Preschool Lead Teacher

YMCA; Michigan; On-site; USD 24,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA Individual Membership

Retirement Savings

Paid Sick Time

Professional Growth

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids seeks a Lead Teacher for the Wobbler program to plan and implement engaging preschool activities. The role requires face-to-face leadership with weekday hours from 6:20–8:45 AM and/or 3:15–6:00 PM, supporting infants to school-age children.

The position emphasizes lesson planning, parent communication, and maintaining a safe, organized classroom. Prior YMCA experience is preferred, with a degree in ECE or a CDA and CPR/First Aid in the first 60 days.

Qualifications

• Degree in Early Childhood Education or CDA required.
• Bachelor’s Degree (BA) preferred; six months to one year childcare experience.
• Ability to interact with people of all backgrounds and ages; work with various children.
• Working knowledge of computers and experience with 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 parents with information on daily activities.
• Prepares materials for daily activities.
• Maintains attendance and check-in/out records.
• Maintains classroom supervision and safety.
• Conducts annual parent–teacher conferences.
• Maintains supplies, equipment, and materials.
• Disciplines children and handles behavior concerns.
• Handles parent concerns and communicates effectively.

Skills

Childcare experience

Parent communication

Record keeping

Education

Early childhood education degree

CDA certified

BA preferred

Job description

Description

School Locations: Paris Ridge Elementary, Caledonia Elementary, Dutton, Emmons Lake and Kettle Lake

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.This position is looking for weekday availability 6:20 - 8:45 AM; and/or 3:15 - 6:00 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 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 ; Non-Exempt, Part-Time (up to 25 hours/week)

BENEFITS

• Free YMCA Individual Membership – Enjoy full access to facilities.
• Retirement Savings – 12% employer retirement contribution, no match requirement (upon eligibility) and a 403(b) savings plan.
• Paid Sick Time – Earn paid sick leave so you can focus on feeling your best when it matters most.
• Professional Growth – Access to ongoing training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities.
• 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.