Summary:
The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a locally administered, state-funded preschool program for qualifying four-year old children. The GSRP Teacher will provide quality instructional services for children enrolled in the program, utilizing Creative Curriculum and Pre-Kindergarten Literacy Essentials while working collaboratively with colleagues to provide inclusion opportunities for all students.
This position uniquely involves working with the Director of Early Childhood, the licensed childcare site supervisor, and the Critter Barn Program Director to develop and implement hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in a primarily outdoor, farm-based setting. The teacher will embrace outdoor learning in all seasons while fostering an engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment for preschool students.
Responsibilities:
- Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate curriculum tailored to preschool -age children, with differentiation based on individual needs.
- Collaborate with farm staff to create authentic, hands-on activities involving interaction with farm animals, chores, and daily farm life.
- Facilitate and maintain a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment, utilizing both indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Fully integrate outdoor learning opportunities across all seasons during the school year.
- Encourage parent involvement through curriculum planning, participation in school activities, field trips and parent training opportunities.
- Conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress and foster strong family-school partnerships.
- Maintain clear and proactive communication with families, ensuring they are well-informed about program schedules, weather-related updates, and their children’s learning experiences.
- Monitor and document student progress in alignment with district guidelines and state expectations.
- Collaborate with the school's Student Success Team to offer academic or behavioral interventions as needed.
- Work with special education teachers to ensure inclusion opportunities for all students.
- Implement positive behavior support strategies and foster a positive learning atmosphere.
- Lead and support classroom paraprofessionals or site director staff to maintain effective classroom management and instructional quality.
- Comply with all district, state, and federal regulations, including those specific to the GSRP grant, farm programming, and licensing requirements.
- Encourage student engagement in farm-based, experiential learning activities.
- Maintaining regular and reliable attendance.
- Participate in professional development opportunities to continually enhance teaching practices.
Qualifications: - Current Michigan teaching certificate with a ZA/ZS endorsement.
- Experience working with at-risk children and families is preferred.
- Knowledge of developmental assessments.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, colleagues, and parents.
- Highly developed oral and written communication skills.
This role is ideal for an educator passionate about hands-on learning, outdoor education, and fostering meaningful connections between children, families, and the community. The GSRP Teacher: Farm Collaboration will play a critical role in shaping the early education experiences of Zeeland’s youngest learners while promoting a love of learning in an innovative farm environment.
Schedule:
36 Weeks/year
Compensation:
Salaried
Single Subscriber Insurance
New Position
Once the posting deadline date has been met (if applicable), the supervisor/principal will review applications and schedule interviews with the most qualified candidates. An email will be sent to applicants when the position has been filled.
