Great Start Readiness Program Lead Teacher

YMCA; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; 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 (PTO)

Paid Parental Leave

Retirement Savings 12%

Paid Disability Leave

Life Insurance

Optional Insurance

Pay on Demand

Professional Growth

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Association is seeking a Lead Teacher for the Great Start Readiness Program for the 2026/2027 school year. This full-time role requires face-to-face leadership Monday–Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, with responsibilities to plan daily lessons and manage classroom activities.

The position involves home visits, conferences, and collaboration with Early Childhood Specialists, while maintaining documentation, attendance, and program standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with endorsement.
• Six months to one year childcare related experience.
• Ability to interact with people of diverse backgrounds and families.

Responsibilities

• Plans and leads daily lesson plans.
• Organizes and participates in games and activities.
• Provides weekly lesson plans to parents.
• Provides parents with information on activities.
• Conducts parent-teacher conferences twice a year.
• Maintains supplies, equipment, and materials in the classroom.
• Adheres to MDE guidelines for GSRP and travel to conferences as needed.

Skills

Childcare experience

Interpersonal skills

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (endorsement)

Tools

MS Office

Educational software

Job description

Now hiring for the 2026/2027 school year!

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Great Start Readiness Program Lead Teacher is responsible for the planning, developing, and implementation of GSRP preschool classroom activities and requirements. This position requires face-to-face leadership in this program requires Monday - Friday availability, 8 AM to 4 PM.

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 too
• 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 MDE guidelines and requirements for GSRP

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

COMPENSATION

$22.88 - $24.96 ; 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

Bachelor’s Degree (BA) in early childhood education or child development with endorsement 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 preschool children and their families. Working knowledge of computers and experience with a variety of software applications. YMCA experience preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

• 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.