Early Learning Lead Teacher

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; 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

Job summary

The David D. Hunting YMCA is seeking a Lead Teacher to plan, develop, and implement Wobbler classroom activities with face‑to‑face leadership. The role may include early morning responsibilities and requires organizing daily lesson plans and communicating with parents.

Applicants should have an Associate’s degree or Preschool CDA, with BA preferred, and some childcare experience. The position offers full‑time hours and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or Preschool CDA required.
• Bachelor’s Degree (BA) preferred; six months to one year childcare related experience; or equivalent.
• Ability to interact with people of all backgrounds, ages and lifestyles; willing to work with infants, toddlers, preschool and school age children.
• Working knowledge of computers and experience with a variety of software applications; YMCA experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plans and leads daily lesson plans.
• Organizes and participates in games and activities.
• Provides weekly lesson plans to parents.
• Provides daily information to parents on individual activities.
• Prepares materials for daily activities.
• Maintains attendance and arrival/departure records.
• Maintains supervision of children.
• Conducts parent‑teacher conferences at least annually.
• Maintains supplies, equipment, and materials in the classroom.
• Disciples children and initiates behavior-management measures.
• Handles parent concerns.

Education

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or Preschool CDA

Bachelor’s Degree (BA) preferred

Tools

Computers and software applications

Job description

This position is for a Lead Teacher at the David D. Hunting YMCA.

Applicants must be available Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 6:00. The schedule may consist of four 10‑hour shifts or a traditional five‑day workweek. Specific scheduling details can be discussed upon hire.

Position Summary

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the planning, developing, and implementation of Wobbler classroom activities. 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 least annually
• 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

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

Compensation

$17.09 - $21.36 ; 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

QUALIFICATIONS

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or Preschool CDA required. Bachelor’s Degree (BA) preferred; six months to one year childcare related experience; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles. Ability and desire to work with infants, toddlers, preschool and school age children. Working knowledge of computers and experience with a variety of software applications. YMCA experience preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS

• 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

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.