Lead Teacher - Buds Classroom (18–30 months)
POSITION TITLE: Lead Teacher - Buds Classroom (18–30 months)
BUILDING: Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School Evergreen (EG)
SCHEDULE: Full-time school year; hourly position (40 hours/week), starting August 2026
REPORTS TO: Building Principal, Early Learning Center (ELC) Program Administrator
COORDINATES WITH: Early Learning Center (ELC) Administrative Assistant, Early Learning Center (ELC) Teachers and Assistant Teachers
POSITION SUMMARY
Olivia Haverkamp Christian Early Learning Center (ELC) on the Evergreen Campus is seeking a new Lead Teacher for our Buds Classroom. The Lead Teacher provides Christ-centered leadership in the classroom by creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children. This role is responsible for planning and implementing engaging instruction, guiding classroom staff, and partnering with families to support the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Classroom Leadership & Learning Environment
-
Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences
-
Create a safe, nurturing, Christ-centered classroom environment where toddlers feel secure and valued
-
Lead daily routines, transitions, and guide positive behavior development through modeling and redirection
-
Support children’s social-emotional, language, physical, cognitive, and spiritual development
-
Use caregiving routines (diapering, feeding, transitions, and personal care) as meaningful learning and relationship-building moments
-
Differentiate interactions and activities to meet the individual needs of young toddlers
Child Supervision & Safety
-
Maintain active supervision of children at all times
-
Ensure compliance with state licensing, health, and safety regulations
-
Monitor child wellness and respond appropriately to needs or concerns
-
Follow all emergency procedures and classroom safety protocols
Observation, Assessment & Documentation
-
Observe and document the child's growth and developmental progress
-
Maintain accurate records and required program documentation
-
Use observations to guide responsive caregiving and learning experiences
-
Complete ongoing communication and progress updates for families
Family Communication & Partnerships
-
Build warm, trusting relationships with families
-
Communicate regularly regarding routines, development, and daily experiences
-
Participate in family conferences and school events as needed
-
Partner with families to support consistency between home and school
Team Leadership & Collaboration
-
Lead and support assistant teachers and classroom staff in daily practice
-
Model professionalism, Christ-like care, and positive communication
-
Collaborate with directors and colleagues to support student needs and program goals
-
Assist with onboarding and support of substitutes or new staff as needed
Classroom Environment & Management
-
Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment
-
Prepare and rotate materials that support exploration and development
-
Create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning spaces
-
Foster a calm, consistent, and caring classroom community
Compliance & Professional Responsibilities
-
Follow State of Michigan licensing requirements and school policies
-
Attend staff meetings, training, and professional development opportunities
-
Maintain required certifications and ongoing professional growth expectations
-
Uphold confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical standards
Faith-Based Responsibilities
-
Model Christ-centered love, patience, and care in all interactions
-
Introduce God’s love through simple language, prayer, songs, and daily classroom rhythms
-
Support the mission and values of Grand Rapids Christian Schools through daily practice
-
View each child as uniquely created and deeply loved by God
REQUIREMENTS
- Must possess a CDA (Child Development Associate) credential
- CPR/First Aid Certified or willing to obtain, if offered a position
- Complete and pass the state-required background check
- Complete MiRegistry Health & Safety 1 & 2 training
- Must be able to stand and move around for long periods of time
- Physical Requirements:
- Ability to actively engage with young children throughout the day, including sitting on the floor, bending, kneeling, reaching, and moving quickly as needed to ensure child safety and supervision. Ability to frequently lift, carry, and assist children weighing up to 40 pounds. Ability to safely respond in emergency situations and assist with daily classroom activities and care routines. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Ability to actively engage with young children throughout the day, including sitting on the floor, bending, kneeling, reaching, and moving quickly as needed to ensure child safety and supervision. Ability to frequently lift, carry, and assist children weighing up to 40 pounds. Ability to safely respond in emergency situations and assist with daily classroom activities and care routines. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
The Buds Classroom Lead Teacher is a:
- Disciple of Christ
- Culturally Competent Professional
- Thoughtful Neighbor
- Justice Seeker
- Creative Solution Finder
- Lifelong Explorer
- Communicator and Collaborator
READY TO APPLY?
Applicants should complete the online support staff application available on the GRCS website and submit it along with a letter of interest to Emily Jansen (ejansen@grcs.org), Principal, Grand Rapids Christian Evergreen Campus.