Early Education Center (EEC) Teacher – Eligible for Hiring Bonus

COA Youth & Family Centers; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus

Job summary

COA Youth & Family Centers in Milwaukee is hiring full-time classroom teachers to guide day-to-day programming in a licensed setting. You will implement developmentally appropriate curricula, manage behavior, and document progress while maintaining licensing standards.

The role requires 18+ with a HS diploma, and candidates with DCF/HS-EHS/NAEYC credentials. Benefits include a year-round schedule and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 and high school diploma/GED.
• Must meet DCF, HS/EHS, and NAEYC requirements.
• Knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practice; trauma-informed care preferred.
• Proficient in Word and Excel; accurate typing skills.
• Experience working with urban youth and families.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day programming within the classroom aligned with licensing and policy standards.
• Develop weekly lesson plans using Creative Curriculum and monitor progress.
• Enter and maintain child portfolios and recordings throughout the year.
• Maintain schedules, records, and safety protocols for licensing compliance.
• Engage with parents daily; conduct conferences and home visits as needed.
• Support program operations and participate in ongoing professional development.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Trauma-informed care

Education

High school diploma/GED

DCF/HS-EHS/NAEYC requirements

Registry Level 12 or Infant Toddler Credential

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

This position is eligible for a $500 hiring bonus ($250 for part time hires) after 90 days and successful completion of onboarding process.

Compensation: $20/hour base pay

COA has recently restructured the pay matrix for all teachers. The starting hourly pay (regardless of education, credentials, or experience) is $20/hour. The starting hourly rate may increase depending upon education, credentials, or experience already achieved prior to hire. All teachers develop a professional development plan within the first 90 days. While working, the hourly rate may increase if additional education, credentials, or experience is achieved.

Location: These positions are based out of COA Riverwest (909 East Garfield Avenue, Milwaukee)

Number of Positions Available: 3 full time positions

Summary

This position is responsible for the day-to-day programming within the classroom. This includes complying with all applicable standards such as State of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing, Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) policy standards, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation.

It is a year-round, full-time position eligible for benefits.

Main Job Responsibilities

Child Development

Goal: appropriately manage child behavior

• Use active supervision at all times


• Engage positively, using redirection and positive reinforcement


• Get on child’s level to interact, play and talk


• Follow expectations on positive physical contact

Goal: ensure curriculum is delivered to fidelity

• Create and implement developmentally appropriate weekly lesson plans using Creative Curriculum


• Follow ASQ process to monitor progress


• Update child portfolios per 4 checkpoints throughout the year


• Enter eight anecdotal records/observations into Teaching Strategies GOLD per child per month.


• Use plan time and down time appropriately

Classroom Management

Goal: ensure a safe, fun place to learn and grow

• Use set routines and daily room schedules


• Maintain overall physical classroom environment: cleanliness, organization, decorations, and structure as per licensing and other standards. Oversee classroom inventory.


• Maintain accurate and timely recordkeeping:
  
  
  
  • Intake forms, attendance tracking, food count forms
  
  
  • Incident and medical logs
  
  
  • Child referrals
  
  
  
  

Relationships with Parents

Goal: professional and trusting relationships with parents

• Communicate with parents on a daily basis regarding positive things, concerns, and incidents in a calm and professional manner.


• Perform parent-teacher conferences and home visits


• Represent the program to parents


• Support family engagement events

Other

• Role model appropriate behavior at all times. This includes developing and maintaining appropriate professional relationships with youth, colleagues, parents, facilitators, community members, etc.


• Represent the program and the agency appropriately


• Attend professional development, staff meetings, and conferences, trainings (including weekends and Saturdays) to remain current in industry knowledge and fulfill continuing education requirements.


• Support other areas within the building (e.g., reception) as needed.

Qualifications

Education/Knowledge/Experience

• Minimum age of 18 and high school diploma/GED


• Must meet DCF, HS/EHS, and NAEYC requirements


• Highly preferred: Level 12 on The Registry or Infant Toddler Credential (If less then Level 12, willingness to participate in an education plan.)


• Knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practice, EHS, etc. preferred


• Proficient in Word and Excel plus accurate typing skills


• Experience working with urban youth and families

Pre-hire: fingerprint background check and drug test

Skills/Personal Qualities/Attitude

• Embody COA Values with a passion for serving others


• Philosophical compatibility with COA mission and strength based child development methods


• Strong early childhood management skills; familiarity with social emotional learning and trauma informed care


• Good organizational and administrative skills; detail oriented


• Effective interpersonal skills to develop strong working relationships. Cultural competency. Respect for diversity of all types.


• Excellent time management skills for consistent attendance and punctuality

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

The physical requirements are the ability to:

• Sit and stand for long periods of time


• Lift and carry up to 35 pounds throughout the day


• Actively engage with children in various activities (e.g. physical movement, dramatic play, on-the-floor play, etc.)


• Move quickly in order to safely evacuate children from the Center within certain time limits

The work environment is an active environment with urban youth and families in a variety of settings. This requires the ability to respond quickly to changing situations and be able to move around the COA site as needed. This position also requires evening and weekend work.

These characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

The above is intended to describe the general content and requirements of this job. It is not meant to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. In other words, other duties as assigned.