About Our Academy
Wonder what it would be like to go snowshoeing through a maple forest? Or what it may be like to grow your own food in a greenhouse? Students at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) don't wonder what they know! Come be a part of our 62-acres of an outdoor classroom to expand your child’s love of learning. Working gardens, nature trails, forests, wetlands and prairies are all available for students to explore. WMAES students transition from desks to dirt, creating an environment for all students to learn. WMAES knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.
Qualities of a Successful Candidate:
- A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands-on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
- An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
- A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.
- Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.
About the role
The job goal of the Great Start Readiness Program preschool aide is to provide valuable support and assistance to the lead teacher and associate teachers in creating a positive and engaging learning environment for students. They are dedicated to helping with classroom activities, preparing materials, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the students. By actively participating in classroom routines, they contribute to the smooth flow of daily activities and promote a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere. As a crucial member of the preschool team, the aide aims to play a vital role in facilitating the children's early learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills and build a strong foundation for their educational journey.
This position is part-time, 20 hours a week.
What you'll do
Curriculum & Instruction:
- Assists the GSRP Teacher in preparing classroom or laboratory for instruction.
- Assists the GSRP Teacher in keeping the classroom neat, clean, and orderly to provide work and study areas conducive to learning.
- Collects and displays suitable materials for bulletin boards and other educational displays.
- Demonstrates understanding and implementation of Bureau of Community and Health Systems’ Child Care Licensing Rules.
- Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the Academy, and the community.
Classroom Management:
- Works cooperatively with parents and guardians.
- Guides children in working and playing harmoniously with other children.
- Monitors children for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
- Assists GSRP Teachers with supervision of students during play periods and lunch periods.
- Demonstrates genuine concern for students in a climate characterized by high personal and student expectations.
- Promotes responsible citizenship through actions as a role model.
- Provides a classroom atmosphere based on the principles of firm, fair, and consistent practices, respect for individual children, and development of responsible citizenship.
Student Enrollment & Retention:
- Shares responsibility for marketing the GSRP Program, and the Academy, in the community.
Professional Development & Leadership:
- Participates in the development of policies and regulations that affect instruction and conditions of success.
- Shares responsibility for professional, cooperative staff relations and for out-of-class activities important to the operation of the Academy.
- Conducts himself or herself according to professional, ethical principles.
- Displays personal qualities, which reflect favorably upon the individual, the group, and the Academy.
Facilities:
- Assumes responsibility for the orderliness of the learning environment and the appropriate and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.
- Assumes responsibility for adherence to and monitoring of all licensing regulations and for educating staff on regulations.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must meet all requirements established by the Bureau of Community and Health Systems.
- Compliance with the Bureau of Community and Health Systems including, but not limited to physical/TB test, CPR/First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogen training completion, CPS Child Abuse/Neglect and ICHAT/Fingerprint screening.
- Exemplary work habits verified by previous reference check.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience in an educational setting with school-age children.
- Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.
- Ability to communicate with students, staff, and guardians in a professional manner.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
About Choice Schools Associates
West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, WMAES is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.