Job Summary
Work directly with children in classrooms while being accountable for them, under the supervision of the full-time Teacher and other full-time staff.
- Model appropriate practices and assist children with direct care needs
- Greet families upon arrival and at pick-up time
- Help children get engaged in activities
- Interact with children one-on-one and in small groups
- Assist teaching staff in various projects
Be prepared for general cleaning responsibilities and providing bathroom assistance for children. Take part in documenting children's learning (checklists, taking photos, anecdotal notes, observations, etc.)
Responsibilities*
- Assist in a classroom by maintaining consistency and having high expectations for children while keeping a global vision
- Provide a safe, healthy learning environment for children birth to twelve years
- Communicate and promote family involvement within classroom
- Assist in the planning and facilitate a developmentally appropriate curriculum guided by the Reggio Emilia Approach or Montessori which promotes physical, social & cognitive development
- Be willing to collaborate with teachers in order to provide quality care for children & families, as well as establish a quality program
- Participate in training activities by continuing education in areas of development, curriculum & classroom methods
- Provoke ideas and scaffold children's knowledge through problem solving, representational work and conflict resolution
- Observe, document & evaluate children on an ongoing basis through the use of Ages and Stages Questionnaires, assessments and portfolios for family/teacher conferences
- Conduct meaningful & engaging small/large group activities/projects
- Ability to work with a tolerant classroom which promotes diversity, thus enhancing social-emotional development of children
- Perform every aspect necessary to insure excellent child care
- Exhibit a commitment to the mission & philosophy of the Center
Required Qualifications*
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
- Excellent attendance, strong work ethic, dependable
- Flexible (able to adapt to variety of situations)
- Previous early childhood experience is not required but the willingness to learn and grow.
- Enjoys interacting with young children (infant through preschool)
- Continued employment is based on whether you are attending college courses.
- Adhere to the Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers
Desired Qualifications*
- It is preferred that individuals have education related to early childhood, nursing, psychology, social work or related fields
- Experience working with young children
Additional Information
If hired, an out-of-pocket TB Test along with a criminal record check through LARA Fingerprinting system PRIOR to working with children are expected. Each semester employees are asked to complete 12 paid professional development hours through in-service trainings, conferences and workshops suggested on a regular basis. Early childhood classes count toward these required training hours.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
