Lead Teacher - Children's Center (2 Openings)

Universities of Wisconsin • Whitewater, WI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Attention: The Children's Center at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks two Lead Teachers (Early Childhood Education Teacher, TL019). Job Details: This Lead Teacher is responsible for providing care for children in a child-initiated learning environment for children ages 12 weeks to five years. The teacher will implement the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS) through a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach and Pyramid Model curriculum, working with diverse groups of children and families, and utilizing developmentally appropriate practices as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The applicant must be able to physically work with young children. This includes bending, kneeling, reaching, sitting/standing on the floor, and lifting children when necessary. Lead Teachers provide overall supervision and management of a classroom, including direct oversight of university student employees and students participating in practicum or observation experiences. This includes onboarding and training student staff, modeling appropriate interactions and teaching strategies, assigning and delegating classroom responsibilities, and providing ongoing coaching and feedback. Lead Teachers are also responsible for ensuring student employees adhere to licensing regulations, center policies, and professional expectations, while fostering a supportive and educational work environment that promotes growth and skill development. The Lead Teacher plans and facilitates developmentally appropriate, child led, activities as part of a comprehensive program supporting children's physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth, enabling each child to reach their highest potential. The Children’s Center follows a looping model, as best we can, where teachers serve as the primary caregiver for a cohort of children from infancy through 4 years old.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, or a related field (preferred)
• Associate degree in education with a willingness to pursue further education
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with children, families, and staff
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership within a team-teaching model
• Current certification in Infant/Child/Adult CPR, First Aid, AED, Bloodborne Pathogens, Prevention of Abusive Head Trauma, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (preferred)
• Must meet all requirements of Wisconsin Licensing Rules for Group Daycare Centers (DCF 251), including physical exam and criminal background check
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to interact respectfully with people with diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a NAEYC accredited center (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate a daily program of care and activities for the assigned classroom (ages infant – 4-year-old Kindergarten)
• Contribute to the effective operation of the overall early education program
• Responsible for the arrangement of space, setting, and materials in the classroom and outdoor play equipment
• Ensure a safe, clean, orderly child-centered and nurturing learning environment
• Implement a consistent daily schedule for children's calm, comfortable and successful participation in the program
• Individualize programming according to children's interests and developmental goals
• Document and assess the children’s individual progress and the progress of the group as a whole using learning stories, documentation panels, classroom portfolios, in conjunction with authentic assessment and artifacts (photographs, work samples and anecdotal observations)
• Communicate regularly with families through day to day conversations, Kaymbu app and a Family Resource Board in the classroom
• Support and Encourage family participation in the educational process
• Promote a multicultural and anti-bias approach to learning and to the center environment. Show respect for each child’s culture, background, and personal uniqueness
• Oversee operational procedures within the classroom and in common areas as assigned
• Monitor center sanitation procedures and promptly report any maintenance concerns to the Director
• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills
• Ability to interact respectfully with people (staff, students, and families) from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic background
• Maintain regular communication with parents/guardians, teacher assistants, volunteers, student teachers and the Children’s Center Director
• Practice emergency evacuation procedures monthly and maintain Fire and Safety checklist
• Assist in center compliance with all regulatory requirements, including childcare licensing requirements, USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program regulations, NAEYC accreditation standards, University of Wisconsin System and UWW policies
• Arrange for own substitute whenever possible and arrange for Teacher Assistant substitutes when needed. Adjusting staff when necessary.
• Collaborate with the Center Director, University Faculty, and staff in the supervision and training of Teacher Candidates/student teachers in the Early Childhood Education program.
• Keep Teaching Assistants informed with clear and regular communication about classroom routines and needs through posts on WebEx Teams.
• Participate in regular staff meetings to ensure alignment on educational goals and operational matters.
• Assist in leading training and orientation sessions for new staff and teaching assistants.
• Train new Teaching Assistants on classroom expectations, licensing rules, and accreditation requirements to ensure compliance and effective teaching.
• Work collaboratively with staff in the classroom to maintain a safe and supportive environment for the students, ensuring their well-being.
• Address issues promptly by communicating directly with Teaching Assistants, offering guidance, and resolving concerns effectively.
• Ensure the safety and physical well-being of the children
• Provide recommendations and referrals of children with special needs
• Maintain a professional working atmosphere and confidentiality of information in relation to staff, children, and families
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of the Children’s Center
• Participate in the Division of Student Affairs and University committees and programs when appropriate
• Plans and facilitates classroom programming and schedules daily classroom activities for an early childhood education facility according to established curriculums
• Evaluates individualized and developmental educational plans for children in collaboration with other stakeholders, as needed
• Mentors new teachers and students
• Maintains and documents effective communication with internal and external stakeholders to relay pertinent information and provide updates of child activities per established guidelines and regulations
• Maintains the safety and physical well-being of children in a designated classroom

Benefits

• UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package.
• To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees