Lead Pre-K Teacher (FREE GSRP Program)
Early Spark Academy & Childcare | Southfield, Michigan
$24.00–$30.00 per hour + Eligible Retention Incentives & Tuition Support
Full-Time | Monday–Friday | School-Year Schedule
At Early Spark Academy, we're building one of Metro Detroit's most innovative early learning schools—and we're looking for educators who want to help shape what's next.
We believe exceptional teachers deserve more than a classroom. They deserve supportive leadership, opportunities to grow, time to plan intentionally, and the freedom to create meaningful learning experiences that truly inspire children.
As we launch our FREE Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), we're seeking an experienced, passionate Lead Pre-K Teacher who wants to make a lasting impact while helping build an exceptional early childhood program from the ground up.
If you're looking for a place where your expertise is valued, your voice is heard, and your work makes a difference every day, we'd love to meet you.
What Makes Early Spark Academy Different?
We don't believe in "just getting through the day."
Our classrooms are intentionally designed to foster curiosity, creativity, independence, and meaningful relationships.
Our approach includes:
- Reggio Emilia-inspired learning environments
- Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences
- Hands-on, inquiry-based learning
- Relationship-based teaching
- Social-emotional learning through positive guidance
- Collaborative instructional coaching
- Continuous professional growth
Our teachers are trusted as professionals, encouraged to innovate, and supported every step of the way.
Your Responsibilities
As our Lead Pre-K Teacher, you will:
- Create a welcoming classroom where every child feels safe, confident, and excited to learn
- Design engaging learning experiences aligned with Michigan's GSRP requirements and the Michigan Early Childhood Standards of Quality
- Support children's academic, social-emotional, language, and cognitive development
- Observe, document, and assess children's development and learning using the ASQ, COR, and Reggio Emilia documentation practices
- Build strong partnerships with families through consistent communication and collaboration
- Maintain an organized classroom that reflects children's learning through intentional documentation and engaging learning spaces
- Collaborate with school leadership and instructional coaches to continuously improve teaching practices
- Ensure compliance with Michigan Licensing, GSRP standards, and program quality expectations
Qualifications Required
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education OR Associate's Degree with a compliance plan through Oakland Schools
- Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with an Early Childhood endorsement
- Ability to pass a background check
- Excellent communication, organization, and classroom leadership skills
Preferred
- Previous GSRP teaching experience
- Knowledge of HighScope, CLASS, Creative Curriculum, or other research-based instructional practices
- Experience building strong family partnerships
- Passion for collaborative teaching and continuous learning
- Reliable transportation
Compensation & Benefits - $24.00–$30.00 per hour
Compensation is based on experience, credentials, GSRP experience, and demonstrated instructional excellence.
We Invest in Our Teachers
We offer:
- Paid planning time
- Paid professional development
- Instructional coaching and mentoring
- Leadership and career advancement opportunities
- Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms
- Employee childcare discount
- Paid holidays
- Paid time off
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (eligible employees)
- 401(k) with employer match (eligible employees)
Grow Your Career
Qualifying employees may be eligible for retention incentives, tuition assistance, and educational support through Early Spark Academy's partnership with the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative (MEWI).
At Early Spark Academy, we're creating a culture where educators feel respected, supported, and inspired to do their best work every day.
If you're ready to help build an exceptional GSRP program, work alongside a collaborative leadership team, and make a lasting impact on young learners, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help spark a lifelong love of learning.
Pay: $24.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
