Lead Teacher - Buds Classroom (18–30 months)

Full-time school year position (40 hours/week), starting August 2026 at Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School Evergreen (EG). Reports to Building Principal and Early Learning Center (ELC) Program Administrator.

About the Role

Olivia Haverkamp Christian Early Learning Center (ELC) on the Evergreen Campus is seeking a Lead Teacher for the Buds Classroom (18–30 months). The Lead Teacher provides Christ-centered leadership by creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. This role involves planning and implementing engaging instruction, guiding classroom staff, and partnering with families to support the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times and 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.
• Observe and document children'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.
• Build warm, trusting relationships with families and 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.
• 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.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment; prepare and rotate materials that support exploration and development.
• Create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning spaces and foster a calm, consistent, and caring classroom community.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability 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.

Qualities

• A disciple of Christ.
• Culturally competent professional.
• Thoughtful neighbor.
• Justice seeker.
• Creative solution finder.
• Lifelong explorer.
• Communicator and collaborator.