Now hiring for Fall 2026! 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 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. GSRP programming is 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday - Thursday.

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.

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.