STRONG BEGINNINGS TEACHER
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Strong Beginnings Teacher is responsible for all aspects of planning, assessing, instructing and nurturing the development of three-year-old's, based on needs of each child, and the requirements of the Strong Beginnings grant. The teacher is also responsible for maintaining program quality and documentation as outlined in the Strong Beginnings Implementation Manual, Preschool Program Quality Assessment (PQA), and LARA licensing guidelines
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
● Required - Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with an Early Childhood (ZA or ZS) endorsement or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood or Child Development
● Certification in CPR and First Aid
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Teaching experience with young children, particularly with toddlers, three-year-old's and/or at-risk children
• Training and experience with research-based preschool curricula with knowledge of Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Birth to Kindergarten
• Training and experience in nurturing the growing independence and self-help skills, including toilet-leaning, of very young preschoolers
• Knowledge of current research on early childhood literacy
• Skill in providing learning experiences that foster oral language, social-emotional and academic growth in a developmentally appropriate manner
• Work effectively, make decisions, and problem solve collaboratively within a team
• Work well with diverse families and engage parents as full partners in their child’s learning
• Ability to act collaboratively with a family liaison and as a resource for families
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with students, parents, and teachers
• Regular predictable attendance is an essential function of this position
• Strong background in the use of technology including Google suite, Microsoft suite, and social media tools
RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Implement developmentally-appropriate oral language, social-emotional and other academic instruction for children using research-based curriculum
● Support children’s growing independence and development of self-help skills including toilet learning
● Follow the daily schedule as outlined in the curriculum and Strong Beginnings guidelines
● Conduct screening and ongoing assessment of children
● Meet with Early Childhood Specialist to ensure quality programming
● Attend staff meetings, workshops, and other scheduled program activities as requested
● Collaborate with the associate teacher in planning, team meetings and decision-making
● Empower the associate teacher to support children’s development and classroom instruction
● Collaborate with the associate teacher and family liaison to support children’s and families’ well-being
● Participate in home visits to meet the educational and developmental needs of all children
● Organize and maintain records for grant and licensing purposes
● Create and update anecdotal records and portfolios for each child
● Complete required progress reports and other paperwork
● Participate in district recruitment efforts, including open houses and round-ups
● Maintain inventory of classroom equipment, materials and supplies
● Schedule parent/family activities
● Develop newsletters and informational materials for families
● Work flexible hours as needed for family involvement activities, including home visits, recruitment events, open house(s)
● Perform other duties as assigned
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Employee must be capable of performing physical demands of the job, including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, and standing for long periods of time. Work environment has a raised noise level.
This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work performed by those assigned to this job. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Rudyard Administration reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet our school’s needs as necessary.
DEADLINE: June 18, 2025 or until filled
WAGE: TBD
Job ID: 3419 Apply Online
Date of Availability: 8/26/25
Date Closing: 6/18/25
Rudyard Area Schools uses the applicant tracking system from Frontline Education to manage employment applications online.
It is the policy of Rudyard Area Schools that no person shall on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, height, weight, age or disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in employment or any of its programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Deb Edington, Rudyard Area Schools, 11185 W. 2 nd Street, Rudyard, MI 49780 (906/478-3771)