Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in planning and leading engaging activities for 3-year-olds.
- Company: Join the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, a community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy free YMCA membership, discounts, and health insurance for full-time roles.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives while working in a fun, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: An Associate's degree or CDA preferred; childcare experience is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible hours available; part-time and full-time options.
Job Description
The Grand Rapids Southeast Promise Neighborhood (GRSEPN) Assistant Teacher position is a grant funded program focused on three year old preschool.
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: CULTIVATE-We grow staff and volunteer leaders who will be stewards of the Y mission, resources, and opportunities. OWN-We think long-term and act on behalf of the organization, beyond our own team. WELCOME-We are inclusive of all people and all communities. SERVE-We provide timely and excellent service to members, volunteers, community, and each other. LEARN – We are curious about new possibilities and act to explore them. UNITE-We work together to achieve big goals and speak as one voice. RESPECT-We treat others with kindness and speak positively about other people in all situations. 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:
- Staff and volunteers encourage potential members to enroll in programs and activities that meet their needs.
- 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.
- 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 GRSEPN Assistant Teacher will assist in the planning, developing, and implementing of classroom activities for 3-year-old preschool programs. This position requires on site, face-to-face leadership between 8 AM – 6 PM, Monday through Friday.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Assists Site Coordinator/Supervisor 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 Site Supervisor with parent-teacher conferences as needed
- Efficiently communicates with classroom teaching team
Performs any other functions deemed to be necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Association
COMPENSATION
$14.62 – $18.28 ; Non-Exempt; Full-Time (40/hours week) or Part-Time (up to 25 hours/week)
PART-TIME BENEFITS:
- Free YMCA Individual Membership
- 12% retirement contribution upon eligibility, learn more here.
- 403(b) retirement savings account
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program and resources for you and your family
- Community Discounts, and more!
FULL-TIME 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 (including infant room), 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 or CDA PREFERRED, or proof of current enrollment in CDA or college level degree program required; three to six months childcare related experience; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience preferred. Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles. Ability and desire to work with and care for infants, toddler, and preschool children.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
- 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
- Documentation of physical exam
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PM21
Compensation details: 14.62-18.28 Hourly Wage
PIb6fd82b3a1cf-25405-37556571
Preschool Assistant Teacher (Hiring Immediately) employer: Rac
Contact Detail:
Rac Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Preschool Assistant Teacher (Hiring Immediately)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the YMCA's Guiding Principles. Understanding their culture and values will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showing that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the local community and network with current or former YMCA staff. This can provide valuable insights into the role and may even lead to a referral, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with preschool children and how you can contribute to creating a welcoming environment. Highlight any relevant activities or programmes you've been involved in that demonstrate your ability to engage with young children.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. The role requires collaboration with other staff members, so think of examples where you've successfully worked as part of a team, especially in educational or childcare settings.
We think you need these skills to ace Preschool Assistant Teacher (Hiring Immediately)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Preschool Assistant Teacher position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children, especially in a preschool or childcare setting. Mention specific activities or responsibilities that demonstrate your ability to engage with young children effectively.
Showcase Your Values: The YMCA values inclusivity, service, and community engagement. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by providing examples of how you have embodied these principles in past roles or experiences.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a teaching role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rac
✨Understand the Organisation's Culture
Familiarise yourself with the YMCA's guiding principles such as 'Cultivate', 'Serve', and 'Respect'. During the interview, demonstrate how your values align with theirs and share examples of how you've embodied these principles in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Children
Be prepared to discuss your experience working with preschool-aged children. Share specific examples of activities you've led or participated in, and how you engaged with children to foster their development and learning.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to explain how you would maintain open lines of communication with parents and colleagues. You might want to provide examples of how you've successfully handled parent-teacher interactions in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations with children. Think of scenarios where you had to manage behaviour or create a positive learning environment, and be ready to discuss your approach.
