Early Head Start Lead Teacher

YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area

Grand Rapids (MI)

On-site

USD 32,000 - 34,000

Full time

8 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

YMCA Family Membership

Childcare Discount

Medical Coverage

Dental & Vision Insurance

HSA

PTO & Holidays

Parental Leave

Retirement Plan

Disability Leave

Life Insurance

Optional Insurance

Pay on Demand

Professional Growth

PSLF

EAP

Job summary

The Early Head Start Lead Teacher at YMCA Jaqueline Baber-Bey Early Childhood Center will plan, develop, and implement EHS classroom activities, providing face-to-face leadership in the program. Responsibilities include preparing materials, communicating with families, and ensuring program requirements are met.

This full-time role offers a sign-on bonus and a competitive compensation package with extensive benefits, including medical coverage, PTO, retirement options, and professional growth

Qualifications

Three to six months childcare related experience required.
Ability to interact with people of diverse backgrounds and ages.
Working knowledge of computers and various software applications.

Responsibilities

Plans and leads daily lesson plans for infants and toddlers.
Organizes and participates in games and activities with children.
Provides weekly lesson plans to parents and daily activity feedback.
Maintains attendance and arrival/departure records.
Supports supervision of children and conducts home visits as needed.
Administers assessments and maintains classroom supplies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Computer skills

Education

Infant Toddler CDA credential

Associate/Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education

Job description

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 Head Start Lead Teacher is responsible for the planning, developing, and implementation of EHS classroom activities and requirements. This position requires face-to-face leadership in this program and may involve early morning responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Plans and leads daily lesson plans
Organizes and participates in games and activities
Provides weekly lesson plans to parents
Provides each participant’s parent with information on individual activities on a daily basis
Prepares materials for daily activities
Maintains records of attendance and arrival and departure times
Maintains supervision of children
Conducts parent-teacher conferences at twice a year
Administers the Brigance and PALS tool
Establishes a working relationship with Early Childhood Specialist, which includes offsite meetings and conferences.
Conducts Home visits twice a year.
Maintains the quality and quantity of supplies, equipment, and materials in the classroom
Disciplines children and recommends or initiates other measures to control behavior
Handles parent concerns
Travel to conference within state and out of state.
Adhering to OHS guidelines and requirements for EHS

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

COMPENSATION

$22.88 - $24.96 ; Full Time; Non-Exempt (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

Infant Toddler CDA credential from an accredited college or Associates/Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education is required for this position. Three to six months childcare 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. Working knowledge of computers and experience with a variety of software applications.

CERTIFICATIONS