Childcare Floater

Penfield Children's Center; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

403b retirement plan

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Flexible spending account

HSA / HRA

Voluntary insurance

Life insurance

Parental leave

Employee assistance program

PTO / paid time off

Job summary

Penfield Children's Center in Milwaukee, WI is seeking a Childcare Floater to support Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms. You will work with teachers and families to implement curriculum and support children of all abilities.

The role emphasizes compliance with Head Start standards and licensing, maintaining a safe and organized learning environment, and collaborating with staff. Candidates should have a High School Diploma or GED and foundational child care training; bilingual abilities

Qualifications

• Must have High School Diploma or GED and foundational child care trainings.
• First Aid/CPR certification required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and WI DCF licensing.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment and refreshed learning centers.
• Supervise and monitor assigned children for safety and social-emotional development.
• Maintain family confidentiality and provide timely updates on child progress.
• Collaborate respectfully with co-teachers, center staff, and families.
• Follow mandated reporting requirements for suspected abuse or neglect.

Skills

Relationship building

Time management

Technology proficient

Bilingual (English & Spanish)

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Child Care foundational trainings

First Aid/CPR certification

Tools

Email

Data entry

Database navigation

Job description

Childcare FloaterDepartment: Early Childhood EducationReporting Manager: Assistant Director of Early Childhood EducationFLSA Status: Non-Exempt, HourlySupervisory Responsibility: NoneCompensation Range: $18 - $22Bonus/Commission Eligible: NoPosition SummaryThe Childcare Floater will work collaboratively with Early Head Start Teachers and Head Start Teachers to ensure the successful operation of a classroom of children. The Childcare Floater also works with family members to implement the curriculum to achieve outcomes for children of all abilities. The Childcare Floater will ultimately be evaluated on a combination of skills, dispositions, and behaviors, some of which are related to the specific service area of this position and others that represent general expectations of all Penfield Children’s Center employees.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesAssist teachers in ensuring full compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, WI DCF licensing, and accreditation requirements.Uphold classroom policies, procedures, and health/safety practices.Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment, including refreshing learning centers and ensuring materials are sanitized and in good repair.Supervise and monitor assigned children to ensure safety and support social-emotional development.Maintain family confidentiality while ensuring parents receive timely, accurate information about their child’s progress.Collaborate respectfully with co-teachers, center staff, and families to support a positive learning environment.Follow mandated reporting requirements for suspected child abuse or neglect.Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changing classroom assignments and schedules.Perform other duties as assigned.Required Education and ExperienceHigh School Diploma or GEDChild Care Foundational Trainings: Introduction to the Child Care Profession, Skills and Strategies for the Child Care Teacher, and Fundamentals of Infant and Toddler Care.Prior experience with children aged 0-5 yearsPreferred Education and ExperienceBirth to Five, Infant/Toddler, or PreSchool Child Development Associate (CDA) OR Infant/Toddler or PreSchool CredentialA valid driver’s licenseFirst Aid/CPR certificationRequired Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesThe ability to build positive, cooperative relationships with children, families, teammates, and community partners.Solid organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to balance documentation, communication, and classroom responsibilities.Basic comfort with technology, including email, internet use, data entry, and navigating databases.Preferred Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesBilingual (English & Spanish)Experience supporting diverse families and communitiesFamiliarity with Head Start standards or WI DCF licensingPhysical RequirementsMust meet all required health and safety clearances in accordance with Penfield Children’s Center policy, including an annual flu vaccine and tuberculosis test.Move freely throughout the classroom and center, including standing, walking, bending kneeling, and sitting on the floor with childrenLift, carry, and hold children weighing up to 40 pounds as needed to assist children physically during transitions, outdoor or indoor play, or safety situations.Safely push, pull, or maneuver classroom equipment, strollers, or materials up to 50 poundsMaintain visual and auditory supervision of children at all times; including during active play, outdoor activities, and transitions.Support children with toileting, handwashing, meals, and hygiene as needed.Tolerate typical early childhood environmental conditions, including noise, frequent movement, and exposure to cleaning products used according to licensing and program standardsBenefits Package: Head Start Staff128 PTO Hours (3 weeks + 1 Day)Earned per pay period, usable early+1 week after 3 years+1 week after 4 years33 Paid Holidays (2026)New Year's Day, January 2nd, MLK Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Day Before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Day After ThanksgivingSpring Break (1 Week)Summer Break (2 Weeks)Winter Break (December 23rd through New Year’s)1 Employee Choice HolidayImmediate 403b Retirement Enrollment & Company Match After 1 Year (50% of employee contribution up to 3%)Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance (1st of month after 30 days)Flexible Spending AccountHealth Savings Account OR Health Reimbursement Arrangement (Based on Health Plan)Voluntary Insurance: Short Term & Long Term Disability, Critical Illness & AccidentCompany Paid Life Insurance (2x annual salary)2 Weeks Paid Parental LeaveEmployee Assistance Program