Lead Teacher - Buds Classroom

Lead Teacher
- Buds Classroom (18–30 months)

May 19 2026

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

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.

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

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

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

• 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 Mi Registry 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.