YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids·Grand Rapids, Michigan
The Associate Teacher assists the Lead Teacher in developing and implementing daily preschool lesson plans and classroom activities. They are responsible for maintaining child supervision, managing classroom records, and facilitating effective communication with parents and the teaching team.
Description 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.
The Great Start Readiness Program Associate Teacher will assist in the planning, developing, and implementing of preschool classroom activities for programs. 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.
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES Assists Lead Teacher in developing and leading daily lesson plans Actively engages with children in the classroom Assists with daily parent communication Prepares materials for daily activity Maintains records of attendance, arrival, and departure times Maintains supervision of children Assists Lead Teacher with parent-teacher conferences as needed Efficiently communicates with classroom teaching team Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Association
COMPENSATION $18.14 - $20.15 ; Full-time, Non-Exempt (40 hours/week)
FULL TIME 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.
Degree in Early Childhood Education or CDA 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 infants, toddlers, and preschool children. Working knowledge of computers and experience with a variety of software applications.
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 WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
0 - 5% of local travel within the state of Michigan; occasional out-of-state travel may be required for educational conferences or training.
Market context
In Michigan, classroom teacher openings often reflect steady demand for educators who can cover multiple sites and schedules, especially when programs run in schools, parks, and other community settings. These roles can be competitive because employers look for candidates who can travel, work morning, early afternoon, and weekend shifts, and adapt quickly to different classrooms. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your availability and travel radius before applying.
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