion, and social justice are essential to the success of a 21st-century school community.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Certification

Associate degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or a related field; OR
A valid preschool CDA credential; OR
Meets all PreK for All Associate Teacher qualification requirements
Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (infant, child, adult) or ability to obtain upon hire
Background checks: school employee and child care licensing
Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field
Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with an Early Childhood (ZA or ZS) endorsement
Training and/or certification in HighScope Curriculum and COR Advantage assessment
Required Experience

Experience working with preschool-aged children (ages 4–5) in an early childhood classroom
Demonstrated understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice
Preferred Experience

Experience in a PreK for All or publicly funded preschool program
Experience implementing HighScope Curriculum and using COR Advantage or similar Early Childhood assessment tools
Experience supporting diverse learners, including students with IEPs, 504 plans, and multilingual learners
Experience building strong school family partnerships
RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher to co-implement developmentally appropriate instruction aligned to the HighScope Curriculum and PreK for All expectations.
Contribute input to the lesson planning process collaboratively with the Lead teacher.
Support the establishment of consistent daily routines that promote active learning, exploration, and student independence, through the partnered implementation of consistent daily routines and consistent communication.
Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment (indoor and outdoor)
Work with the whole class, individual and small groups of learners to support the educational process.
Partner with teaching staff to brainstorm and implement creative solutions that drive student achievement and overcome classroom challenges.
Partner with the Lead Teacher to ensure effective classroom operations and shared responsibility for student learning, and the overall care of the classroom environment and all aspects of the day.
Collaborate with early childhood staff, specialists, and administration to support program quality and student success
Support children’s social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development through intentional instruction and responsive interactions
Implement accommodations and supports for students with IEPs, 504 plans, and multilingual needs in collaboration with appropriate staff
Assist the Lead Teacher to conduct ongoing child observations and assessments using approved tools (e.g., COR Advantage, Kaymbu)
Support the use of assessment data to inform instruction and monitor student progress in collaboration with the Lead Teacher.
Build positive relationships with families.
Share class, student, and family information with the Lead Teacher to deliver the communication to families.
Participate alongside the Lead Teacher in required home visits (minimum two per year per child) and parent-teacher conferences
Support family engagement activities and program outreach efforts
Follow and ensure full compliance with PreK for All requirements, State of Michigan childcare licensing rules, and Great Start to Quality standards
Support the maintenance of accurate documentation and records as required by the program
Participate in professional learning, coaching, and team meetings
Engage in continuous reflection and professional growth
Contribute positively to a collaborative early childhood team
ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Strong understanding of early childhood development and instructional practices
Use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
Organize and coordinate work.
Assist in the development and implementation of projects.
Effective and respectful verbal and written communication skills.
Communicate effectively with students and parents, and staff.
Organize multiple tasks and conflicting time constraints.
Engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Demonstrate exemplary attendance and punctuality.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK HAZARDS

Work in standard office and school building environments requiring mobility, visual and auditory acuity, communication skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, adaptability, technology proficiency, physical stamina and environmental awareness.

Plus:

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Ability to sit on the floor, bend, squat, and move frequently throughout the day
Ability to actively supervise and engage with children in indoor and outdoor environments
Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
TRAVEL

Local travel required for home visits (minimum two per year per student)

WORK SCHEDULE

Part-time position, approximately 20–29.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday
Additional hours may be required for family engagement activities, conferences, home visits, professional learning, and program events
FLSA STATUS

Non-Exempt

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Ability to pass a Michigan State Police and FBI criminal records LiveScan check, School District Employee Background check, and Child Care Background Check.
Attendance: Regular and reliable job attendance is an essential function of this position.
PAY RATE

Starting at $18.00 per hour, commensurate with experience and educational background
APPLICATION METHOD
EXTERNAL CANDIDATES: All interested and qualified external applicants must complete an application and upload all necessary documents on the TalentEd Website (please visit our HR web page at: https://saline.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx# to access the SAS Job Openings). All letters of interest, resumes and applications must be received no later than the deadline listed or until the position has been filled.

INTERNAL CANDIDATES: All interested and qualified internal applicants must submit a letter of interest and a current resume via email to Brian Puffer [email protected]. All letters of interest, resumes and applications must be received no later than the deadline listed or until filled.

NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
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.

If you have any accessibility concerns regarding the completion of this application, please contact Alli Littlejohn, HR Coordinator, [email protected] to set up an appointment for additional support.

Position Type:Part-Time
Salary:$18 Per Hour
Job Requirements
Citizenship, residency or work visa required
Contact Information
Brian Puffer , Director, Community Education
Community Education
Email: [email protected]

Closing Date for Job:  08/17/2026