The University of Michigan Towsley Children's House has an opening for the position of Associate Teacher.

Towsley Children's House is one of three early childhood programs on the U-M Ann Arbor campus providing care for children from 3 months to 5 years of age. Our centers provide care for close to 500 children of faculty, staff and students from all over the world. The centers employ over 120 staff members, as well as undergraduate student assistants. The play-based, project approach curriculum at Towsley is designed by teams of professional teachers in a manner that is ever-evolving and adapting to meet the needs and interests of the children. Each classroom's teaching team includes two teachers; an associate teacher along with U-M practicum students. We maintain low teacher to child ratios so relationships can flourish. Additional information about the U-M Children's Centers can be found at www.childcare.umich.edu

We are looking for professional teachers who are excited about the prospect of working with children, families and coworkers from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We seek teachers who are eager to learn and grow in their profession, and who can contribute their creativity and experiences in a collaborative manner. Multiple professional development opportunities are provided annually.

The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous time off; a retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions and comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance. Please visit the U-M Benefits web site at www.hr.umich.edu for additional information about benefits. 

University Human Resources seeks to employ a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to sustain the excellence of the university, and to offer our students richly varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning. 

• Provide developmentally appropriate emergent curriculum and responsive care based on project approach investigations.
• Effectively manage groups of young children within state required ratios to ensure a safe and supportive environment including while outside and beyond the boundaries of the center.
• Collaborate and co-participate with children, families, and colleagues to cultivate an environment of respectful and meaningful relationships.
• Utilize technology to effectively document and reflect on the experiences of children for the purpose of assessment, planning, and family engagement.
• Engage in respectful and meaningful dialogue with families and colleagues on a daily basis.
• Participate fully and willingly in weekly team meetings and ongoing study and professional development.

• Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, CDA Credential or an equivalent combination of education and experience is necessary.
• Ability to work closely with a team to develop classroom curriculum and foster positive relationships with children, families and coworkers.
• Ability to learn and implement nature centered, project approach investigations in the classroom and in forest spaces around campus.
• Ability to stay in a stationary position and/or move for several hours at a time in all weather conditions.

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. 
• Proficiency in the area of adapting the environment and activities to meet the needs of all children.
• Strength in creating partnerships with children, families and colleagues.
• Experience designing curriculum responsive to children's emerging interests and/or familiarity with emergent curriculum, nature centered philosophy, and Project Approach investigations.

Other requirements include: 

• Ability to move, hold and position oneself when interacting with children and objects up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to occasionally access/use equipment in classroom facilities. Must be able to interact and move around with children in such a way as to fully participate in classroom activities.
• Ability to supervise and interact with children outdoors for extended periods of varied weather conditions.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.