Child Care Specialist (Part-time)- Milwaukee

Milwaukee Area Technical College; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is seeking a part-time Specialist, Child Care at the Milwaukee Downtown Campus. The role runs during the academic year, typically mid-August through mid-May, up to 19 hours per week based on department needs.

The Specialist supports children's development through environmental design and developmentally appropriate activities for infants to preschoolers, guiding practicum students and coordinating with staff to ensure safe, engaging care.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with minimum 6 credits in ECE.

Responsibilities

• Childcare Room Oversight & Activity Planning: Monitor room activities and prepare age-appropriate activities to support development.
• Child Interaction & Support: Respond to children's needs and adapt to different styles.
• Room Setup & Supply Management: Keep rooms organized and maintain supplies.
• Recordkeeping & Outreach Support: Maintain records and track child development; assist with outreach.
• Ethics and Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Collaborative Teamwork: Work with staff, parents, and instructors.
• Continuous Learning & Professional Development: Stay updated on best practices and participate in relevant activities.
• Other duties: Perform related duties as needed.

Skills

Child development

Health & safety

Age-appropriate programming

Room management

Positive discipline

Problem solving

Communication skills

Cultural competence

Independent work

Google Suite

Team collaboration

Education

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

60 college credits with 6 credits in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred)

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is Wisconsin's largest and most diverse technical college, offering 170+ high-quality programs that connect students to a career in as little as one to two years. The college also offers a less expensive path to a four-year degree. MATC is transforming lives, industry and our community by preparing students today for the careers of tomorrow. Together, we are meeting the needs of the community we share and are focused on students with the greatest needs. We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team who shares the same passion in serving this purpose. Learn more about MATC at www.matc.edu.

One (1) part-time vacancy at our Milwaukee Downtown location. This is an academic year position which typically runs from mid- August through mid-May. Up to 19 hours a week, hours are based on department needs.

Under the general supervision of the Coordinator, Child Care, the Specialist, Child Care, will employ early childhood strategies and best practices to support children's development through environmental design and the preparing and implementing of developmentally appropriate activities for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. The Specialist leads, guides and engages the children in one-on-one and group activities and provides direct support with daily care routines.

Work is performed with considerable independent judgment, creativity and ingenuity to analyze and to resolve problems. Supervision received is general in nature using established procedures and general objectives. Unusual situations or problems are referred to the supervisor for advice. Works closely with other professionals in a team approach.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Childcare Room Oversight & Activity Planning: Monitors childcare room activities and provides age-appropriate assistance to children. Prepares age-appropriate activities that support the early development of the children enrolled in the Childcare Program. Implements activities that provide for the developmental interests and abilities of the children; facilitates children's successful completion of tasks by providing support, focused attention, physical proximity, and verbal encouragement. Assists practicum students during their field study placements while continuing to monitor rooms when student teachers are present.

• Child Interaction & Support: Responds quickly and directly to children's needs, desires, and messages; adapts responses to children's differing styles and abilities. Keeps alert to signs of undue stress in children's behavior; keeps supervisor informed of children who may be showing signs of physical, emotional, or developmental problems.
• Room Setup & Supply Management: Keeps order in childcare rooms, and other spaces as assigned. Maintains adequate supplies including snacks, cleaning equipment, and ensures developmentally appropriate toys/tools are available to support children in a stimulating and safe environment.
• Recordkeeping & Outreach Support: Maintains records, inventories, and notes related to program operations; prepares reports as needed. Tracks and assess children's development using child portfolios and conferences with parents biannually regarding their child's progress. Assists with outreach efforts by sharing information about the Children's Center services during open house events and tabling opportunities.
• Ethics and Confidentiality: Practices honesty by demonstrating a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles, values, truthfulness, and accuracy in all actions. Addresses all child, practicum student and employee behavior in a confidential and respectful manner.
• Collaborative Teamwork: Establishes, maintains, and enhances positive working relationships with staff, children, practicum students, parents and instructors.
• Continuous Learning & Professional Development: Maintains current knowledge of best practices and standards in higher education with an emphasis on community colleges. Actively participates in applicable workgroups, trainings, workshops, seminars, committees and professional associations or conferences to promote continuous learning.
• Other duties: Performs other related duties within the scope of the position as required for the efficient operation of the center, department and division and to support institutional objectives.

Qualifications

Compliance with all state, federal and accreditation standards/requirements, as well as all MATC policies and procedures.

Required Education & Experience: Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field or 60 college credit in a related field with a minimum of 6 credits in Early childhood education; and one (1) to three (3) years of progressive experience within a childcare setting. Must be at least 18 years old.

Preferred Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Infant and Toddler related coursework, and more than three (3) years of experience in within a childcare setting.

Required Licensure/Certification: CPR/AED/First Aid Certification within six months of hire, Abusive Head Trauma /Shaken Baby Prevention Certificate and Mandated Reporter Training Certificate must be completed prior to hire or at orientation.

Preferred Licensure/Certification: Registry Level 12

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of child development stages and best practices in childcare.
• Working knowledge of health and safety standards as they apply to children in childcare centers.
• Alertness and judgment to detect and prevent situations leading to possible injury or death.
• Knowledgeable and skilled at implementation of age-appropriate programming.
• Effective discipline and room management skills.
• Ability to overcome obstacles by engaging internal and external resources.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally through both oral and written means.
• Ability to convey an image of professionalism and dedication in work related activities.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse student and employee populations.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and applications specific to position, including Google Suite.
• Ability to successfully work independent.

Core Competencies

• Customer focus
• Action oriented
• Values differences
• Self-development
• Compassion
• Cultivates innovation
• Optimizes work processes
• Ensures accountability
• Collaborates
• Interpersonal savvy
• Communicates effectively
• Instills trust

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must satisfactorily complete pre-employment requirements, which include a TB health screen and criminal background check. Ability to lift up to 35 lbs., carry, and push up to 30 lbs. and ability pull up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to climb stairs and a ladder and maintain balance.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, see, hear and speak.
• Sitting/Standing/Walking: 40% of time spent sitting, 35% of time standing, and 25% of time walking.

Supplemental Information

Start Date: This position supports the Child Care Services area and is available to start immediately.

Hours: Up to 19 hours weekly, in-person, primarily based out of the Milwaukee Downtown Campus. Work is conducted during scheduled course hours, Monday - Friday. Flexible hour to meet the needs of the Child Care Services area. Employees will conduct all work hours in the State of Wisconsin, performing work outside the state is strictly prohibited.

Salary: Hourly pay rates are listed up to the midpoint of the range and placement is determined based on years of experience, internal equity, and a review of the applicant's employment and educational background as listed on the job application.

Application Materials & Requirements: To be considered for this position, all applicants (both internal and external) must submit a thoroughly complete application. An incomplete application will not be considered or reviewed.

Interviews: Selected qualified candidates will be invited to virtually interview for this position on a date to be determined.

EEOC: Milwaukee Area Technical College will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, political affiliation, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, disability, age, membership in any reserve component of the armed forces, union affiliation, arrest and conviction record, or any other protected category under applicable local