Job Description

Utilizing the HighScope curriculum and related assessment and guidance philosophies, Early Childhood Educators support children’s physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development while ensuring health, safety, and well-being. Responsibilities align with NAEYC Professional Standards and Code of Ethical Conduct, with a commitment to developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and inclusive practices.

Educators establish warm, nurturing relationships, recognize individual strengths, needs, cultures, and abilities, and promote each child’s sense of belonging, autonomy, and dignity. Through observation, documentation, and reflection, they use assessment data to support learning and guide instructional decisions.

In partnership with families, educators communicate respectfully and maintain confidentiality, recognizing families as essential partners. They collaborate professionally with colleagues, contributing to a supportive and ethical learning community. Practices align with Encompass, DCF, and NAEYC standards.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Supervise children by sight and sound to ensure safety, well-being, and emotional security.
2. Ability to lower and rise from low chairs or the floor, reaching children quickly to ensure safety and support developmentally appropriate care.
3. Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. as needed.
4. Relate professionally with children and adults through respectful, responsive, and ethical interactions aligned with NAEYC standards.
5. Communicate professionally, respectfully, and confidentially with children, families, and colleagues.
6. Meet physical examination and background check requirements per ethical and regulatory standards.
7. Use classroom technology to enhance communication, record developmental progress, and support classroom responsibilities ethically and accurately.
8. Maintain dependable attendance and flexibility to meet DCF teacher/child ratio requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Mobility and Stamina: Ability to stand, walk, kneel, and bend for extended periods. Must be able to move quickly in response to emergencies or child needs
• Lifting and Carrying: Must be able to lift and carry children, supplies, and equipment, typically up to 30 pounds.
• Visual and Auditory Acuity: Must be able to observe children closely for safety and developmental monitoring. Ability to hear and respond to children's needs and environmental cues (e.g., alarms, crying).
• Manual Dexterity: Required for tasks such as writing, typing, handling small objects, and assisting with classroom activities.
• Health and Safety Certifications: Must maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications, including pediatric-specific training.
• Environmental Tolerance: Must be comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor settings, including playground supervision.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Teachers will be registered as members of The Registry, Wisconsin’s Recognition System for The Early Childhood Education and Care Profession.

• All Assistant Educators must meet the minimum education requirements prescribed by the State of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF).
• Lead Educators must meet the education requirements defined by DCF as well as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
• Prior experience with High Scope or other play-based curriculum preferred
• Prior experience with Conscious Discipline preferred
• Prior experience in a NAEYC accredited environment preferred