Positions: Hiring for the 2026-27 school year (Aug 2026-June 2027). Please indicate the role you're applying for on your application.
- Preschool Lead Teacher (Full time)
- Preschool Associate Teacher (Full time)
- Preschool Associate Teacher (Part time)
Required Qualifications
Lead Teacher:
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
- Minimum 2 years as a Lead Teacher in a structured early childhood program
- Understanding of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, or constructivist-aligned educational philosophies
- Knowledge of child development and differentiated instruction
- Experience with documentation, assessment, and student portfolios
- Ability to lead small-group, individualized instruction
- Ability to stand, sit on the floor, lift classroom materials, and actively engage with children throughout the day.
Associate Teacher
- Associate’s Degree or CDA in Early Childhood Education (or related field)
- Strong foundational knowledge of early childhood development
- Experience working in a structured classroom environment
- Strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to stand, sit on the floor, lift classroom materials, and actively engage with children throughout the day.
Preferred Qualifications
Lead Teacher:
- 3–5+ years in progressive early childhood programs
- 1+ year experience teaching using Reggio Emilia, or Montessori, or constructivist-aligned educational philosophies
- Strong classroom management within a child-centered, inquiry-based environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Associate Teacher:
- Experience in a curriculum-based early childhood program
- Exposure to Reggio Emilia, Montessori, or inquiry-based learning
- Bachelor’s Degree in ECE or related field
- Interest in growing into a Lead Teacher role over time
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Pay:
- Preschool Lead Teacher: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour
- Preschool Associate Teacher: $18.00 - $21 per hour
Standout Benefits:
- All teachers are eligible for a large number of (optional) benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, short-term disability, supplemental insurance, paid holidays, relaxed summer hours, and employee tuition discount.
- In addition, full time teachers are eligible for a $1000 sign-on bonus and 4 weeks of paid time off.
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Company Description:
Ivybrook Academy Ann Arbor is a preschool that recognizes each child as an individual with unique strengths, abilities, and learning styles. Educators intentionally observe and build relationships with children to tailor instruction to their specific needs. The school offers a Reggio-Emilia and Montessori inspired curriculum that encourages exploration, creativity, and independence. Learning experiences are designed to nurture children’s natural curiosity while building foundational academic, social, and emotional skills. Ivybrook Academy Ann Arbor provides a collaborative, supportive environment for both children and educators. We welcome students from 18 months to 6 years of age.
Website: https://www.ivybrookacademy.com/ann-arbor/
Job Location: 5950 S State Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Meet our Staff: https://www.ivybrookacademy.com/ann-arbor/our-people/
Check out our Google reviews: https://bit.ly/ivybrookaareviews
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School hours:
- Half Day: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
- Full Day: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (ages 2 and older ONLY)
- Our program follows the local public-school calendar over ten months.
- We offer a summer camp program for students 2 to 6 years of age.
At Ivybrook Academy, our educators are intentional curriculum designers, implementers, observers, and facilitators of learning.
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What You’ll Do as a Preschool Lead Teacher
- Implement an emergent, inquiry-based curriculum
- Lead small-group, individualized instruction based on student needs
- Translate observations into intentional lesson plans and provocations
- Create high-quality documentation panels that make learning visible
- Maintain ongoing assessment and developmental tracking
- Collaborate with a team committed to reflective practice and excellence
- Prepare and lead portfolio development and parent communication
- Attend meetings, professional development sessions, and school functions.
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuing education and professional growth.
- Provide exceptional customer service to students, families, and the community.
What You'll Do as a Preschool Associate Teacher
- Help implement lesson plans and learning experiences aligned with our curriculum
- Support and gradually lead small-group or whole group instruction
- Contribute to emergent, inquiry-based learning experiences
- Assist in creating and maintaining student documentation and portfolios
- Support ongoing assessment and developmental tracking
- Collaborate with the Lead Teacher in daily planning and reflection
- Help maintain a structured, intentional classroom environment
- Build strong, professional relationships with students and families
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What a Day Looks Like for a Preschool Lead Teacher
In an Ivybrook classroom, teaching is intentional, collaborative, and evolving. In a typical day, you will:
- Lead a morning checkpoint with the teaching team to review the day’s plan, align on instructional goals, and prepare for a successful classroom experience
- Students arrive; you observe as students work on targeted provocations
- Morning Schedule includes: Guiding small-group and whole group lessons (literacy/math/sensory/inquiry). During emergent investigations you observe children’s interests, identify a meaningful question, and intentionally guide deeper learning through small groups, provocations and document thinking through photos, notes and dialogue.
- Midday Reflection – You collaborate with your co-teacher or mentor to plan curriculum and adjust plans based on observations
- Afternoon Schedule includes: Providing individualized instruction aligned with developmental goals to build depth, whole group instruction in inquiry-based learning
- End of Day – You update documentation, assessments, and prepare meaningful communication for families
This is a role for educators who want to think, reflect, design, and grow.
What a Day Looks Like for a Preschool Associate Teacher
- Participate in a morning checkpoint with the teaching team to review the day’s plan, align on instructional goals, and prepare for a successful classroom experience
- Support arrival and guide students in purposeful, structured choice work
- Assist in implementing curriculum-based lesson plans designed by the teaching team
- Help facilitate smooth, consistent transitions throughout the day
- Support and gradually lead small-group, individualized instruction alongside the Lead Teacher
- Work collaboratively to guide an emergent investigation or project
- Help document student learning through photos, notes, and work samples
- Contribute to maintaining student portfolios, assessment notes, and developmental observations
- Participate in daily reflection and collaboratively adjust plans based on student observations
- Engage in weekly curriculum planning meetings with Lead Teachers and mentors to deepen instructional practice
- Share responsibility for all classroom care routines, including cleaning and organizational protocols, diapering and potty-training support
- Help maintain a calm, organized, and intentional classroom environment that supports independence and engagement
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Why Ivybrook
- Competitive salary (based on experience and education)
- Health, dental, and vision benefits (Full-time only)
- Annual performance bonus
- PTO aligned with local public-school calendar
- Professional, collaborative environment
- Work-life balance (no before/after care responsibilities)
- Clear pathway for professional growth and advancement
- Ongoing professional development
Important Note
- All candidates must meet Michigan Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers.
- Please indicate the role you're applying for on your application.
Ivybrook Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation.
Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour
Expected hours: 25.0 – 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Early childhood education: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Ann Arbor, MI 48108 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Ann Arbor, MI 48108: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
