Preschool Co-Teacher

Reggio; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

401(k) with employer contribution

Disability insurance

Employee discount

Job summary

Preschool of the Arts in Madison, WI is seeking dedicated early childhood educators to implement a Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum and support children’s growth in a collaborative team. You will ensure a safe, enriching classroom, coordinate with specialists, and communicate regularly with families.

The role emphasizes documentation of learning, participation in accreditation processes, and planning two community events annually.

Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of at least two courses for credit in Early Childhood Education; Toddler 4K/Kindergarten coursework per classroom.
• DPI license required for at least one 4K/Kindergarten Co-Teacher per classroom where applicable.
• Successful completion of state background checks and health screening per licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a safe, clean, and enriching classroom environment.
• Collaborate with the teaching team and specialists; plan curriculum and schedule.
• Maintain written guidelines for Afternoon Teachers and Substitutes; document routines.
• Consult with Executive Director and Behavioral Support Specialist on behavior and family concerns; implement interventions.
• Document children’s growth using PSA’s developmental portfolio framework.
• Plan and lead two classroom events per school year; communicate regularly with families.
• Uphold licensing standards; participate in accreditation processes; implement Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum.

Skills

Classroom management

Team collaboration

Family communication

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ECE coursework (2+ courses)

DPI license (preferred)

Job description

Preschool of the Arts | Madison Wisconsin

Start Date: November 2, 2026

Description, Responsibilities, & Duties

Classroom Management

• Establish and maintain a safe, clean and enriching classroom environment. Develop logical and consistent routines for the classroom. Help children understand and carry out the expectations of the classroom and the school. Actively supervise children, including while outdoors on playgrounds.
• Collaborate with the teaching team including establishing a consistent schedule, dividing classroom responsibilities, and planning curriculum. Coordinate with Art Specialists, Music Specialists and Pedagogical Specialists.
• Maintain written guidelines for Afternoon Teachers and Substitutes working in the classroom, including classroom routines and expectations.
• Consult with the Executive Director and Behavioral Support Specialist in cases of child behavior, family concerns, or other needs. Implement behavior interventions as needed and determined by the Executive Director and Behavioral Support Specialist.
• Know and accommodate the individual health needs and allergies -of the children in the classroom.
• Develop curriculum around the needs and interests of the children, following the Reggio Emilia-inspired values and practices of PSA. This may include daily provocations, short and long term projects, documentation and more.
• Reflect regularly with the teaching team. Use written plans and documentation to study the children’s thinking and determine how to best facilitate learning consistent with the culture, philosophy and values of PSA.

Family Relations

• Establish respectful and welcoming relationships with parents and caregivers. Communicate with families as needed about their child’s day.
• Provide written feedback to families on a daily or weekly basis. Regular documentation of learning (photos, artwork, dialogue, etc) should be sent to families at least twice per month.
• Participate in three conferences with each family throughout the year: (1) Discuss social-emotional development, introduce goals and become better acquainted with parents and caregivers. (2&3) Use the developmental portfolio framework, discuss child’s progress and address any possible concerns, if not done already. Additional conferences and/or family meetings may be required.
• Document children’s growth, and conduct authentic assessment using PSA’s developmental portfolio framework.
• Plan and lead two classroom community events per school year: One Back To School Night in September, outlining the expectations and philosophy of the classroom and program; one Reggio Night, which is an opportunity for families to come together as a community and contribute to the classroom work.
• Use appropriate interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. Work effectively as a team member. Demonstrate respect towards other staff and the ability to foster an environment of mutual trust and collaboration with all staff. Provide guidance to new staff members.
• Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual in the community (children, families and colleagues). Respect the privacy of students, families, and colleagues by maintaining confidentiality.
• Attend designated meetings such as reflective practice, staff meetings and Study Groups.
• Keep up with daily school and family communication (email and Procare). Work with computer programs such as Google Suite, Procare and others as needed.
• Dress appropriately, including to go outside.
• Uphold licensing and accreditation standards. Participate in biennial accreditation process. Follow school guidelines.
• Learn about, understand, and implement a Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum. Learn about, understand, and implement an anti-bias curriculum.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age, with a high school diploma or equivalent; degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.

Completion of at least two courses for credit in Early Childhood Education. Toddler Co-Teachers are required to have completed toddler specific coursework. At least one 4K Co-Teacher and Kindergarten Co-Teacher per classroom are required to have a DPI license. Experience working as a lead teacher preferred.

Participate in the appropriate number of hours of professional development as determined by licensing per year. PSA will provide in-house, but outside opportunities are also available.

Successful completion of state required background checks and health screening, as required by licensing.

Salary & Benefits

Starting salary of $40,000 – more with experience.

Full benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with employer contribution, short and long term disability, employee discount.

At Preschool of the Arts, our mission is to nurture open-minded and open-hearted individuals who learn alongside one another and embrace the world with compassion, creativity, wonder, and joy. We are inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and believe that children are powerful and competent learners and that they learn best in thoughtfully-prepared and engaging environments by educators who are loving, enthusiastic, joyful, and careful listeners.

Your support will help us advance the quality of every child's one childhood.

Together, we are empowering exceptional education.