Job Description

Assistant to Preschool Instructor

Department: Early Childhood Learning Lab
Location: Grand Rapids, MI

The Assistant Instructor works collaboratively with the Lead Instructor to develop and maintain a classroom that provides a safe and enriching learning environment for children. The Assistant Instructor models appropriate teaching and care-giving and offers students assistance as needed. The Assistant Instructor further works to oversee and manage classroom operations to allow the Lead Instructor to focus on coaching, mentoring and evaluating college students during their scheduled lab time.

Requisition ID: 1097
Position Number: 00001615
Department: Early Childhood Learning Lab
Employee Group: Professional, Management, & Administration
Schedule: 40 hours / 52 weeks
Compensation: AP2 - $20.23 per hour
Benefits: Full Time
Reports to: Director, Early Childhood Learning Lab
Posting Opens: 3/27/2026
Posting Closes: 4/9/2026

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and implement a curriculum that enhances the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of each child. Lesson plans must meet accreditation and TQRIS standards, as well as incorporate Key Developmental Indicators (High Scope) or COR Advantage Areas. Model appropriate strategies for lab students.
• Maintain a healthy and safe classroom as defined by licensing, accreditation and Great Start to Quality standards.
• Establish supportive relationships with families, maintaining daily communication and collaborating to promote the well-being of each child and their classroom success.
• Responsible for coordination and completion of family conferences, events and home visits.
• Attend family and staff extra-curricular engagements.
• Assess and screen children's development utilizing ASQ, ASQ-SE, Brigance, or COR Advantage; providing data input and completing assigned checkpoints
• Collaborate with classroom staff to complete weekly classroom team meetings, providing input and responses to evaluate and promote children's development, classroom curriculum, document meetings and classroom activity.
• Ensure that classroom paperwork and materials incorporate all children and are current. (Cubbies, mailboxes, cots, name charts, etc.).
• Complete a minimum of 24 hours of early childhood professional development per year in the MiRegistry system.
• Compose, display and maintain informative classroom documentation, including newsletters, family boards, project approach and required classroom paperwork as required to meet NAEYC, CLASS and PQA standards.
• Work collaboratively with all preschool and education department staff to meet program goals.
• Assist in the evaluation of EDU-118 (Human Growth and Development) students as needed under the direction of the instructor.
• Collaborate with Preschool to maintain essential classroom coverage ratios, having flexibility to assist other classrooms as needed. Willing to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings.
• Assist in preparing classroom environment and materials so students can implement their assignments.
• Provide consistent, clear and timely communication with office staff in regards to child absences, change of schedule and other pertinent information.
• Work collaboratively with other preschool staff to plan and implement smooth transitions for children who are transitioning into new classrooms.
• Responsible for establishing, maintaining and implementing Allergy and Asthma Action plans.
• An awareness of appropriate child care food program practices and ability to implement these in the classroom.
• Acquire and maintain Comprehensive Background Check (fingerprinting) through the state of Michigan
• Maintain CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Acquire and maintain TB test and physical.
• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customer functions of this position.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Education Credentials

• Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related discipline required.
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related discipline preferred.

Work Experience

• Two (2) years working in diverse early childhood settings required; Three (3) years preferred.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Commitment to the well-being of each and every child attending preschool.
• Strong commitment to innovation and current best practices in the child development field.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and move 50 lbs.
• Must be able to engage with children on floor level for long periods of time.
• Must be able to walk a long distance.
• Must be able to kneel, squat, sit on the floor and get back up.

Mental Demands

• Ability to work in a very active and loud environment, addressing multiple needs accordingly.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a pleasant and appropriate manner.
• Must be self-motivated and resourceful, demonstrating initiative to complete assigned tasks according to standards in a timely manner.
• Proficient in software applications (Word, Publisher) and other relevant technology applications such as Child Observation Record (COR-Advantage) and the Google suite.
• Ability to perform functions of the job efficiently and effectively in stressful situations.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website .
• Must be able to go outside in the winter if the wind chill is 10 degrees or higher and must be able to go out in the summer if the temperature is 90 degrees or below.

BENEFITS

• Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options , including one with no health insurance premiums.
• Time off: Enjoy substantial vacation time .
• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership .
• Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities .
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options including a state retirement plan .

NEXT STEPS / APPLICATION PROCESS

• Please complete an application: . Submit a cover letter and resume.
• The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting.
• Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.

To apply, visit

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Full time, Work experience placement, Summer work, Work at office, Long distance, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift

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