Early Childhood Teacher

Summary

Established in 1962, Rooted & Rising – Washington Park (formerly United Methodist Children’s Services/UMCS) has a deep commitment to and long-standing presence in Milwaukee’s Washington Park neighborhood, where it has provided a wide range of social service programs and assistance to individuals and families, including supportive housing, community organizing, emergency food resources, social work and early childhood education.

 

Having served as a staple in the Washington Park neighborhood since 1998, The Growing Tree Children’s Center looks to take on new initiatives as we continue to grow. Our goal is to transition from a traditional childcare to early education with an emphasis on outdoor education, a move that requires a shift in focus to intentional, structured planning and environments as we immerse ourselves in holistic learning using the world around us.

 

Rooted & Rising’s Growing Tree Children’s Center is looking for an Early Childhood Educator to serve in its infant room and make a positive, life-long impact on children, supporting their learning by providing age-appropriate activities and materials that children find engaging and that supports their developmental growth. The ECE Teacher will build caring, trusting, and respectful relationships with children and their families while nurturing each child in all aspects of development; socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically.

 

Duties

1.      In collaboration with other teachers and staff, plans and executes appropriate activities for the children each day in art, music, language, and motor development, including outdoor play.

2.      Plans and executes appropriate activities for the children each week in science, math, and multicultural experiences

3.      Maintain portfolio with observations, assessments, and collections of children’s growth and development

4.      Assures the welfare, health, and safety for all children in the Center

5.      Actively meets the individual needs of all children, participating in training when necessary to meet these needs

6.      Evaluates each child’s progress and provide a written report using data obtained from observations, interactions and assessments, maintained in child’s portfolio, and shared with parents at least twice per year during parent conferences

7.      Provides for safety, security and confidentiality of all children

8.      Works flexibly and cooperatively with staff members, administration and parents

9.      Participates in parent conferences as necessary

10. Attends staff meetings and parent functions

11. When in classroom, eats meals with children

12. Meets training and continuing education requirements established by licensing standards and Agency policy

13. Meets all reporting requirements of the position

14. Responsible for adherence to established standards of courtesy, discipline, attendance and dress code

15. Contributes to growth/development/mission/vision of Rooted & Rising – Washington Park

• 16. Additional assignments and tasks as designated by Growing Tree and/or Rooted & Rising administration

Requirements

• Dedication to the mission of Rooted & Rising and the people we serve
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with children in a preschool, childcare, or other educational setting
• Strong lesson planning, problem-solving and classroom/group management skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer proficiency
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• High energy level and the ability to work collaboratively with staff, children and families
• Demonstrated understanding of child development
• Demonstrated awareness of boundary/safety and confidentiality issues inherent to childcare
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 60 days of employment)
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods and lead physical activities
• Physical requirements include frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, lifting up to 25 lbs. without assistance and the use of hands and fingers to manage equipment and materials
• Vision abilities include close-range and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception
• Excellent leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage stressful situations, multi-task and stay on schedule
• Sound judgement and reasoning skills, particularly as it applies to child safety and well-being
• Knowledge of positive behavior guidance and redirection strategies
• Must pass required background checks and health screenings

Nice To Haves

• ECE Technical Degree, Infant & Toddler Credential or completion of 12 ECE-related credits, Introduction to Child Care Profession, Skills & Strategies for the Child Care Teacher, Infant/Toddler, Child Abuse & Neglect, SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome
• Experience with nature-based, outdoor or experiential learning programs
• Proven classroom and behavior management experience with school-age children
• Experience or training in diverse communities and inclusive educational settings
• Previous infant and toddler experience preferred

Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement/savings plan
• Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Allowance (ICHRA)
• Discounted on-site Early Education and Care at The Growing Tree
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Paid sick-time
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance

About Us

Established in 1962, Rooted & Rising - Washington Park (formerly UMCS) has a deep commitment to and long-standing presence in Milwaukee’s Washington Park neighborhood, where it has provided a wide range of social service programs and assistance to low-income, marginalized families, including childcare, supportive housing, community health promotion, community organizing, emergency food pantry and family resource center services, and social work.

 

Having served as a staple in the Washington Park community since 1998, The Growing Tree Children's Center looks to take on new initiatives as we continue to grow. Our goal is to transition from traditional childcare to early education with an emphasis on outdoor education. A move that requires a shift in focus from simple care to intentional, structured planning and environments, as we immerse ourselves in holistic learning using the world around us.