Penfield Children's Center·Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Create nurturing and developmentally rich experiences for infants and toddlers while maintaining a safe, organized classroom environment. Build trusting relationships with families and ensure full compliance with Head Start and licensing standards.
Early Head Start Teacher Department: Early Childhood Education Reporting Manager: Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly Supervisory Responsibility: None Compensation Range: $21.00 - $27.35. Pay rates are calculated based on the educational accomplishments of each candidate. Early Head Start Teachers with minimum requirements (Birth to Five or Infant/Toddler CDA or Credential) start at $21.00/hour.
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! Essential
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. Qualifications Required Education and Experience 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. Preferred Education and Experience 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 Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Bilingual (English & Spanish) Experience supporting diverse families and communities Familiarity with Head Start standards or WI DCF licensing Physical Requirements 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. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Penfield Children’s Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Requires an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a CDA certification. Candidates must be able to meet physical requirements, including lifting up to 40 pounds and passing health screenings.
Market context
Wisconsin Early Head Start roles are typically in demand because programs need educators who can support infants and toddlers in structured, family-centered settings. This role is competitive for candidates with an Infant/Toddler CDA, an associate’s, or a bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, and applicants should note that those meeting minimum state qualifications must earn the CDA within one year of hire. Since the job requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original posting, you can review the essentials faster; a good next step is to confirm your credential status and prepare examples of infant-toddler classroom experience.