Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Assistant/Apprentice Teacher Summary: The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Assistant Teacher will provide high-quality, mission-aligned early childhood education for children in assigned classrooms and take an active role in the classroom leadership responsibilities. They will work with the lead/mentor teacher to implement the components of the Michigan Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) to ensure enrolled children demonstrate positive growth throughout the school year. GSRP Assistant/Apprentice Teachers are required to work a minimum of 30 hours per week in the classroom. Reports to: GSRP Mentor Teacher (direct supervision) Supervises: None Roles & Responsibilities: • Embody and align with the mission, vision, and practices of the organization. • Create a safe, secure, and stimulating classroom environment conducive to the physical, social, and emotional development of students. Ensure materials and activities represent diverse cultures. • Support the social and emotional development of children. • Provide input on lesson planning, documentation, and child assessments. • Actively facilitate learning with children for at least 4 hours per day. • Maintain daily communication with families via email, conferences, and home visits. • Ensure compliance with all licensing regulations and follow all Apple Playschools policies, procedures, and best practices. • Act as a mandated reporter for abuse and neglect. • Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Mentor Teacher or Program Director. Active Participation in School Community: • Serve as an “Apple Playschools Ambassador” in the community by spreading positive information about the program and communicating feedback to the Program Director. Required Events: • Fall and Winter In-service • Monthly staff meetings • Two site events • One signature event • One external event • GSRP county-wide staff training and meetings Key Responsibilities within GSRP: • Collaborate professionally with GSRP lead teachers to provide optimal services for children. • Develop and implement a comprehensive family engagement plan, including sharing knowledge, partnering for children’s learning, problem-solving at the child and program level, fostering parent leadership, and building strong school-to-home connections. • Maintain and submit all required records for local education agencies per schedule. • Secure and document professional development as required by the GSRP grant, child care licensing, Great Start to Quality system, and the certification required for the position. • Actively participate in required GSRP county-wide staff training and meetings. Essential Requirements & Qualifications: • Age Requirement: Must be 19 years or older. • Educational Qualifications: • Associate’s degree (AA) in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or equivalent. • OR a valid classroom CDA (Child Development Associate) credential. • Experience: Previous experience teaching in early childhood education is preferred. • Background Check: Must be able to pass all required background checks and criminal history review. • LARA Licensing Requirements: Meet all applicable LARA licensing education requirements. • Conflict Resolution: Must be committed to effective conflict resolution and maintain collaborative communication with staff, families, children, and community partners. • Sound Judgment: Ability to assess risk appropriately and respond quickly and appropriately in emergencies. • Physical Requirements: • Ability to be on your feet for most of the day. • Comfortably bend, move around with young children, and ascend/descend stairs. • Ability to walk on uneven terrain, work outside in all weather conditions, and quickly respond in the learning environment. • Exposure to environmental allergens (dust, animals, etc.). • Ability to hold, carry, or lift up to 25 pounds. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to early childhood education while growing within a supportive and collaborative team. If you are passionate about shaping the future of young children and creating a positive learning environment, we encourage you to apply!