Head Start Teacher

Penfield Children's Center•Milwaukee, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At Penfield Children’s Center, the Head Start Preschool Teacher creates a classroom where every child feels safe, supported, and celebrated for who they are. In this role, you’ll guide children through meaningful learning experiences, partner closely with families, and help build the foundation for school readiness. This role requires a leader that is empathetic, structured, and joyful to implement educational practices that nurture belonging and emotional well-being. If you’re someone who believes that relationships are at the heart of learning, this is a place where your work truly matters!

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood education, or Bachelor’s Degree in any field, including at least 18 college credits in early childhood education, or Bachelor’s Degree in any field with experience teaching preschool aged children, or Associate’s degree in Early Childhood education or related field and current enrollment in a bachelor’s degree Early Childhood Education program
A strong understanding of early childhood development and the ability to create developmentally appropriate, responsive experiences for preschool-age children and the ability to create developmentally appropriate, engaging learning experiences aligned with school readiness goals.
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, attendance, and family communication.
Regulations require a current tuberculosis test and flu shot
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 to assist children physically during transitions, outdoor or indoor play, or safety situations.
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.
Support children with toileting, handwashing, meals, and hygiene as needed.
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
Level 12 or higher on the Wisconsin Registry
A valid drivers’ 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 preschool curriculum, including whole-group, small-group, and individualized learning experiences that reflect 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.
Provide active supervision of children at all times and support positive social-emotional development using evidence-based practices.
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.