Infant Toddler Teacher /Apprentice- Dowagiac

Flowers Early Learning is a high-quality preschool located in Dowagiac, Michigan, serving classrooms with children ages 0-3. Recognized 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.

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

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

Responsibilities

• Provide nurturing care and supervision for children ages 0-3.
• Implement the High Scope curriculum and conduct ongoing assessments.
• Collaborate with a team of coworkers and volunteers.
• Build child-focused partnerships with families and support staff.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal licensing and grant requirements.

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.
• Pass a physical examination, comprehensive fingerprinted criminal background check, and pre-employment drug screen (including negative results for Amphetamines, Cannabinoids (including Marijuana/THC), Cocaine, Opiates, and Phencyclidine (PCP)). Note: Marijuana is prohibited in the workplace or in one's system, even if legally prescribed.

Qualifications

• HS 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

Benefits

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

Schedule

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

Pay

$15.61–$20.94 per hour, depending on education and experience.