Early Childhood Education Co-Teacher in Madison, Wisconsin at IRWIN A AND ROBERT D GOODMAN COMMUNITY CENTER

Job Title: Preschool Co-Teacher

Department: Childcare

Reports To: Director of Childcare

Position Type: Regular, Full-time

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Pay: $20.75/hr

Benefits: Eligible (details below)

Organization Overview

The Goodman Community Center (GCC) is here for our whole community. People from all walks of life and all ages come for programs and services that make their lives — and our community — stronger. We strengthen lives and secure futures within a community where everyone is valued and has the resources they need to be successful. Goodman Community Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Position Description

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at Goodman Community Center provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children ages 3–5 learn through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships. The Teacher works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and ECE team to create a high-quality learning environment that supports each child's cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development while fostering positive relationships with children and families.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher to create a welcoming, inclusive classroom and implement daily lesson plans, schedules, classroom routines, and behavior guidance strategies that support children's learning and development.
• Foster children's social-emotional growth using Conscious Discipline, positive guidance practices, and developmentally appropriate classroom management techniques.
• Plan and facilitate engaging learning experiences that introduce early literacy, math, science, art, and social studies concepts through curiosity, play, exploration, and problem-solving in a mixed-age classroom.
• Observe children's development, document milestones, and maintain accurate records in accordance with Creative Curriculum assessment expectations.
• Assist the Lead Teacher with child assessments through observations, work samples, photographs, and other documentation methods. Communicate developmental concerns and family needs to the Director of Childcare as appropriate.
• Create and maintain a culturally responsive and inclusive classroom that reflects the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities of children and families.
• Maintain children's portfolios and assessment documentation within Creative Curriculum.
• Promote children's health and well-being by encouraging daily physical activity, healthy habits, and developmentally appropriate nutrition education.
• Build positive relationships with families through daily communication, conferences, family engagement activities, orientations, open houses, and center-wide events.
• Create a supportive environment where every child feels safe, respected, and encouraged to participate as an individual and as a member of the classroom community.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and engaging classroom by rotating materials, sanitizing toys and equipment, following health and safety procedures, and ensuring appropriate supervision of children at all times.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, child files, required documentation, permission forms, and other records in accordance with licensing, accreditation, grant, and Goodman Community Center requirements.
• Comply with all applicable child care licensing regulations, accreditation standards, organizational policies, and program procedures while maintaining required certifications and completing required training.
• Respond appropriately to illnesses, injuries, emergencies, and suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with organizational policies, licensing requirements, and mandated reporter responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are reasonably related to the responsibilities of this position.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Wisconsin driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• At least a CDA Credential, or preferably an associate degree in Early Childhood/Child Development or equivalent, or a baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood/Child Development, or a degree in a related field
• Experience working with preschool-aged children in an early childhood education setting.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn Wisconsin Child Care Licensing Rules and City of Madison Accreditation standards.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Commitment to Goodman Community Center's mission, values, and equity-centered approach to serving the community.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. while performing the duties of this position, the employee regularly:

• Stands, walks, sits, bends, kneels, crouches, reaches, and moves throughout the classroom and outdoor play areas.
• Lifts, carries, pushes, and pulls children, classroom materials, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Actively supervises children indoors and outdoors, including participating in floor activities, playground activities, and emergency evacuations.
• Uses verbal and written communication to interact effectively with children, families, and colleagues.
• Operates standard office equipment, including a computer, telephone, and copier, and uses technology to complete required documentation.
• Maintains the stamina and flexibility to meet the physical demands of an active early childhood classroom throughout the workday.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

Goodman Community Center (GCC) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.