Great Start Readiness Program Associate Teacher

Nichols College; Dudley (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; 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 (3 weeks) + 9 holidays

Paid Parental Leave

Retirement Savings Plan (403b)

Pay on Demand

Professional Growth Opportunities

PSLF Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Association is hiring a Great Start Readiness Program Associate Teacher to support planning, development and implementation of preschool activities. Face-to-face leadership is required with Monday–Friday 8 AM to 4 PM availability, in a classroom setting.

The role emphasizes assisting the Lead Teacher, engaging with children, communicating with parents, and preparing daily materials. Full-time, non-exempt position with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Six months to one year childcare related experience; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Working knowledge of computers and experience with a variety of software applications.

Responsibilities

• Assists Lead Teacher 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 Lead Teacher with parent-teacher conferences as needed
• Efficiently communicates with classroom teaching team

Skills

Childcare

Communication

Education

Degree in Early Childhood Education or CDA

Six months to one year childcare experience

Job description

Great Start Readiness Program Associate Teacher

Recruitment began on August 6, 2026

and the job listing Expires on September 6, 2026

Now hiring for the 2026/2027 school year!

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Great Start Readiness Program Associate Teacher will assist in the planning, developing, and implementing of preschool classroom activities for programs. This position requires face-to-face leadership in this program requires Monday – Friday availability, 8 AM to 4 PM.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

• Assists Lead Teacher 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 Lead Teacher with parent-teacher conferences as needed
• Efficiently communicates with classroom teaching team

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

COMPENSATION

$18.14 – $20.15 ; Full-time, Non-Exempt (40 hours/week)

FULL TIME 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. 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, and preschool children. Working knowledge of computers and experience with a variety of software applications.

CERTIFICATIONS

• CPR Certification required within the first 60 days
• First Aid Certification required within the first 60 days
• State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT)
• 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.