Early Learning Lead Teacher

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA family membership

50% childcare discount

Medical coverage

Dental and vision insurance

HSA contributions

3 weeks PTO + 9 holidays

Paid parental leave

Retirement savings plan (403(b))

Life insurance

Pay on demand

Professional growth

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is seeking a Lead Teacher for the Generations Child Development program in Grand Rapids. This role focuses on planning and implementing Wobbler classroom activities with daily lesson delivery and strong family communication.

Full-time, Monday–Friday, with morning responsibilities and opportunities for growth. Qualifications include a Degree in Early Childhood Education or CDA, BA preferred, and childcare experience.

Qualifications

• Degree in Early Childhood Education or CDA required.
• Bachelor’s Degree (BA) preferred.
• Six months to one year childcare related experience or equivalent education/training.

Responsibilities

• Plans and leads daily lesson plans.
• Organizes games and activities.
• Provides weekly lesson plans to parents.
• Communicates daily activity details to parents.
• Prepares materials for daily activities.
• Maintains attendance and arrival/departure records.
• Maintains supervision of children.
• Conducts annual parent-teacher conferences.
• Manages supplies and classroom materials.
• Disciplines children and addresses behavior.
• Handles parent concerns.
• Performs other duties as needed by YMCA.

Skills

Leadership

Lesson planning

Parent communication

Classroom management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (BA) in Early Childhood Education

CDA Certification

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

Description

Join the Generations Child Development 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. Start your journey with the Y and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families!

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. Full-time, Monday - Friday availability required.

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 activitiesMaintains 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

Degree in Early Childhood Education or 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.