Early Childhood Teacher
Job Description and Announcement
Location: Milwaukee, WI – Washington Park Neighborhood
Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Director of Early Childhood Education
Compensation: $16-20 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)
Agency:Rooted & Rising – Washington Park’s Growing Tree Children’s Center
Overview
Established in 1962, Rooted & Rising – Washington Park (formerly United Methodist Children’s Services/UMCS) has a deep commitment to and long-standing presence in Milwaukee’s Washington Park neighborhood, where it has provided a wide range of social service programs and assistance to individuals and families, including supportive housing, community organizing, emergency food resources, social work and early childhood education.
Having served as a staple in the Washington Park neighborhood since 1998, The Growing Tree Children’s Center looks to take on new initiatives as we continue to grow. Our goal is to transition from a traditional childcare to early education with an emphasis on outdoor education, a move that requires a shift in focus to intentional, structured planning and environments as we immerse ourselves in holistic learning using the world around us.
Rooted & Rising’s Growing Tree Children’s Center is looking for an Early Childhood Educator to serve in its infant room and make a positive, life-long impact on children, supporting their learning by providing age-appropriate activities and materials that children find engaging and that supports their developmental growth. The ECE Teacher will build caring, trusting, and respectful relationships with children and their families while nurturing each child in all aspects of development; socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically.
Primary Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions
1. In collaboration with other teachers and staff, plans and executes appropriate activities for the children each day in art, music, language, and motor development, including outdoor play.
2. Plans and executes appropriate activities for the children each week in science, math, and multicultural experiences
3. Maintain portfolio with observations, assessments, and collections of children’s growth and development
4. Assures the welfare, health, and safety for all children in the Center
5. Actively meets the individual needs of all children, participating in training when necessary to meet these needs
6. Evaluates each child’s progress and provide a written report using data obtained from observations, interactions and assessments, maintained in child’s portfolio, and shared with parents at least twice per year during parent conferences
7. Provides for safety, security and confidentiality of all children
8. Works flexibly and cooperatively with staff members, administration and parents
9. Participates in parent conferences as necessary
10. Attends staff meetings and parent functions
11. When in classroom, eats meals with children
12. Meets training and continuing education requirements established by licensing standards and Agency policy
13. Meets all reporting requirements of the position
14. Responsible for adherence to established standards of courtesy, discipline, attendance and dress code
15. Contributes to growth/development/mission/vision of Rooted & Rising – Washington Park
16. Additional assignments and tasks as designated by Growing Tree and/or Rooted & Rising administration
Requirements, Qualifications and Skills:
Dedication to the mission of Rooted & Rising and the people we serve
Minimum of 1 year of experience working with children in a preschool, childcare, or other educational setting
Strong lesson planning, problem-solving and classroom/group management skills
Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer proficiency
Strong organizational and time-management skills
High energy level and the ability to work collaboratively with staff, children and families
Demonstrated understanding of child development
Demonstrated awareness of boundary/safety and confidentiality issues inherent to childcare
Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 60 days of employment)
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods and lead physical activities
Physical requirements include frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, lifting up to 25 lbs. without assistance and the use of hands and fingers to manage equipment and materials
Vision abilities include close-range and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception
Excellent leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage stressful situations, multi-task and stay on schedule
Sound judgement and reasoning skills, particularly as it applies to child safety and well-being
Knowledge of positive behavior guidance and redirection strategies
Must pass required background checks and health screenings
Preferred Experience:
ECE Technical Degree, Infant & Toddler Credential, or completion of 12 ECE-related credits, Introduction to Child Care Profession, Skills & Strategies for the Child Care Teacher, Infant/Toddler, Child Abuse & Neglect, SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome
Experience with nature-based, outdoor or experiential learning programs
Proven classroom and behavior management experience with school-age children
Experience or training in diverse communities and inclusive educational settings
Previous infant and toddler experience preferred
Benefits:
Paid time off vacation/holidays; Employer-supported 403(b) retirement/savings plan; Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Allowance (ICHRA); Life insurance; Discounted onsite childcare available via the Growing Tree Children’s Center; Professional development opportunities; Short-Term Disability.
To Apply:
Apply in person at Rooted & Rising – Washington Park offices at 3940 W. Lisbon Ave. or send cover letter and resume including three professional references with contact name/title/company/phone number to: HR@rootedandrisingwp.org
or mail to:
Human Resources: CONFIDENTIAL
Rooted & Rising – Washington Park
3940 W. Lisbon Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53208
Incomplete submissions will be dismissed.
Rooted & Rising – Washington Park is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
