Preschool Teacher- New Buffalo
Flowers Early Learning is a high-quality preschool located in New Buffalo, Michigan, serving classrooms with children ages 3-5 for the next Program Year (August 2026–May 2027). 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: 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 the families who need us most 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 ensure all classrooms 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.
- Ensure classroom compliance with Head Start and Michigan childcare licensing requirements.
- Build child-focused partnerships with families to promote consistent developmental strategies.
- Collaborate with coworkers and volunteers to meet 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 result required 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
- Experience working with children ages 3–5.
- Knowledge of High Scope curriculum and Conscious Discipline strategies.
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 (may be available upon request).
- Employee assistance program.
- Wellness committee resources to enhance work-life balance.
Pay
- AA: $18.40/hour
- BA or higher: $20.94/hour
Schedule
- Full-time, program year (August–May).
- Exempt, salaried position.
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (40 hours per week; hours may vary due to daily schedule).