Early Head Start Teacher

Penfield Children's Center•Milwaukee, WI

1d•$21 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

Do you have a passion for teaching young minds? If you love helping young children learn, grow, and feel safe in the world, you’ll feel right at home here. At Penfield Children’s Center, our Early Head Start Teachers create nurturing, joyful, and developmentally rich experiences for our youngest learners. In this role, you’ll build trusting relationships with infants, toddlers, and their families, support each child’s unique developmental journey, and create a classroom environment where curiosity, connection, and belonging thrive. We’re looking for someone who brings warmth, initiative, and a deep respect for children and families. If you’re someone who believes that early learning can change the trajectory of a child’s life and wants to be a part of that impact every day, then this role is for you!

Requirements

Birth to Five or Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) or Infant/Toddler Credential, OR Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field including at least 12 college credits in infant/toddler coursework), OR Enrollment in a CDA program with the ability to complete it within one year of hire.
A strong understanding of early childhood development and the ability to create developmentally appropriate, responsive experiences for very young children.
The ability to build positive, cooperative relationships with children, families, teammates, and community partners.
Confidence managing both planned routines and the spontaneous moments that naturally happen in an infant/toddler classroom.
Must have the ability to handle emergency situations with young children and families.
Solid organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to balance documentation, communication, and classroom responsibilities.
Basic comfort with technology, including email, internet use, data entry, and navigating databases.
Must meet all required health and safety clearances in accordance with Penfield Children’s Center policy, including an annual flu vaccine and tuberculosis test.
Move freely throughout the classroom and center, including standing, walking, bending kneeling, and sitting on the floor with children
Lift, carry, and hold children weighing up to 40 pounds as needed for caregiving routines
Safely push, pull, or maneuver classroom equipment, strollers, or materials up to 50 pounds
Maintain visual and auditory supervision of children at all times; including during active play, outdoor activities, and transitions.
Perform routine caregiving tasks such as diapering, feeding, and assisting with toileting and hygiene.
Tolerate typical early childhood environmental conditions, including noise, frequent movement, and exposure to cleaning products used according to licensing and program standards.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field including at least 12 college credits in infant/toddler coursework)
Level 9 or higher on the Wisconsin Registry
A valid driver’s license
First Aid/CPR certification
Experience working in an early childhood or Early Head Start setting
Bilingual (English & Spanish)
Experience supporting diverse families and communities
Familiarity with Head Start standards or WI DCF licensing

Responsibilities

Ensure full compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, WI DCF licensing, and accreditation requirements.
Complete all required documentation accurately and within federal program deadlines.
Implement and uphold classroom policies, procedures, and health/safety practices.
Maintain family confidentiality while ensuring parents receive timely, accurate information about their child’s progress.
Participate in required staff meetings, training, workshops, and parent meetings.
Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, hands-on curriculum that reflects children’s interests, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment, including refreshing learning centers and ensuring materials are sanitized and in good repair.
Always supervise and monitor assigned children to ensure safety and support social-emotional development.
Conduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences as scheduled.
Maintain ongoing communication with families and document developmental observations, attendance, meal counts, and other required records.
Collaborate respectfully with co-teachers, center staff, and families to support a positive learning environment.
Follow mandated reporting requirements for suspected child abuse or neglect.
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changing classroom assignments and schedules.
Perform other duties as assigned.