Lead Early Childhood Teacher

The Playing Field (Madison); Madison (WI); On-site; USD 53,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

PTO & holidays

Health, dental, vision

Disability insurance

Simple IRA 3% match

Job summary

The Playing Field is seeking a Lead Early Childhood Teacher for our infant and toddler classrooms at our Madison Midtown location. We are a nonprofit dedicated to serving families experiencing homelessness and those from diverse backgrounds in a nurturing learning environment.

We offer a competitive salary of $53,000–$55,000, a $1,000 sign-on bonus, up to 20 PTO days plus 9 paid holidays, comprehensive health/dental/vision insurance, disability coverage, and a 3% Simple IRA employer match.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Wisconsin Registry Certificate required; we assist eligible candidates during hiring.
• Commitment to safety and high-quality early education.

Responsibilities

• Lead infants and toddlers with an attachment-focused approach.
• Maintain low child-to-teacher ratios to support individualized care.
• Collaborate with team and participate in ongoing training and coaching.

Skills

Professional mindset

Growth mindset

Relationship building

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Wisconsin Registry Certificate

Job description

Lead Early Childhood Teacher (Infants & Toddlers) – Madison Midtown

The Playing Field believes that taking care of children begins with taking care of teachers. We are currently seeking a mission-driven Lead Early Childhood Teacher for our infant and toddler classrooms at our Madison Midtown location.

Since 2015, our independent nonprofit has worked to break down barriers to high-quality childcare. Our unique model brings together children experiencing homelessness and those from more advantaged backgrounds within a nurturing, high-quality early learning environment.

Why Join Our School Family?

• Supportive Workplace: Receive extensive training, ongoing coaching, a collaborative culture, and enrollment in the Conscious Discipline eCourse.
• Low Child-to-Teacher Ratios: Built intentionally to allow you to form deep, meaningful relationships and provide individualized care.
• Attachment-Focused Approach: Children stay paired with the same teacher for as long as possible to cultivate strong, secure attachments.
• Growth Opportunities: Access clear career advancement pathways as we expand our mission and community programs.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary: $53,000-55,000 per year, determined by your specific education and experience.
• Sign-On Bonus: $1,000 paid out upon successful completion of your probationary period.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 20 days of annual PTO plus 9 paid holidays.
• Full-Time Health & Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance alongside short- and long-term disability policies.
• Retirement Savings: 3% employer matching contributions to a Simple IRA.

Who We Are Looking For

• Professional Mindset: Reliable, highly professional, and intrinsically eager to learn and grow.
• Educational Background: Completed Associate or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, or a closely related developmental field.
• Quality Standards: Deeply committed to maintaining the highest benchmarks of safety and excellence in early education.
• State Licensing: A Wisconsin Registry Certificate is required. We are happy to assist otherwise qualified candidates with obtaining this certification during our hiring process.

About Us

The Playing Field is an Affinitive Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applicants who reflect the unique diversity of the wonderful families we serve.