Preschool Assistant Teacher (Infants to Age 5)

One City Schools, Inc.; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

One City Schools is seeking a dedicated and passionate Preschool Assistant Teacher to support young learners in a nurturing environment. This full-time role involves collaborating with lead teachers to deliver developmentally appropriate curriculum using the AnjiPlay methodology, fostering growth across all developmental areas. Join an award-winning team that prepares preschoolers for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Benefits

Competitive salary reflecting education and experience

11-month assignment with dedicated planning time

Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)

18 PTO days plus holidays

Professional development opportunities

On-campus childcare center with automatic admission for your child

Home ownership support through Own-It Program

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 years with High School Diploma.
• Previous experience working with young children in classroom settings.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and learning styles.

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementing AnjiPlay curriculum experiences for ages 0-5.
• Support cognitive and academic readiness activities including pre-literacy and basic numeracy skills.
• Help facilitate critical thinking through exploration and hands-on activities.

Skills

Communication

Patience

Cultural competency

Education

High School Diploma, GED or HSED

Associate's or bachelor's degree in early childhood education

Job description

PRESCHOOL ASSISTANT TEACHER

One City Schools | Madison, Wisconsin
Full-Time Position | 40+ Hours per Week
Posted:May 2025

SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Ready to inspire and nurture young learners while supporting educational innovation? One City Schools seeks adedicated, passionate Assistant Teacherto support our preschool scholars (ages 0-5) through foundational learning experiences. Join our award-winning team at One City Preschool, where we annually prepare at least 94% of preschoolers to test kindergarten-ready.

Learn more about One City Preschool at www.onecityschools.org/one-city-preschool and our Anji Play curriculum model at http://www.anjiplay.com. Also, watch videos about our schools on our YouTube Page at www.youtube.com/@OneCitySchools and learn more about our advocacy efforts at www.onecityadvocates.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW
As a Preschool Assistant Teacher, you'll collaborate with lead teachers to deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum using AnjiPlay methodology while fostering comprehensive growth across all developmental areas. You'll support classroom instruction, assist with nurturing young learners, and help shape the foundation of our scholars' educational journey by developing essential skills including cognitive readiness, social-emotional development, physical growth, creative expression, language acquisition, independence, and cultural awareness through play-based learning in a warm, nurturing environment.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
Support Innovative Instruction:

• Assist with implementing AnjiPlay curriculum experiences for ages 0-5 that integrate comprehensive developmental learning
• Support cognitive and academic readiness activities including pre-literacy skills (letter recognition, phonemic awareness, storytelling) and basic numeracy concepts (counting, shapes, patterns, problem-solving)
• Help facilitate critical thinking through exploration, questioning, and hands-on discovery activities
• Assist with physical development activities including both gross motor activities (running, jumping, climbing) and fine motor skill practice (drawing, cutting, manipulating objects)
• Support creative expression through art, music, dramatic play, and open-ended activities that enhance cognitive development and emotional processing
• Help build language and communication skills through rich conversations, vocabulary building, and diverse communication experiences
• Assist with preparing materials and supplies needed for lessons, arts and crafts, meals, and other activities
• Support individual and small group instruction under direction of lead teacher
• Help assess and adapt instruction to meet individual developmental needs across all learning areas

Mentor and Inspire:

• Support children through critical early developmental milestones across all learning domains
• Help maintain classroom environments that balance nurturing care with comprehensive educational experiences
• Assist with children's social and emotional development by providing opportunities for sharing, cooperation, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation
• Support independence and self-care skills including diapering, potty-training, dressing, grooming, and age-appropriate self-help abilities
• Help build secure relationships with children while encouraging peer connections and social belonging
• Assist with promoting cultural awareness and diversity through exposure to different cultures, languages, and family structures
• Support children's self-esteem and respect for individuality while building empathy and understanding
• Model loving, responsive interactions that build security and confidence in learning

Drive School Excellence:

• Participate in curriculum support and ongoing program implementation
• Engage in collaborative professional learning communities and staff meetings
• Maintain safe, clean, and organized classroom environments
• Support family engagement and communication about children's activities and needs
• Help build strong partnerships with families from diverse backgrounds
• Maintain accurate records and document incidents, accidents, and developmental milestones

WHAT YOU BRING

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum age of 18 years with High School Diploma, GED or HSED
• Previous experience working with young children in classroom settings
• Knowledge of early childhood development and learning styles
• Understanding of child development and early learning best practices
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and keep up with active children

Leadership Qualities:

• Collaborative mindset with passion for early childhood education
• Excellent communication skills and patience working with children
• Cultural competency and commitment to equity
• Resilience and adaptability in dynamic educational environment
• Passion for continuous improvement and professional growth

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in early childhood education
• Current CPR and first aid certification
• Member of the Wisconsin Child Care Registry
• Bilingual Spanish abilities

EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

Comprehensive Package:

• Competitive salary reflecting education and experience
• 11-month assignment with standard work-day and dedicated planning time
• 18 PTO days plus holidays, spring break, and winter break
• Full health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Comprehensive professional development opportunities

Unique Staff Benefits:

• On-campus childcare centerwith automatic admission for your age-eligible child
• Home ownership supportthrough Own-It Program ($19,000 down payment grants available)
• Access to cutting-edge early childhood educational resources
• Employee Assistance Plan and voluntary benefits options

ABOUT ONE CITY SCHOOLS

Our Mission:To seed a new model of public education ensuring children are on track to succeed from birth through high school graduation.

Our Impact:

• Breaking Achievement Gaps:Specifically focused on addressing Wisconsin's persistent educational inequities, where only 9% of Black children and 15% of Latino children read at grade level in South Madison elementary schools
• 5-Star Excellence:Earned Wisconsin's highest YoungStar Child Care Rating (5 out of 5 stars) and 2018 Gold Award for Best in Madison Child Care
• Global Innovation Leader:First school in the world outside Mainland China to implement internationally recognized Anji Play curriculum
• Proven Results:94% of preschoolers test kindergarten-ready, demonstrating exceptional preparation for academic success
• Community Investment:Raised $38 million in charitable funding, including $14 million donation for facility expansion
• National Recognition:Teacher Tiffany Ortego received 2023 Changemaker in Education Award by National Alliance of Public Charter Schools

Why One City?We're more than a school system—we're educational innovators influencing policy, curriculum, and teaching practices across Wisconsin and beyond. From pioneering pandemic safety protocols to leading $2.6 billion in education funding advocacy, One City is shaping the future of public education from birth.

Ready to make an impact?Join our mission to transform education and change lives from the very beginning.

One City Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members and applicants are treated with respect and dignity.

Application Deadline:Positions remain open until filled - we're committed to finding the perfect fit for our scholars