Early Childhood Associate Teacher
The University of Michigan Towsley Children's House has openings for the position of Associate Teacher.
Towsley Children's House is one of three early childhood programs on the U-M Ann Arbor campus providing care for children from 3 months to 5 years of age. Our centers provide care for close to 500 children of faculty, staff and students from all over the world. The centers employ over 120 staff members, as well as undergraduate student assistants. The play based, project approach curriculum at Towsley is designed by teams of professional teachers in a manner that is ever evolving and adapting to meet the needs and interests of the children. Each classroom's teaching team includes two teachers; an associate teacher along with U-M practicum students. We maintain low teacher to child ratios so relationships can flourish. Additional information about the U-M Children's Centers can be found at www.childcare.umich.edu
We seek professional teachers who are excited about the prospect of working with children, families and coworkers from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We seek teachers who are eager to learn and grow in their profession, and who are able to contribute their creativity and experiences in a collaborative manner. Multiple professional development opportunities are provided annually. Tuition assistance for furthering formal education in early childhood education is available.
The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous time off; a retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions and comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance. Please visit the U-M Benefits web site at www.hr.umich.edu for additional information about benefits.
University Human Resources seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to sustain the excellence of the university, and to offer our students richly varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.
Responsibilities:
- Provide developmentally appropriate early learning experiences and care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers utilizing project approach principles.
- Effectively manage groups of young children within state required ratios to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
- Collaborate and co-participate with children, families, and colleagues to cultivate an environment of respectful and meaningful relationships.
- Utilize technology to effectively document and reflect on the experiences of children for the purpose of assessment, planning, and family engagement.
- Engage in respectful and meaningful dialogue with families and colleagues on a daily basis.
- Participate fully and willingly in weekly team meetings and ongoing study and professional development.
Required Qualifications:
- Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, CDA Credential or an equivalent combination of education and experience is necessary.
- Ability to work closely with a team to develop classroom curriculum and foster positive relationships with children, families and coworkers.
- Ability to learn and implement the project approach in the classroom.
Desired Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education.
- Proficiency in the area of adapting the environment and activities to meet the needs of all children.
- Strength in creating partnerships with children, families and colleagues.
- Bilingual abilities are a plus.
Other requirements include:
- Ability to move, hold and position oneself when interacting with children and objects up to 40 lbs.
- Ability to occasionally access/use equipment in classroom facilities. Must be able to interact and move around with children in such a way as to fully participate in classroom activities.
- Ability to supervise and interact with children outdoors for extended periods of varied weather conditions.
Applications accepted through U-M employment site. Please visit umjobs.org and enter keyword 163948 to submit application.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.