Home Sign in
Careers in Adventist Education Voices of Adventist Educators

Children's Learning Center - Assistant Teacher

Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI
Description

The Crayon Box Children’s Learning Center is looking for a fun, dependable, and energetic teacher to join our team! We’re seeking someone who brings creativity, warmth, and enthusiasm to each day and helps children learn through hands-on play, exploration, and discovery. The ideal candidate supports daily routines, helps implement engaging lessons, and maintains a positive, organized classroom where every child feels loved and valued. Strong teamwork, communication, and reliability are essential as we work together to create a nurturing, Christ-centered learning environment.

Full-time: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. with lunch break.

Come make learning an adventure every day!

 

Duties and responsibilities

The teacher is responsible for supporting a well-managed, nurturing classroom that promotes learning through consistent routines, structure, and clear expectations. Strong classroom management, reliability, and teamwork are essential to this role.

Key Responsibilities:

Support a structured learning environment:

Follow and implement the daily classroom schedule, helping maintain balance among academic instruction, play, meals, rest, and transitions.

Engage children in learning:

Assist in planning and leading age-appropriate lessons and activities that align with The Crayon Box curriculum and promote growth in all developmental areas.

Maintain classroom organization:

Help ensure the classroom and shared spaces are clean, organized, and inviting. Participate in daily care duties such as distributing meals, washing dishes, and tidying materials.

Ensure safety and supervision:

Actively supervise children at all times, indoors, outdoors, and during transitions, to ensure a safe and secure environment.

Promote positive behavior:

Model respectful interactions, encourage appropriate behavior, and use consistent, positive guidance techniques that support social-emotional development.

Collaborate with team members:

Work closely with the other teachers and Director to maintain consistent classroom routines and support the overall program goals.

Communicate effectively:

Maintain clear and professional communication with coworkers, children, and families. Demonstrate strong oral and written English skills.

Demonstrate professionalism:

Uphold The Crayon Box’s mission, policies, and procedures while maintaining a calm, positive, and dependable attitude.

Comply with regulations:

Follow all Crayon Box, local, state, and national standards for child health, safety, and licensing requirements.

Assist as needed:

Perform additional tasks as requested to support smooth classroom operations and overall center success.

 

Supervisory responsibilities

  • May serve as the Staff in Charge whenever the Director is not on the premises, ensuring smooth operations and professional communication with parents, staff, and visitors, including licensing representatives.
  • Independently manage the classroom, maintaining structured routines, safety, and engagement when additional support staff or co-teachers are absent.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to other teachers, student workers, and volunteers, modeling best practices in classroom management and child supervision.
  • Ensure active supervision of all children at all times, indoors and outdoors, promoting their safety, development, and well-being.
  • Maintain a positive learning environment that reflects The Crayon Box’s mission, values, and commitment to structured, play-enhanced learning.
  • Uphold and enforce all Crayon Box policies, procedures, and licensing requirements in every supervisory and instructional capacity.

 

Technical competencies

  • Classroom Technology Tools:
    • Able to confidently use technology commonly found in early childhood classrooms, such as CD players, classroom iPads, digital cameras, and TVs for music, movement, and learning activities.
  • Photo and Video Documentation:
    • Comfortable using phones, tablets, or cameras to capture and document children's activities for learning portfolios, bulletin boards, and parent communication while respecting privacy guidelines.
  • Educational Media Integration:
    • Experience using age-appropriate educational technology (e.g., digital storybooks, songs, Bible stories, movement videos like Yippee, or Christian children's worship videos) to enhance group learning and engagement.
  • Digital Record-Keeping:
    • Ability to assist with maintaining accurate electronic attendance, incident reports, nap charts, and allergy lists using center-approved platforms or software.
  • Basic Technology Troubleshooting:
    • Able to perform simple troubleshooting on common classroom technology (e.g., reconnecting Wi-Fi, recharging tablets, restarting devices) to ensure learning activities continue smoothly.
  • Audio/Visual Equipment:
    • Ability to set up and manage projectors, sound systems, or TVs for special events, story time, or classroom celebrations.
  • Organization of Digital Resources:
    • Helps organize digital teaching resources such as songs, videos, printable activities, and lesson materials on shared drives or devices for easy classroom use.
  • Confidentiality in Technology Use:
    • Understands and follows strict guidelines for maintaining confidentiality and child privacy when using technology for communication, documentation, and record-keeping.
  • Flexibility with Technology:
    • Willing and able to adapt to new technology tools introduced by the center to enhance learning, communication, or administrative processes.

 

Interpersonal interactions

  • Positive Role Model: Demonstrates Christ-like behavior, showing kindness, patience, and respect to children, families, and co-workers.
  • Team Collaboration: Works cooperatively with teachers, assistants, student workers, and administrators to create a supportive environment.
  • Respectful Communication: Speaks and listens with warmth and professionalism, even in challenging situations.
  • Engaging with Children: Builds nurturing relationships through encouragement, active listening, eye contact, and supportive presence.
  • Partnership with Parents: Maintains professional, confidential, and positive communication with families about their child’s day.
  • Conflict Resolution: Handles differences with patience, discretion, and problem-solving, seeking leadership guidance when needed.
  • Encouragement and Support: Uses positive reinforcement to foster joy, cooperation, and teamwork in the classroom.
  • Professional Boundaries: Maintains confidentiality and appropriate boundaries in all interactions.
  • Sensitivity and Inclusion: Respects and supports diverse backgrounds, cultures, and individual needs with empathy.
  • Christ-Centered Commitment: Creates and maintains a faith-filled, supportive environment aligned with the center’s mission.

 

Physical demands

The usual and customary methods of performing this position require the following physical demands:

  • Frequent physical activity, including significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling
  • Regular stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, and balancing
  • Fine motor skills and significant finger dexterity for tasks such as assisting with children’s activities and materials
  • Ability to safely lift and carry young children as needed

The general physical expectations for this role include:

  • 5% sitting
  • 25% walking
  • 70% standing

The work is performed in an early childhood classroom environment which may involve:

  • Exposure to temperature fluctuations (indoor/outdoor transitions, playground supervision)
  • Potential exposure to childhood illnesses and minor injuries typical of working with young children

Staff members are expected to maintain physical stamina, flexibility, and awareness to ensure a safe and engaging environment for all children in their care.

Work environment

The teacher works primarily in an early childhood classroom and outdoor play setting, engaging actively with children throughout the day. The role involves frequent movement, participation in play and learning activities, and maintaining a positive, nurturing environment.

The work environment may include exposure to cleaning products, bodily fluids, and common childhood illnesses. Teachers are responsible for maintaining clean, organized, and safe classroom and playground areas, including light housekeeping such as washing dishes, sanitizing toys, and tidying shared spaces.

All duties must be performed in accordance with The Crayon Box’s health, safety, and supervision policies and state licensing regulations.

 

Required Experience
  • Must be at least 19 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.
  • Minimum 1 year of experience working in an early childhood education center.
  • Completion of MiRegistry-approved training in the following areas:
    • 3 hours each in Program ManagementObservation, Documentation, and Assessment, and Teaching and Learning
    • 6 hours total in any of the following: Interactions and GuidanceChallenging Behaviors, or Trauma-Informed Practices
  • Demonstrated excellence in classroom management, including maintaining structure, establishing clear expectations, and creating a calm, consistent learning environment.
  • Strong time management skills with the ability to balance instructional blocks, transitions, and daily routines efficiently.
  • Excellent understanding of child development and preschool educational methods.
  • Knowledge of safety, sanitation, and licensing guidelines for classrooms.
  • Clear, professional communication and instructional skills.
  • Ability to act as a mediator between children and guide positive behavior choices.
  • Warm, friendly, and dependable personality with sensitivity to the needs of children, families, and staff.
  • Ability to lead and support a team, providing direction and accountability in a respectful, collaborative manner.
  • High level of energy, accuracy, and efficiency in both indoor and outdoor environments.
  • Consistently punctual, organized, and reliable, demonstrating professional responsibility and follow-through.
  • Must share our passion for children and display a genuine love for kids.
  • Willingness to uphold and reflect the center’s philosophy and mission in all actions and interactions.

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

 

For more details and to apply please visit https://www.andrews.edu/admres/jobs/show/staff_hourly

Posted by: Andrews University

Resumé Deadline: Friday, February 13, 2026

Andrews University