Preschool Co-Teacher at a nature-based preschool

Preschool Co-Teacher — Nature-Based Preschool Building Blocks Preschool | Highland, MI $18.00–$21.50/hr | Full-Time | Paid Time Off | 11 Paid Holidays

This isn't your average preschool job.

Some of our teachers have been here for years — and it shows. At Building Blocks Preschool, you're not walking into a revolving door. You're joining a tight-knit team that knows each other, supports each other, and genuinely loves coming to work. Our families are involved, our classrooms are alive, and our "outdoor classroom" extends all the way to the trails at Highland State Recreation Area — where yes, enjoying sunshine and exploring nature with curious kids is literally part of the job.

What Makes Building Blocks Different

• Reggio-Inspired, emergent curriculum — we follow the children's interests, not a script
• Nature-based learning on-site and on the trails at Highland State Recreation Area
• Small class sizes with low teacher-to-child ratios so real relationships can grow
• Weekly dedicated planning and documentation time with your co-teacher — built into your schedule, not an afterthought
• A collaborative team that talks about pedagogy, provocations, and learning stories
• Support for TEACH grant recipients to grow your education and credentials

What You'll Be Doing

• Co-teaching with a lead teacher to plan and implement Reggio-Inspired, nature-based curriculum
• Observing and documenting children's learning through portfolios, learning stories, and documentation panels
• Spending real, meaningful time outdoors with children in every season
• Supporting social-emotional development using restorative practices
• Building relationships with families through regular communication and involvement activities
• Conducting developmental screenings (Ages & Stages) twice per year
• Participating in weekly co-teacher debriefs and staff meetings
• Following Michigan licensing rules and Great Start to Quality standards

What We're Looking For

You need to have:

• An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field — OR a valid Center-Based Preschool CDA credential

It's a bonus if you have:

• Experience working with children ages 3–5
• Familiarity with Reggio-Inspired or Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP)
• Understanding of social-emotional learning and restorative practices
• Experience writing learning stories or maintaining child portfolios
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to get certified)
• A self-starter attitude — you notice what needs to be done and you do it

You Might Be Our Person If You...

• Feel genuinely excited when a child discovers something for the first time
• Want colleagues who geek out about documentation and emergent curriculum
• Are comfortable being outside in October. And January. (Really — it's magical.)
• Believe families are partners, not just pickups and drop-offs
• Are looking for a place to grow, not just a job to fill

The Details

• Pay: $18.00–$21.50/hr based on experience and education
• Schedule: Full-time, 8 hours/day | 8:15 AM – 5:15 PM (30–60 min unpaid break)
• Benefits: 11 paid holidays | Paid time off | Weekly planning time | Professional development | TEACH grant support
• Start date: Immediate — this role is open now

Ready to Apply?

Hit the Apply button above — it only takes a few minutes. We review applications as they come in and will be in touch quickly.

Learn more about our program at www.buildingblocksschool.com Building Blocks Preschool is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $21.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing to have a background check?

• Do you live within 30 minutes of Highland, MI 48356

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• teaching preschool: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Highland, MI 48356 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Highland, MI 48356: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person