Preschool Associate Teacher- Dowagiac

Flowers Early Learning is a high-quality preschool located in Dowagiac, Michigan, currently seeking two Preschool Associate Teachers for classrooms serving children ages 3-5 for the next program year (August 2026 – May 2027). Interviews for this position will begin as early as June 2026.

Flowers Early Learning, formerly known as Tri-County Head Start, was 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 for its commitment to employee engagement, feedback, and wellness.

About Us

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

About the Role

Associate Teachers assist lead teachers with instruction, classroom management, cleaning, food preparation, and implementing curriculum, ongoing assessments, and observations for preschool-age children. Responsibilities align with developmentally appropriate practices, agency policies, Michigan childcare licensing, and Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist lead teachers with classroom instruction and management
• Support implementation of curriculum and developmentally appropriate practices
• Conduct ongoing assessments and observations of preschool-age children
• Assist with classroom cleaning and food preparation
• Adhere to agency policies, Michigan childcare licensing, and Head Start Program Performance Standards

Requirements

• Minimum: High school diploma or equivalent with one year of relevant experience
• Must complete an age-appropriate Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, child development apprenticeship, or associate’s degree in early childhood education within two years of hire
• 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 (THC/Marijuana), Cocaine, Opiates, and Phencyclidine (PCP))
• Marijuana is prohibited in the workplace or in one’s system, even if legally prescribed

Qualifications

Pay rate varies based on education and credentials:

• High School Diploma/GED: $15.61/hr
• Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate: $15.93/hr
• Associate’s Degree (AA): $17.84/hr
• Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: $19.12/hr

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 education
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness committee providing resources to enhance work-life balance

Schedule

• Full-time, program year (August – May)
• Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• 40 hours per week

Pay

$15.61 – $19.12 per hour, depending on education and credentials.