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Head Start Lead Teacher

Closes:

Salary: $23 – $25 per hour

70
Description:

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 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. Full-time, Monday - Friday availability required. 


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

$22.88 - $24.96 ; 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

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.


PM21





Compensation details: 22.88-24.96 Hourly Wage





PId6611a1ce247-38265-40364322

Job details

Title
Head Start Lead Teacher
Employer
Job Target
Location
Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
Published
Oct 1, 2026
Closes:
Dec 1, 2026
Job type
Industry Jobs
Field
Other
Salary

Salary: $23 – $25 per hour

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Frequently Asked Questions

📋What is the Head Start Lead Teacher?

This listing is for Head Start Lead Teacher at YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.

📍Where is this role located?

The listed location is Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States.

💰What is the salary?

The listed salary is $23 – $25 hourly.

📅When do applications close?

Applications close on Nov 30, 2026.

💼What type of appointment is this?

The listed type is See the full posting for the appointment type..

📝How do I apply?

Use the Apply Now button on this listing to submit your application.

About the employer

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Join Swinburne University of Technology (Swinburne University), a leader in innovation and education, offering a dynamic work environment, extensive professional development, and a commitment to community impact.

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