Childcare Assistant Teacher

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA Family Membership

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

9 Paid Holidays per year

403(b) retirement savings account

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is hiring an Early Learning Assistant Teacher in Grand Rapids, MI. The role supports infant, toddler, and preschool programs by planning, developing, and implementing classroom activities on-site with flexible hours between 6 AM and 6 PM.

As a non-exempt position, you may work full-time (40 hours/week) or part-time up to 25 hours/week. A sign-on bonus is available for qualifying new hires and benefits include membership discounts, insurance, PTO, and retirement

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or CDA preferred; enrollment in CDA or college degree program acceptable.
• 3–6 months childcare related experience; or equivalent education/training.
• Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles.

Responsibilities

• Assists Site Coordinator/Supervisor in developing and leading daily lesson plans.
• Actively engages with children in the classroom.
• Assists with daily parent communication.
• Prepares materials for daily activity.
• Maintains records of attendance, arrival, and departure times.
• Maintains supervision of children.
• Assists with parent-teacher conferences as needed.
• Communicates effectively with the classroom teaching team.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Childcare experience

Education

Associate's degree or CDA

Job description

Childcare Assistant Teacher

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

About this position

Join the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids and earn a sign-on bonus! New hires for Early Learning who apply on or after October 12 and start before November 16, 2026, are eligible for a sign-on bonus. Full-time staff can earn up to $800 throughout their first year, while part-time staff working an average of at least 10 hours per week can earn up to $500. Start your journey with the Y and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families!

Position Summary

The Early Learning Assistant Teacher will assist in the planning, developing, and implementing of classroom activities for infant, toddler, or preschool programs. This position requires on site, face-to-face leadership. Center hours vary by location, but generally require flexible scheduling between 6 AM and 6 PM.

Essential Functions

• Assists Site Coordinator/Supervisor in developing and leading daily lesson plans
• Actively engages with children in the classroom
• Assists with daily parent communication
• Prepares materials for daily activity
• Maintains records of attendance, arrival, and departure times
• Maintains supervision of children
• Assists Site Supervisor with parent-teacher conferences as needed
• Efficiently communicates with classroom teaching team

Performs any other functions deemed to be necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Association

Compensation

$15.21 - $19.01 ; Non-Exempt, Full-Time (40 hours/week) or Part-Time (up to 25 hours/week)

Full Time Benefits

• Free YMCA Family Membership!
• 50% discount off the regular rate for each child registered in a YMCA childcare program. Full-time YMCA employees working in a licensed childcare program will receive a 50% discount on all Early Learning (excluding infant room), School-Age, and Day Camp registrations.
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off, beginning at 3 weeks per year
• 9 Paid Holidays per year
• 12% retirement contribution upon eligibility, learn more here
• 403(b) retirement savings account
• The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. More information can be found here.
• Paid Parental Leave
• Long term disability, basic life insurance and other voluntary benefits
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program and resources for you and your family
• Community Discounts, and more!

Part Time Benefits

• Free YMCA Individual Membership
• 12% retirement contribution upon eligibility, learn more here.
• 403(b) retirement savings account
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program and resources for you and your family
• Community Discounts, and more!

Requirements

Associate's degree or CDA PREFERRED, or proof of current enrollment in CDA or college level degree program required; three to six months childcare related experience; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience preferred. Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles. Ability and desire to work with and care for infants, toddler, and preschool children.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Blood Borne Pathogen training
• CPR Certification required within the first 60 days
• First Aid Certification required within the first 60 days
• State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT)
• Fingerprinting
• DHS clearance
• Negative T.B. skin test
• Documentation of physical exam

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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