Contact Person: Brian Puffer

Job Location:
Saline Area Schools
2675 N Ann Arbor Street
Saline MI 48197

Job Description:

PreK for All Associate Teacher
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
Preferred Qualifications
Meets all PreK for All Associate Teacher qualification requirements
Associate degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or a related field; OR
A valid preschool CDA credential; OR
Applicants who do not currently meet PreK for All Associate Teacher qualification requirements may be considered for employment with an approved compliance plan. Compliance plans will support progress toward meeting required qualifications, with assistance from WISD as applicable.
Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (infant, child, adult) or ability to obtain upon hire
Background checks: school employee and child care licensing
Associate degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or a related field; OR
A valid preschool CDA credential; OR
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
Demonstrate regular attendance, punctuality, and dependability in fulfilling all assigned responsibilities.
Plan and deliver high-quality outcomes to the assigned area of responsibility.
Effectively utilize district technology resources, computer network systems, and relevant software to support the learning community.
Communicate effectively and professionally with students, families, colleagues, and administrators through respectful verbal and written communication.
Prioritize, organize, and manage multiple responsibilities while meeting established deadlines and adapting to changing priorities.
Engage in continuous professional reflection and self-evaluation to enhance effectiveness, leadership, and professional growth.
Maintain organized work areas, accurate records, effective routines, and efficient time-management practices that align with district and school expectations, and maximize efficiency.
Maintain a safe, orderly, inclusive, and emotionally supportive working environment.
Effectively manage and maintain resources, technology, equipment, and materials to support responsible stewardship of district resources.

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.
COMPENSATION
Hourly wage contingent upon experience and educational background
Anticipated compensation range: approximately [$18-$29.99 per hour].
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.

Closing Date for Job:  09/25/2026