Head Start Lead Teacher

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids (MI)

On-site

USD 32,000 - 34,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA Family Membership

50% Childcare Discount

Comprehensive Medical Coverage

Dental and Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account

Paid Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

Retirement Savings (403(b))

Paid Disability Leave

Life Insurance

Optional Insurance

Pay on Demand

Professional Growth

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids invites applications for the Head Start Lead Teacher at the Grand Rapids Central Station Early Childhood Center. This role leads Wobbler classroom activities, plans daily lessons, and ensures engaging activities for children while partnering with families.

Full-time, Monday through Friday, with duties including parent conferences, attendance tracking, and maintaining classroom materials.

Qualifications

Six months to one year childcare related experience
Working knowledge of computers and experience with a variety of software applications
Bachelor’s Degree preferred; Degree in Early Childhood Education or CDA required

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Childcare experience

Interpersonal skills

Computer skills

Education

Degree in Early Childhood Education

CDA

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Head Start Lead Teacher

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

About this position

Description:

Join our team at the new Grand Rapids Central Station Early Childhood Center, located within The Rapid Central Station, creating an environment to meet families where they live. The center prioritizes delivering accessible, affordable early care and education to children and wraparound services to whole families and the broader community at an intersection of transportation and childcare needs.

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 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

$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:

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