Classroom support

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Free food & snacks

Classroom Support Specialist – Preschool for All (GSRP) Center: Caterpillar Corner – Holt Location
Program: Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) / Preschool for All
Position: Classroom Support
Reports To: GSRP Lead Teacher and Center Director
Employment Type: Full time

Position Summary

The Classroom Support Specialist provides hands-on support to the GSRP classroom team to ensure children receive a safe, engaging, developmentally appropriate, and high-quality preschool experience. This position works under the direction of the GSRP Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher and assists with daily classroom routines, learning experiences, small-group activities, meals, toileting, transitions, attendance, and other classroom responsibilities.

The Classroom Support Specialist is expected to follow all applicable GSRP requirements, center policies, licensing regulations, health and safety practices, and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide additional classroom support so teachers can effectively implement daily lessons and provide individualized attention to children.

Essential Responsibilities

Classroom & Instructional Support

• Follow the daily classroom schedule and directions provided by the GSRP Lead Teacher.
• Assist teachers with implementation of daily lesson plans and learning experiences.
• Support large-group, small-group, and individualized learning activities.
• Participate actively in hands-on learning experiences with children.
• Assist with activities that support children's social-emotional, cognitive, language, physical, and creative development.
• Work with smaller groups of children as assigned by the Lead Teacher.
• Help prepare, organize, and clean up classroom materials and learning areas.
• Encourage children's participation, independence, problem-solving, and positive interactions.
• Use positive guidance and developmentally appropriate strategies when supporting children's behavior.
• Assist with maintaining an engaging, organized, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.

Small-Group Assignments

The Classroom Support Specialist may be assigned to work with a specific small group of children throughout the day.

Responsibilities may include:

• Leading or assisting with teacher-directed activities.
• Supporting individualized learning goals.
• Reading books and engaging children in conversations.
• Facilitating hands-on activities.
• Supporting early literacy, math, science, art, music, and gross-motor experiences.
• Providing additional support to children who may need assistance participating in classroom activities.
• Communicating observations and concerns to the Lead Teacher.

Attendance & Classroom Documentation

• Assist with daily classroom attendance procedures.
• Accurately assist with documenting children's arrival and departure as directed.
• Communicate attendance concerns to the Lead Teacher or Director.
• Assist teachers with required classroom documentation and record keeping when assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality of all child, family, and program information.

Meals & Nutrition

• Assist with serving meals and snacks according to center procedures and CACFP requirements.
• Help children during meals while encouraging age-appropriate independence.
• Monitor children for safe eating practices.
• Assist with meal cleanup and maintaining a clean eating environment.
• Follow all food safety, allergy, sanitation, and handwashing procedures.
• Immediately communicate any concerns regarding food allergies, dietary restrictions, or children's eating habits to the appropriate staff.

Toileting & Personal Care

• Assist children with bathroom and toileting routines as needed and as developmentally appropriate.
• Support children in developing independence with personal hygiene.
• Assist with handwashing and other hygiene routines.
• Follow proper sanitation and licensing procedures.
• Respect children's privacy, dignity, and individual needs.

Transitions & Supervision

• Assist with smooth transitions between classroom activities, meals, bathroom routines, outdoor time, and other scheduled activities.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
• Position yourself appropriately to maintain sight and sound supervision of children.
• Assist teachers with head counts and classroom safety checks.
• Help children transition safely between classrooms, playgrounds, buses, and other areas of the center.
• Immediately report safety concerns, injuries, incidents, or unusual situations to the Lead Teacher and/or Director.

GSRP & Professional Expectations

The Classroom Support Specialist will:

• Follow GSRP program expectations and state requirements.
• Support developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
• Follow the classroom curriculum and instructional plans established by the Lead Teacher.
• Support an inclusive classroom environment where every child is welcomed and valued.
• Use positive, respectful, and responsive interactions with children.
• Support children's individual interests, strengths, needs, and developmental levels.
• Participate in classroom observations, planning, and professional development as assigned.
• Follow all center licensing requirements and health and safety policies.
• Maintain professional boundaries with children, families, and staff.
• Protect the confidentiality of children and families.
• Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, flexibility, and teamwork.

Teamwork & Communication

This position works closely with the GSRP Lead Teacher, Assistant Teacher, Center Director, and other classroom staff.

The Classroom Support Specialist is expected to:

• Take direction from the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher.
• Ask questions when clarification is needed.
• Communicate respectfully and professionally with all team members.
• Be willing to adjust assignments based on the needs of the classroom.
• Support the classroom team without disrupting planned instruction.
• Communicate observations, concerns, and important information promptly.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative classroom environment.

Health, Safety & Licensing

• Follow all Michigan child care licensing requirements and center health and safety policies.
• Maintain active supervision at all times.
• Follow proper handwashing, cleaning, sanitizing, and infection-control procedures.
• Follow emergency procedures and participate in emergency drills.
• Report suspected injuries, hazards, illness, abuse, neglect, or safety concerns according to required procedures.
• Maintain required certifications and trainings.
• Follow all confidentiality requirements.
• Never leave children unattended or outside required supervision procedures.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to:

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, squat, kneel, and sit on the floor.
• Assist children with daily routines and personal care.
• Move classroom materials and equipment as needed.
• Participate in active play and hands-on activities.
• Respond quickly to children's safety needs.
• Lift and carry materials and supplies as required by the position.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience working with preschool-aged children.
• Experience in an early childhood education or child care setting.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a teaching team.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Willingness to complete all required GSRP, licensing, health and safety, and professional development training.

Early childhood education coursework or credentials are preferred and may be required based on program and licensing requirements.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

• Patient, caring, and dependable.
• Energetic and comfortable engaging with young children.
• A strong team player.
• Willing to take direction and assist wherever the classroom needs support.
• Comfortable working with both large and small groups.
• Able to maintain a calm and positive classroom presence.
• Committed to providing children with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
• Professional when communicating with children, families, and coworkers.
• Flexible and willing to adjust responsibilities based on the daily needs of the classroom.

Important Role Clarification

The Classroom Support Specialist is an additional support position and does not replace the responsibilities of the GSRP Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher. The Lead Teacher remains responsible for classroom instructional planning, implementation, assessment, and overall classroom leadership. The Classroom Support Specialist provides additional hands-on assistance and follows the direction of the classroom teaching team.

Caterpillar Corner is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.