Research Assistant, Lead Teacher, College of Education, Early Childhood Center

Updated: about 3 hours ago
Location: Detroit, MICHIGAN

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant, Lead Teacher, College of Education, Early Childhood Center at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.


Position Purpose:

Assume and maintain responsibility for the day-to-day operations of a preschool classroom including: 

Planning and implementing developmentally appropriate early childhood curricula;

Developing weekly lesson plans, organizing programs based upon knowledge of child development and individual needs of children;

Supervising classroom staff, coaching and mentoring College of Education early childhood education student teachers and student assistants;

Recording and maintaining student records; assessing, tracking and documenting children’s progress and achievement using authentic child assessment methods;

Conducting home visits and parent-teacher conferences.

Essential Functions:

Conducting team planning sessions with classroom staff and COE student teachers once a week to plan, implement and evaluate curriculum and plan strategies for children.

Participating in staff development activities.

Communicating with families in various formats including; individual daily contact, the Brightwheel app, parent/staff meetings, and preparation of newsletters.

Acting as a role model for children, students, parents, and staff.

Teaching a maximum of 16 preschoolers at the College of Education Early Childhood Center.

Seeking resources for children with developmental needs or delays.

Working collaboratively with the teaching team, children, families, researchers and staff to carry out the College of Educations Early Childhood Center's mission and philosophy as outlined by the Center Director and Executive Director.

Participating in weekly staff meetings.

Attending professional development training sessions.

Attending all staff in-service training.

Participating in periodic performance review and annual evaluation with the center director.

Assisting graduate students and faculty with research involving preschool children and their families.

Acting as liaison between parents and research staff.

Hiring Criteria:

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Comprehensive Background Check.


Wayne State University Background Check.


Completion of all personnel employment forms for Wayne State University.


Completion of job application and job interview.


Submission of resume.


Submission of required credentials (diploma, degree, transcripts, etc.).


Minimum Qualifications:

B.S. or B.A. in Elementary Education with a major in Early Childhood Education and a valid Michigan Elementary Teaching Certificate with ZA or ZS Endorsement or a Birth-Kindergarten Teaching Certificate.

Experience working with preschool-aged children.

Experience with curriculum development and classroom management in an early childhood education program.

Knowledge of and experience with implementing The Project Approach curriculum.

Experience with using authentic assessment to document children's growth and development.

Experience using the Teaching Strategies GOLD child assessment tool.

Experience using conflict resolution to promote social problem solving with young children.

Effective leadership and interpersonal skills with children, parents, staff, and university students.

Evidence of professional commitment to the field of early childhood education.


Preferred Qualifications:

Teaching experience with young children who have developmental delays or disabilities. Experience using the ASQ-III child screening tool. Current Pediatric, Child, and Adult CPR and First Aid Certification. Knowledge of the National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) accreditation criteria, Michigan's Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Birth-Kindergarten, and Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Child Care Licensing Rules and Regulations. Knowledge of and experience with the Michigan Quality Rating and Improvement System, Great Start to Quality (GSQ). Experience teaching in a NAEYC accredited early childhood program. Experience supervising and mentoring student teachers.


School/College/Division:

H02 - College of Education


Primary department:

H0250 - Teacher Education


Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Salary minimum: To be determined
  • Salary hire maximum: $53,045

Working conditions:

Normal office environment.


Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 1
  • Reposted position: Yes
  • Reposted reason: Supercedes Previous Requisition
  • Prior posting/requisition number: REQ 2811

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.



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