Lead Teacher - Children's Center Extended

Position Title

Lead Teacher – Children's Center (2 Openings, Extended)

Academic Staff

Regular

Early Childhood Education Teacher

The Children's Center at the University of Wisconsin‑Whitewater seeks two Lead Teachers (Early Childhood Education Teacher, TL019). 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 a diverse group 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, including 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, serving as the primary caregiver for a cohort of children from infancy through 4 years old.

• 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 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, the 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, showing 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 from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Experience in a NAEYC accredited center (preferred).

• 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…