Early Head Start 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

50% Childcare Discount

Comprehensive Medical Coverage

Dental and Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

Retirement Savings

Life Insurance

Optional Insurance

Pay on Demand

Professional Growth

Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids in Grand Rapids, Michigan invites applicants for the Early Head Start Assistant Teacher role. The position supports planning and delivering age-appropriate activities, with daily hands-on leadership and strong parent communication. Eligibility includes an associate's degree or CDA and at least one year in a childcare setting.

Availability Monday–Friday is required. The role offers a competitive hourly wage with a sign-on bonus and comprehensive benefits, including

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or CDA preferred; enrollment in CDA or degree program required.
• At least one year of childcare center experience or equivalent.
• Ability to interact with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to care for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, developing, and implementing classroom activities.
• Lead daily lesson plans with supervision and direction.
• Engage actively with children in the classroom.
• Assist with daily parent communication and materials preparation.
• Maintain attendance, arrival, and departure records; supervise children.

Skills

Child engagement

Lesson planning

Parent communication

Team collaboration

Education

Associate's degree

CDA certification

Job description

Early Head Start Assistant Teacher

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

About this position

Description:

Join the YMCA Jaqueline Baber-Bey Early Childhood Center 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 programs. This position requires face-to-face leadership in this program. Must be available Monday - Friday.

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)

BENEFITS

• Free YMCA Family Membership – Enjoy full access to facilities & program discounts for you and your family!
• 50% Childcare Discount – Discount is off the regular rate for each child enrolled in a YMCA childcare program, excluding the infant room.
• Comprehensive Medical Coverage – Up to 93% employer paid plan options through Blue Care Network.
• Dental and Vision Insurance – low-cost coverage options.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Receive up to $1,040 in employer contributions each year to help cover qualified medical expenses.
• Generous Paid Time Off – Beginning with 3 weeks of PTO per year, plus 9 paid holidays.
• Paid Parental Leave – Dedicated time off to support you during the arrival or adoption of a child.
• Retirement Savings – 12% employer retirement contribution, no match requirement (upon eligibility) and a 403(b) savings plan.
• Paid Disability Leave – short & long term disability coverage.
• Life Insurance – employer paid life insurance, plus voluntary coverage for the entire family.
• Optional Insurance – Customize your coverage with options like accident, hospital, pet, and legal insurance, plus more to fit your lifestyle and needs.
• Pay on Demand – Access your earned wages before payday.
• Professional Growth – Access to ongoing training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities.
• Loan Forgiveness – Eligible employees can also take advantage of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential resources and counseling for you and your family.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS

Associate's degree or CDA PREFERRED, or proof of current enrollment in CDA or college level degree program required; and at least one year childcare center related experience; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required. 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

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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

TRAVEL:

0 - 5% of local travel within the state of Michigan; occasional out-of-state travel may be required for educational conferences or training

PM21

Salary Information

$15.21 - $19.01Hourly Wage