PALADIN INC
Location
Michigan City, Indiana
Support the lead teacher in implementing a multi-lingual, Reggio-Emilia inspired curriculum for infants and preschoolers. Manage classroom safety, conduct child assessments, and build trusting relationships with families through home visits and conferences.
Candidates must hold a CDA credential or be enrolled in a program to obtain one within a year. A valid driver's license, liability insurance, and CPR/First Aid certifications are required.
Classroom Management, Intentional Planning, and Meaningful Assessment Support the lead teacher in organizing and preparing opportunities for children and families to create meaningful connections with community. Always provides a safe environment with supervision of children at all times, consistently applying active supervision and emergency procedures. Assist with planning intentional on-going experiences that enhance the cognitive, social, emotional, linguistic and physical development of young children in cooperation with the Lead teacher Assist with submitting weekly lesson and unit plans that support each child’s identified goals, in cooperation with the Lead Teacher, which reflect an integrated approach across all content areas. Assist with endorsing and implementing the Reggio Emilia Progettazione in alignment with NAEYC, Indiana Early Learning, and Head Start standards. Support the lead teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate behavior management techniques, including Conscious Discipline in alignment with Paladin’s image of the child. Keep necessary reports and documentation, including but not limited to, assessment data, developmental screening, behavior intervention plans, and conference notes. Appropriately implements CACFP procedures and complies with all USDA laws. Family Engagement and Partnerships Assist the lead teacher with planning for, utilizing and training volunteers for the classroom, playground, gross motor area and field trips. Assist lead teacher with providing parents opportunities to give input into the daily curriculum and document input on lesson plans. Assist the lead teacher with planning and implementing meaningful parent engagement opportunities. Attend Parent Meetings. Build respectful, culturally responsive, and trusting relationships with families. Professionalism Engage in effective collegial relationships Interact with other staff using the highest standards of professionalism. Supports team by providing coverage for breaks, lunches, and illnesses as needed Follow all agency policies and procedures Organize time to allow for planning, preparation, and parent/teacher conferences. Responsive to mentor/coaching/management feedback. Demonstrate a willingness to assist lead teacher with implementing new strategies. Provide customer service in reception, greet, and direct visitors at the site. Perform other relevant responsibilities as required by the program or assigned by supervisor. Assist teacher in maintaining a clean, sanitary, safe and welcoming classroom. Model the respectful workplace policy when interacting with Paladin clients, community members, and colleagues. Must be responsible, able to handle confidential material, able to organize effectively and able to work independently. Assure that a positive image of the Paladin is always portrayed. Training responsibilities Maintain current, valid driver’s license and liability insurance at all times on any personal vehicle used to conduct Paladin business. Obtain and keep current Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications. Complete 15 credit hours in ECE and a minimum of 20 hours continuing education, based on individualized professional development plan QualificationsPHYSICAL/MENTAL ABILITIES AND PROCESSES: Ability to create a positive working environment for both children and colleagues. Physical capability, strength and coordination adequate to work with preschool children including, kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor. Required computer literacy: Word processing, database, Internet, spreadsheets, and e-mail. Ability to assist in maintaining computerized records for child/family tracking system. Ability to visually assess the health and behaviors of children. Assist with frequent significant decisions to assure developmental progress of children. Demonstrated ability to supervise preschool children and ensure a safe learning environment including the ability to monitor and respond to events going on at all times in classroom, outdoor play areas and on field trips. This includes the ability to move quickly to respond to very active children and to redirect or physically remove a child in order to ensure their safety or the safety of others in the environment. Ability to utilize teacher preparation time effectively, refrain from engaging in personal business. Ability to exercise professional conduct in the workplace. Conduct oneself with decorum while representing Paladin. Ability to respond appropriately (both mentally and physically) to an emergency or a crisis situation. Uphold all responsibilities for mandated reporting as legally required by the State of Indiana. Assure that a positive image of Paladin is portrayed at all times. Occasional driving for training and job responsibility requirements. Occasional lifting in excess of 50 lbs., occasionally placing children into seats and ability to carry or drag a child in an emergency situation to a safe area. Occasional climbing steps to enter and exit bus.
At minimum, Teacher assistants are to have a CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, or are enrolled in a program that will lead to a CDA within one year of the time of hire. Valid Driver’s License and access to a privately-owned vehicle with liability insurance for use in completing work responsibilities as required. Good verbal and written communications skills. Must have Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certifications within 30 days from date of hire.
Market context
Indiana classroom teacher roles are often in steady demand, especially in districts filling core subject, special education, and elementary openings. Competition can be strong because employers look for state licensure, a bachelor’s degree with relevant coursework, teaching or tutoring experience, and a clear commitment to student success. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page to save research time, then tailor your application to show licensure status, classroom experience, and examples of student support.
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Salary benchmark
$41,689 avg / yr
Typical range: $27,560–$46,000 based on 274 active listings in Indiana