Childcare Lead Teacher

Company: YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
Location: Grand Rapids
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: OUR CULTURE: Guiding Principles describe our behaviors to support our organization’s work throughout its life in all circumstances, irrespective of changes in goals, strategies, and leadership. Our Guiding Principles are as follows: We CULTIVATE -We grow staff and volunteer leaders who will be stewards of the Y mission, resources, and opportunities. We OWN -We think long-term and act on behalf of the organization, beyond our own team. We WELCOME -We are inclusive of all people and all communities. We SERVE -We provide timely and excellent service to members, volunteers, community, and each other. We LEARN -We are never done learning and always seek to improve. We are curious about new possibilities and act to explore them. We UNITE -We work together to achieve big goals and speak as one voice. We RESPECT -We treat others with kindness and speak positively about other people in all situations. We PLAY -We celebrate, appreciate, and have fun! The YMCA of Great Grand Rapids utilizes a Membership By Design framework, which is a member involvement and community building model for YMCAs across the country. All staff members—front-line, management, full- and part-time—and volunteers have a role to play in member engagement. These responsibilities can be broken into six steps: Enrollment: Staff and volunteers encourage potential members to enroll in programs and activities that meet their needs. Satisfaction: Staff and volunteers ask members continually about their satisfaction with a program or activity, track responses, listen to suggestions, and respond promptly in a manner consistent with the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Relationship Building: Staff and volunteers are open, friendly, and approachable to all YMCA members and participants. Staff and volunteers initiate interaction with and between members. Education and Conversion: Staff and volunteers know about and share their knowledge of the YMCA, its programs, its policies, its mission, its values, and how it benefits members and the community. Volunteerism and Leadership: Staff and volunteers create opportunities for members to volunteer in their areas of interest, and they ask members to do so whenever appropriate. Ownership: Staff and volunteers encourage members to “own” the YMCA, using words such as “we,” “us,” and “our association” (and actions that match those words) to include members as well as staff and volunteers. POSITION SUMMARY: The Early Learning Lead Teacher is responsible for the planning, developing, and implementation of classroom activities for infant, toddler, and preschool programs. This position requires on site, face-to-face leadership. Center hours vary by location, but generally requires full-time, flexible scheduling between 7 AM and 6 PM, Monday through Friday. PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES 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 ; Full-Time; Non-Exempt (40 hours/week) BENEFITS Free YMCA Family Membership and program discounts! 50% discount off the regular rate for each child registered in a YMCA childcare program. Full-time YMCA employees working in a licensed childcare program will receive a 50% discount on all Early Learning (toddler - preschool), School-Age, and Day Camp registrations. Health/Dental/Vision Insurance Paid Time Off, beginning at 3 weeks per year 9 Paid Holidays per year 12% retirement contribution upon eligibility, learn more here 403(b) retirement savings account The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. More information can be found here. Paid Parental Leave Long term disability, basic life insurance and other voluntary benefits Ongoing training and development opportunities Access to the Employee Assistance Program and resources for you and your family Community Discounts, and more! Requirements: QUALIFICATIONS Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or Infant/Toddler CDA PREFERRED, or proof of current enrollment in CDA or college level Early Childhood Education program 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 DHS clearance Negative T.B. skin test 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. PM21 Compensation details: 17.09-21.36 Hourly Wage PI7e25a00df530-25405-38316021

Keywords: YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, East Lansing , Childcare Lead Teacher, Education / Teaching , Grand Rapids, Michigan