To Apply:

Send cover letter, resume and professional references to grace@gracepreschoolgr.org. Direct inquiries to grace@gracepreschoolgr.org. Accepting applications until position is filled.

About Grace Preschool Hiring Practices:.

Grace Preschool is committed to building and sustaining a welcoming community that supports the inclusion of all families, educators, and administrators. We are committed to the recruitment and retention of diverse employees and families and believe that the diversity of children, families, and educators enrich the educational experiences of all children.

Grace Preschool’s equal employment opportunity policy provides that no applicant or employee be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, gender, gender expression, marital status, age, sexual orientation, national origin, hairstyle, disability, pregnancy, or any other category protected by federal law. Such discrimination in any of its activities or operations is prohibited by law and will not be tolerated by Grace Preschool. These activities include, but are not limited to, the appointment to and termination from its Board of Directors, hiring and firing of staff or contractors, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and providing of services.

These job descriptions do not list all duties of the job. Employees may be asked by the director and/or board to perform other duties as needed. Grace Preschool reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and does not infringe upon the Grace Preschool’s at will employment condition.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the nature of our business, attendance and punctuality are essential job functions. Should an individual in this classification not be able to adhere to this requirement due to a disability, they should contact the director and/or board to see what, if any, reasonable accommodation may be made.

Job Openings

  • Part time: Monday - Friday 12:30pm-3:30pm

    (to begin in the 2026-2027 school year, with potential flexibility in set days worked or combination with Aftercare Aide role)

    Labor Day - Memorial Day, with the addition of August employee + family orientation dates and PD and end of year cleaning days TBD

    Principal Function: The Grace Preschool Aide works collaboratively with the director, teachers, aides, families, students and community to foster an environment that supports the growth and development of all students. 

    Personal Abilities and Competencies

    The Teacher’s Aide should possess the following:

    1. Communication Skills: has excellent verbal and listening skills with both children and adults. Utilizes these skills to develop and maintain relationships.

    2. Self and Time Management Skills: maintains a calm demeanor with students, staff, and families when responding under pressure. Is punctual and reliable. Regular attendance is a core function of this role.

    3. Classroom Experience: is proficient in classroom management and has an understanding of early childhood development. Knowledge of the Reggio Emilia approach is appreciated. Curiosity and/or a willingness to learn about this and similar pedagogy is required.

    4. Collaborative Mindset: is able to collaborate with the lead teacher, director, staff members, students and families to create a harmonious, constructive and differentiated classroom environment.

    5. Life Long Learner: is committed to lifelong learning and willing to utilize this competency to strengthen their teaching skills as well as come beside students as a co-learner in the classroom.

    Primary Responsibilities

    The Teacher’s Aide will:

    1. Uphold the mission, vision, and values of Grace Preschool.

    2. Build genuine, nurturing relationships with students. 

    3. Provide proactive care and supervision of students.

    4. Engage in observation and documentation of student growth throughout the year.

    5. Collaborate with other teachers to ensure individual needs of students are met in a positive and enriching way.

    6. Know and uphold all Grace Preschool policies and procedures.

    7. Attend staff meetings, school orientations, and other in-house training sessions. Maintain 16 hours of professional development each calendar year with the support of the director.

    8. Attend school events as required and/or possible.

    9. Assist with preparing and maintaining the learning environment prior to the beginning of the school year as well as on a daily basis throughout the year.

    10. Assist with the end of year classroom and school clean-up.

    Qualifications

    1. Education: Some education in Early Childhood Education preferred, but not required.

    2. Experience: 1-2 years of Early Childhood experience preferred, but not required.

    3. Disposition: Willing to learn and curious about developing positive learning environments.

    4. Certifications: First Aid and CPR Certified. MiRegistry Health and Safety Trainings. (May be completed upon hire).

    5. Background Check: Must pass a background check prior to hiring.

    Relationships of Support and Accountability 

    1. The Teacher’s Aide will report to the Director of Grace Preschool. It is expected that there will be regular meetings and open communication to facilitate a harmonious working relationship. 

    2. The Teacher’s Aide will be responsible for participating in a reflection with the Director after 3 months and an evaluation annually.

    Pay and Benefits:

    1. This position will be paid $17/hr 

    2. PTO to be determined based on hours worked/week, anticipated 21 hours based on above listed hours

    3. Seasonal Breaks in alignment with the East Grand Rapids Public School calendar

    4. Professional Development 

  • Monday-Friday 3-6 pm

    (to begin in the 2026-2027 school year, with potential flexibility in set days worked or combination with Aftercare Aide role)

    Labor Day - Memorial Day, with the addition of August employee + family orientation dates and PD and end of year cleaning days TBD

    Principal Function:

    The Aftercare Aide of Grace Preschool works with the Aftercare Supervisor to create and maintain a safe, loving, and emotionally supportive environment for the children, staff, and families of the Grace Preschool community after regular preschool hours.   

    Primary Responsibilities

    The Aftercare Aide will:

    1. Uphold the mission, vision, and values of Grace Preschool.

    2. Build genuine, nurturing relationships with students. 

    3. Provide proactive care and supervision of students.

    4. Know and uphold all Grace Preschool policies and procedures.

    5. Participate in staff orientation and other training sessions as required by licensing.

    6. Complete necessary training and licensing requirements prior to start date.

    Qualifications

    1. At least 16 years of age.

    2. Complete fingerprinting and a background check.

    3. Certifications: First Aid and CPR Certified (may be completed upon hire).

    4. MiRegistry Health and Safety Trainings (may be completed upon hire).

    Pay and Benefits:

    1. This position will be paid $16/hr 

    2. PTO to be determined based on hours worked/week, anticipated 21 hours based on above listed hours

    3. Seasonal Breaks in alignment with the East Grand Rapids Public School calendar

    4. Professional Development 

  • A Substitute Teacher should possess the following:

    1. Communication Skills: has excellent verbal and listening skills with both children and adults. Utilizes these skills to develop and maintain relationships.

    2. Self and Time Management Skills: maintains a calm demeanor with students, staff, and families when responding under pressure. Is punctual and reliable.

    3. Classroom Experience: has an understanding of early childhood development. Knowledge of the Reggio Emilia approach is appreciated.

    4. Collaborative Mindset: is able to collaborate with the lead teacher(s), director, staff members, students, and families to create a harmonious, constructive, and differentiated classroom environment.

    5. Life Long Learner: is committed to lifelong learning and willing to utilize this competency to strengthen their teaching skills as well as come beside students as a co-learner in the classroom.

    Primary Responsibilities

    A Substitute Teacher will:

    1. Uphold the mission, vision, and values of Grace Preschool.

    2. Build genuine, nurturing relationships with students. 

    3. Provide proactive care and supervision of students.

    4. Collaborate with other teachers to ensure individual needs of students are met in a positive and enriching way.

    5. Know and uphold all Grace Preschool policies and procedures.

    6. Attend orientations and other in-house training sessions as able. Maintain 5-10 hours of professional development each calendar year with the support of the director and depending on hours worked per week during the school year.

    Qualifications

    1. Education: Some education in Early Childhood Education preferred, but not required.

    2. Experience: 1-2 years of Early Childhood experience preferred, but not required.

    3. Disposition: Willing to learn and curious about developing positive learning environments.

    4. Certifications: First Aid and CPR Certified. MiRegistry Health and Safety Trainings. (May be completed upon hire).

    5. Fingerprinting and Background Check: Must be finger printed and pass a background check prior to hiring.

    Relationships of Support and Accountability 

    1. A Substitute Teacher will report to the Director of Grace Preschool.

    2. A Substitute Teacher will receive guidance from lead staff on their assigned roles when assisting on a given day.

    Pay and Benefits:

    1. This position will be paid $16/hr 

    2. Professional Development

    3. A warm community of staff, students, and families