Penfield Children's Center·Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Childcare Floater assists teachers in maintaining a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment while supporting the social-emotional development of children. They collaborate with staff and families to implement curriculum and ensure compliance with licensing and program standards.
The Childcare Floater will work collaboratively with Early Head Start Teachers and Head Start Teachers to ensure the successful operation of a classroom of children. The Childcare Floater also works with family members to implement the curriculum to achieve outcomes for children of all abilities. The Childcare Floater will ultimately be evaluated on a combination of skills, dispositions, and behaviors, some of which are related to the specific service area of this position and others that represent general expectations of all Penfield Children’s Center employees. Essential
Assist teachers in ensuring full compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, WI DCF licensing, and accreditation requirements. Uphold classroom policies, procedures, and health/safety practices. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment, including refreshing learning centers and ensuring materials are sanitized and in good repair. Supervise and monitor assigned children to ensure safety and support social-emotional development. Maintain family confidentiality while ensuring parents receive timely, accurate information about their child’s progress. 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 High School Diploma or GED Prior experience with children aged 0-5 years Preferred Education and Experience Birth to Five, Infant/Toddler, or PreSchool Child Development Associate (CDA) OR Infant/Toddler or PreSchool Credential A valid driver’s license First Aid/CPR certification Required
The ability to build positive, cooperative relationships with children, families, teammates, and community partners. 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
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 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 Benefits Package: Head Start Staff 128 PTO Hours (3 weeks + 1 Day) Earned per pay period, usable early +1 week after 3 years +1 week after 4 years 33 Paid Holidays (2026) New Year's Day, January 2nd, MLK Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Day Before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Day After Thanksgiving Spring Break (1 Week) Summer Break (2 Weeks) Winter Break (December 23rd through New Year’s) 1 Employee Choice Holiday Immediate 403b Retirement Enrollment & Company Match After 1 Year (50% of employee contribution up to 3%) Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance (1st of month after 30 days) Flexible Spending Account Health Savings Account OR Health Reimbursement Arrangement (Based on Health Plan) Voluntary Insurance: Short Term & Long Term Disability, Critical Illness & Accident Company Paid Life Insurance (2x annual salary) 2 Weeks Paid Parental Leave Employee Assistance Program
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and prior experience working with children aged 0-5 years. Preferred qualifications include a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, First Aid/CPR certification, and bilingual skills in English and Spanish.
Market context
Childcare floater openings in Wisconsin often reflect steady demand in centers that need flexible coverage across infant, toddler, and preschool rooms. These roles can be competitive because employers usually want dependable experience with children ages 0–5, and a CDA, First Aid/CPR, or bilingual English-Spanish skills can strengthen an application. Before applying, compare the schedule and age groups listed, and note that the requirements and benefits shown here are AI-summarized from the original job description to save research time.