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Early Childhood Development Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Early Childhood Program Administrator

Bay City, MI · On-site

$53K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Early Childhood Program Administrator Location: Dow Bay Area Family YMCA, Bay City, Michigan ... Dow Bay Area Family Y Child Development Center - Recognized as a "Demonstrating Quality" program by ...

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Early Childhood Development information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$14

$22

How much do early childhood development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for early childhood development in Michigan is $14.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $16.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is early childhood development?

Early childhood development refers to the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth that occurs in children from birth to around eight years old. This period is crucial because the experiences and environment during these years significantly shape a child's future learning, behavior, and health. Professionals in this field support children's development through activities, education, and care that foster safe, nurturing, and stimulating environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in early childhood development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Early Childhood Development, you need knowledge of child development principles, early education techniques, and usually a degree or certification in early childhood education. Familiarity with curriculum planning tools, developmental screening assessments, and classroom management systems is important. Patience, creativity, and strong communication skills help build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues. These skills are crucial for fostering a safe, nurturing, and effective learning environment that supports young children's growth and development.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in early childhood development, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Early Childhood Development often encounter challenges such as managing diverse classroom behaviors, addressing varying developmental needs, and maintaining effective communication with parents. These challenges can be managed by implementing consistent routines, engaging in ongoing professional development, and collaborating closely with colleagues and families. Building strong relationships with children and caregivers, as well as utilizing evidence-based teaching strategies, helps create a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

What is the difference between Early Childhood Development vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectEarly Childhood DevelopmentPreschool Teacher
CredentialsChild development certifications, degrees in early childhood educationPreschool teaching certifications, CDA or state-specific credentials
Work EnvironmentDaycares, early intervention programs, clinicsPreschools, daycare centers, private or public schools
Industry UsageFocuses on overall child development, assessments, and interventionFocuses on classroom teaching, curriculum delivery, and student engagement

Early Childhood Development professionals focus on supporting overall child growth, assessments, and intervention strategies, often working across various settings. In contrast, Preschool Teachers primarily deliver educational curricula in classroom settings. While both roles require early childhood education credentials, their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What could I do with an early childhood development degree?

An early childhood development degree prepares individuals for roles such as preschool teacher, childcare center director, or early intervention specialist. These positions often require knowledge of child development, classroom management skills, and sometimes certification or licensing depending on the state or organization.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Early Childhood Development jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Early Childhood Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Early Childhood Development job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,823 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Lead Teacher - Early Childhood Development Center (Onsite)

University of Michigan

Flint, MI • On-site

$37K - $47K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


University Of Michigan rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 145 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter must include examples of how your past work experience is applicable to this position.
Job Summary
The Lead Teacher - Early Childhood Development Center is responsible for providing a high-quality developmentally appropriate program to the children in the classroom including assessment of children's development and individual needs, curriculum planning utilizing the Reggio Emilia philosophy, and building relationships with families, children, interns and colleagues. This role is responsible for all operations on a daily basis including mentoring teacher assistants and student and non-student temporary staff. This position is responsible for the safety and well-being of children at all times.
This position reports to the Director of the Early Childhood Education Center.
This position is a full-time 40 hours per week at 100% effort.
Responsibilities*
Not listed in priority order:
  • 30% - Provide a safe, healthy learning environment for all children
    • Promote a welcoming & nurturing classroom & program environment for children, families,students, faculty & other campus or community members
    • Be able to:
      • Walk, stand, sit (on chair and floor) and talk for varying periods of time.
      • Utilize "child sized" furnishings and materials.
      • Run or move at a brisk pace.
      • Travel both indoors and outdoors on both commercial and natural surfaces.
      • Use hand/eye coordination and manual dexterity for hands to finger movement, and to handle, feel, open, close or operate objects, tools, computers or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
      • Occasionally climb or balance; squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
      • Frequently lift and/or move 10-25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move 35-50 pounds.
      • Exercise constant awareness by accounting for children and maintaining safety at all times.
      • Respond quickly as outlined in the emergency protocols.
      • Insure high-quality child care standards are met as outlined by Great Start to Quality
      • Administer first aid and medication within policy guidelines
      • Manage a classroom by maintaining consistency and having high expectations for children
      • Utilize global vision to provide a safe environment for children
      • Adhere to the Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers
  • 20% - Relationships and communication with families
    • Foster the connection between home, school and community
    • Communicate and promote family involvement within classroom
  • 15% - Curriculum Planning, Implementation, Assessment, and Documentation of Children's Development and Learning
    • Approach which promotes physical, social & cognitive development
    • Organize and supervise field trips or outside of classroom experiences
    • Provoke ideas and scaffold children's knowledge through problem solving, representational work and conflict resolution
    • Observe, document and evaluate children on an on-going basis through the use of Ages and Stages Questionnaires, assessments and portfolios for family/teacher conferences
    • Conduct meaningful and engaging small/large group activities/projects
  • 15% - Be a team oriented teacher who works and collaborates with co-teachers in order to provide quality care for children & families, as well as establish a quality program
    • Mentor Assistant Teachers and student and non-student temporary staff while managing and interacting with children
    • Assist with training of staff, interns and student and non-student temporary staff in the classroom
  • 10% - Administrative Tasks (Weekly Emails, Charts and Forms, Evaluations, etc)
    • Maintain proper paperwork for families, children and staff accurately and in a timely manner
    • Represent the quality of programs offered at UM-Flint ECDC by providing tours, enrollment information, and community outreach opportunities
    • Perform opening and closing procedures of the center as needed
  • 10% - Participating in family events, campus events, and professional activities related to the field of early childhood education
    • Build community partnerships and make community outreach efforts in order to strengthen programming, marketing and referral services for families
    • Participate in research and training activities by continuing education in areas of development,curriculum and classroom methods
    • Exhibit a commitment to the mission & philosophy of the Center and its Administration

Required Qualifications*
  • Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field
  • 1 or more years of experience with teaching and/or field work at the infant, toddler, preschool or early primary level
  • Maintain certification in infant/toddler/adult CPR and First Aid
  • Must be able to perform all physical aspects of the job with or without reasonable accommodation

Other Qualifications:
  • State of Michigan fingerprint clearance
  • Valid Central Registry Check

Why Work at U-M Flint?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future.
Benefits include:
  • Generous time off
  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after 12 months of eligible service with immediate vesting.
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Eligibility for benefits based on your job group, your appointment percentage and the length of your appointment. Learn more about employee benefits and eligibility from the UM Human Resources Benefits and Wellness webpage .
UM-Flint offers tuition support for eligible UM-Flint staff members. In addition, UM-Flint offers dependent tuition support (DTS) for qualified dependents of faculty and staff from all UM campuses. Information can be found at: https://www.umflint.edu/hr/benefits/ .
Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: https://www.umflint.edu/chancellor/leadership-mission-vision/
Modes of Work
Onsite
The work requires, or the supervisor approves a fully onsite presence. Onsite is defined as a designated U-M owned or leased work location within or outside of the State of Michigan.
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time,and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes here .
Work Locations
The primary work location is the William S. White Building.
Union Affiliation
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the University Staff United (USU), which represents bargaining unit members in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening will remain open until filled but may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applicants are encouraged to apply by August 25, 2026 for best consideration. Applications received after this date may be reviewed and considered until the position is filled.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
281544
Working Title
Lead Teacher - Early Childhood Development Center (Onsite)
Job Title
CHILD CARE CENTER TEACHER
Work Location
Flint Campus
Flint, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Flint Cas
Department
Flint ECDC
Posting Begin/End Date
8/11/2026 - 12/09/2026
Salary
$37,800.00 - $47,200.00
Career Interest
University Staff United (USU)

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About University of Michigan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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