Preschool Teacher - Dowagiac

Flowers Early Learning is a high-quality preschool located in Dowagiac, Michigan, serving classrooms with children ages 3-5. Formerly known as Tri-County Head Start, Flowers Early Learning 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

Preschool teachers provide nurturing care, supervision, support, 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 the classroom meets all Head Start and Michigan childcare licensing requirements. Teachers build child-focused partnerships with families to promote consistent developmental strategies and work as a team with coworkers and volunteers to meet 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 the classroom meets 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 age of 18 with an AA or BA in Child Development or Early Childhood Education and 1-2 years of related experience.
• Must complete the Admin for Early Childhood Education college course and have two years of supervisory experience.
• BA degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education required within 6 years of hire (Tuition Assistance Program available).
• 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)). Note: 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, paid holidays, and breaks.
• Paid weather days.
• Tuition reimbursement and assistance in furthering education.
• Employee assistance program.
• Wellness committee resources to enhance work-life balance.

Pay

AA: $18.40/hour. BA: $20.94/hour.

Schedule

Full-time, program year (August–May), salaried, exempt position. Expected schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, 40 hours per week. Hours may vary to fulfill duties of this exempt position.