Infant Toddler Teacher / Apprentice - Benton Harbor

Flowers Early Learning is a high-quality preschool located in Benton Harbor, Michigan, serving classrooms with children ages 0-3. Selected as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation in 2024 and one of the Moody Market Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan in 2021, we are committed to employee engagement, feedback, and wellness.

About Us

Our mission is to build a future where children, families, and communities thrive. Flowers Early Learning promotes social, emotional, and physical health in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties by providing high-quality education, health services, and support for families in need.

About the Role

Infant-Toddler Teachers provide nurturing care, supervision, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children ages 0-3. Responsibilities include implementing the High Scope curriculum, conducting ongoing assessments, collaborating with a team of coworkers and volunteers, building child-focused partnerships with families and support staff, and ensuring compliance with state and federal licensing and grant requirements.

This role is available as either an Apprenticeship (full-time, year-round, hourly, non-exempt until CDA status is achieved) or a Teacher position (full-time, year-round, salaried, exempt).

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (40 hours per week)
• Work hours may vary due to daily schedule

Pay

• High School Diploma/GED: $15.61/hr
• Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA): $17.12/hr
• Associate’s Degree (AA): $18.40/hr
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher: $20.94/hr

Requirements

• Minimum: Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) in infant/toddler
• Preferred: Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, with at least 18 credits in Early Childhood Education
• Candidates without an associate’s degree must complete the Child Development Apprenticeship upon hire and obtain a minimum of eighteen credit hours of early childhood education courses within four years of continuous employment
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Must pass a physical examination, comprehensive fingerprinted criminal background check, and pre-employment drug screen (including negative results for Amphetamines, Cannabinoids (THC/Marijuana), Cocaine, Opiates, and Phencyclidine (PCP))
• Marijuana is prohibited in the workplace or in one's system, even if legally prescribed

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Paid time off, earned sick time, paid parental leave, and paid holidays and breaks
• Paid weather days
• Tuition reimbursement and assistance in furthering your education
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness committee providing resources to enhance work-life balance