About Lakeland Creative Beginnings Lakeland Creative Beginnings is a licensed early childhood education provider located in Michigan, dedicated to nurturing children's creativity, growth, and readiness for school. We offer a variety of programs including our Mixed Age PreK class, school-age care, Michigan's Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), and community initiatives, all rooted in a play-based, inclusive philosophy. Job Summary The Classroom Aid plays a vital role in providing a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for our students during the school year, including our half-day and full-day program, holidays, and school breaks. This position is responsible for ensuring that all children scheduled in care are accurately accounted for and supervised at all times, following all safety and attendance procedures. The Classroom Aid will implement age-appropriate activities that promote social, emotional, and cognitive growth while fostering positive relationships among children, families, and staff. Effective communication, organization, and attention to detail are essential. This position reports directly to the Curriculum Director. Key Responsibilities Program Implementation Implement engaging, age-appropriate activities and lesson plans as planned by the Lead Teacher and/or Program Coordinator that align with the program's philosophy, curriculum, and Michigan licensing standards. Support the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of students through both structured and child-led experiences. Curriculums used will include HighScope, Second Steps, and Lively Letters. Anecdotal notes must be taken throughout the day and this data will be input into COR to document student growth. Implementing Daily Lesson Plans The classroom aid will be in charge of implementing daily lesson plans, including assisting with or directing their own small group, collecting anecdotal notes per HighScope assessment criteria, and inputting these notes into COR to document student progress. Safety, Supervision, and Accountability Ensure all children scheduled in your care are accurately accounted for and supervised at all times through active supervision, head counts, and strict adherence to sign-in/sign-out and attendance procedures. Immediately investigate and resolve any discrepancies in attendance, including contacting parents/guardians by phone if a child does not arrive as scheduled, and communicating as needed with school staff, and other relevant parties. Positive Behavior Support Use consistent, developmentally appropriate problem-solving strategies and positive guidance techniques to reinforce positive behavior. Utilize the "Six Steps of Conflict Resolution" in handling all student conflicts. Maintain a calm, supportive, and respectful environment that promotes self-regulation, problem-solving, and positive peer interactions. Classroom Upkeep and Student Responsibility Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment by regularly tidying activity areas, organizing materials, and monitoring for health and safety hazards. Intentionally involve children in age-appropriate upkeep tasks (such as cleaning up materials, organizing supplies, and caring for shared spaces) to build responsibility, teamwork, and practical life skills in an engaging way. Communication and Collaboration Communicate clearly, promptly, and respectfully with co-workers, families, and leadership regarding children's progress, behaviors, and any safety or attendance concerns. Maintain regular phone and in-person communication with parents/guardians, school staff, and other partners, especially around daily activities, learning, or incidents. Share relevant information with colleagues to ensure continuity of care and a cohesive classroom experience. Professional Decorum Maintain a high level of professionalism in all interactions, on and off the clock, in alignment with ethical standards and organizational policies. Refrain from gossiping, complaining, or other negative talk that harms team morale; address concerns directly and constructively through appropriate channels. The first point of contact is our Curriculum Director. Demonstrate reliability, respect, confidentiality, and a consistently positive attitude.

Work Hours & Schedule:

Flexibility and Availability Maintain reliable availability during program hours (6:30 am - 5:30 pm). The typical schedule for the Classroom Aid will fluctuate based on programming needs, with variation due to staffing needs, conferences, and special events. Must be willing to assist in all classrooms or program areas as needed to support ratios, safety, and smooth operations. Accountability and Follow-Through Understand and follow the direction and guidance of the Curriculum Director, Program Director, and experienced colleagues. Seek clarification when needed, follow through on assigned tasks, and participate actively in problem-solving and continuous improvement efforts. Confidentiality & Compliance Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all children, families, staff, and organizational matters, both during and outside of work hours. Adhere to applicable Michigan child care licensing rules, mandated reporter and child protection laws, and PreK program regulations. Complete required training, promptly report suspected abuse or neglect through proper channels, and maintain accurate documentation as required by regulation and program policy.

Pay:

From $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Paid time off Ability to

Commute:

Vicksburg, MI 49097 (Required)

Work Location:

In person