Preschool Lead Teacher

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

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA Membership

12% retirement contribution

Paid sick time

Professional growth programs

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The Lead Teacher at YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids oversees the planning, development, and execution of Wobbler classroom activities. The role may involve early morning responsibilities and requires weekday availability from 7:00 to 8:30 AM and/or 3:00 to 5:30 PM at off-site Thornapple Kellogg locations.

New hires can receive a sign-on bonus of up to $500 with eligibility for hours averaging at least 10 per week, and a shift premium of $2/hour for days with both before- and after-school hours.

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.

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 daily.
• Prepares materials for daily activities.
• Maintains records of attendance and arrival/departure times.
• Maintains supervision of children.
• Conducts parent-teacher conferences at least annually.
• Maintains quality and quantity of supplies, equipment, and materials.
• Disciplines children and initiates other measures to control behavior.
• Handles parent concerns.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Childcare experience

Basic computer skills

Education

Degree in Early Childhood Education

CDA credential

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Tools

Software applications

Job description

Description

Join the YMCA’s Before & After School team serving students at off-site school locations throughout Thornapple Kellogg Schools! Staff who work both before-school and after-school program hours on the same day receive an additional

Join the YMCA’s Before & After School team serving students at off-site school locations throughout Thornapple Kellogg Schools! Staff who work both before-school and after-school program hours on the same day receive an additional $2/hour shift premium. Plus, earn a sign-on bonus! New hires who apply on or after October 12 and start before November 16, 2026, are eligible for a sign-on bonus of up to $500 for staff averaging at least 10 hours per week. 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. This position is looking for weekday availability 7:00 - 8:30 AM; and/or 3:00 - 5:30 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.