Program Coordinator in Madison, WI

Summary

The Program Coordinator is a key leadership role at Tenney Preschool & Childcare, supporting high-quality programming, staff development, and daily operations across the school. This position works closely with the Executive Director to ensure strong curriculum implementation, licensing compliance, and a supportive, collaborative team environment. The Program Coordinator serves as a central point of connection between staff, families, and administration, helping maintain consistency, clarity, and care in all aspects of the program. This is an ideal role for an experienced early childhood educator ready to step into leadership while staying closely connected to classroom practice and community.

Tenney is a truly collaborative preschool community. Families are actively involved in the life of the school, and our cooperative structure means caregivers partner closely with teachers and leadership. This creates a uniquely connected environment where relationships matter and educators are supported by an engaged, invested community.

Tenney Preschool is licensed by the State of Wisconsin, accredited by the City of Madison, and holds a five-star YoungStar rating. We are committed to equity and inclusion and do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, religion, sexuality, gender, color, or ethnic origin in our educational, enrollment, or hiring practices.

Duties

• Support and monitor implementation of developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum
• Observe classrooms and provide feedback, coaching, and mentorship to teaching staff
• Ensure compliance with Wisconsin DCF licensing, City of Madison Accreditation, and program standards
• Maintain documentation, records, and staff training compliance
• Onboarding, staff support, and professional development
• Respond to enrollment inquiries and conduct tours for prospective families, as needed
• Support family communication and engagement, including BrightWheel systems
• Scheduling, staffing coordination, and daily operations
• Provide classroom support as needed
• Assist in coordinating volunteers, committees, and family events
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on program quality, operations, and continuous improvement

Requirements

• Knowledge of and commitment to anti-bias, inclusive, and community-centered practices in early childhood education
• Experience in center-based early childhood education
• Knowledge of high-quality, developmentally appropriate practices and play-based curriculum
• Understanding of Wisconsin DCF licensing rules, Wisconsin Registry, and YoungStar standards
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and shift between administrative and classroom support
• Professional, collaborative, strengths-based and solutions-oriented approach to leadership
• Comfortable providing feedback and supporting staff growth

Nice To Haves

• Experience with City of Madison Accreditation
• Previous leadership, mentoring, or supervisory experience
• Familiarity with emergent curriculum and anti-bias education practices
• Experience with BrightWheel or similar childcare management systems
• Experience in cooperative or community-based programs
• Comfort with enrollment processes and family-facing communication

Benefits

• Salary: $45,000 – $50,000
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Monthly retirement stipend
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Accrued PTO plus built-in sick time
• Approximately 5 weeks of paid program closures annually
• Paid emergency closures (weather or unexpected events)
• Supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven community environment
• Opportunity for professional growth and leadership development