Our 2026 Hiring Report is out — see what 146,050 job postings say about getting hired.

Read the report →
JOB DETAILS

Early Learning Lead Teacher

CompanyYMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
LocationGrand Rapids
Work ModeOn Site
PostedSeptember 2, 2026
About The Company
The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is a powerful association of men, women, and children from all ages and from all walks of life, joined together by a shared commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. Our impact is felt every day with a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
About the Role

Description

This position is for a Lead Teacher at the David D. Hunting YMCA. Applicants must be available Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 6:00. The schedule may consist of four 10-hour shifts or a traditional five-day workweek. Specific scheduling details can be discussed upon hire.


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. 


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 ; 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

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or Preschool 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.



Key Skills
Lesson planningClassroom managementChild supervisionParent communicationEarly childhood educationInstructional leadershipRecord keepingConflict resolutionComputer literacyFirst aidCPRBehavior management
Categories
EducationSocial Services
Benefits
Free YMCA family membership50% childcare discountComprehensive medical coverageDental insuranceVision insuranceHealth savings accountPaid time offPaid holidaysPaid parental leaveRetirement savingsPaid disability leaveLife insuranceAccident insuranceHospital insurancePet insuranceLegal insurancePay on demandProfessional growthLoan forgivenessEmployee assistance program
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Lead Teacher is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing daily lesson plans and activities for the Wobbler classroom. They also maintain classroom supervision, manage supplies, and conduct parent-teacher conferences.
📋Job Type
full time
💰Salary Range
$17 - $21
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
525
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
Apply Now →

You'll be redirected to
the company's application page