Preschool Teacher- Benton Harbor

Flowers Early Learning is a high-quality preschool located in Benton Harbor, Michigan, serving classrooms with children ages 3-5. 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.

Our mission: To build a future where children, families, and communities thrive. We promote 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

Preschool teachers provide nurturing care, supervision, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children aged 3-5. Responsibilities include implementing the High Scope curriculum and social-emotional growth strategies like Conscious Discipline, performing regular observations and assessments, and ensuring classrooms meet all Head Start and Michigan childcare licensing requirements. Teachers build child-focused partnerships with families to promote consistent developmental strategies and collaborate with coworkers and volunteers to maintain health, safety, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Implement High Scope curriculum and social-emotional growth strategies (e.g., Conscious Discipline).
• Perform regular observations and assessments of children’s development.
• Ensure classrooms meet Head Start and Michigan childcare licensing requirements.
• Build partnerships with families to promote consistent developmental strategies.
• Collaborate with coworkers and volunteers to maintain health, safety, and quality standards.

Requirements

• Minimum: Associate’s degree (AA) or Bachelor’s degree (BA) in Child Development or Early Childhood Education with 1–2 years of related experience.
• Desired: BA in Early Childhood Education (required within 6 years of hire).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Pass a physical examination, comprehensive fingerprinted criminal background check, and pre-employment drug screen (negative for Amphetamines, Cannabinoids—including Marijuana/THC—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, vacation time, parental leave, holidays, and breaks.
• Paid weather days.
• Tuition Assistance Program (available upon request).
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellness committee resources to enhance work-life balance.

Pay

AA: $18.40/hr
BA or Higher: $20.94/hr

Schedule

Full-time, program year (August–May), exempt, salaried.
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, 40 hours per week.
Work hours may vary due to daily schedule.