Preschool Lead Teacher (Infants & One-Year-Olds)

One City Schools, Inc.; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

One City Schools is seeking a dynamic Lead Teacher for infants and one-year-olds to inspire and nurture their youngest learners. Join an award-winning team and utilize the AnjiPlay curriculum to facilitate comprehensive growth in a warm, developmental environment. This is a full-time position ideal for dedicated educators passionate about making a difference.

Benefits

Competitive salary

18 PTO days plus holidays

Full health benefits (medical, dental, vision)

Professional development opportunities

On-campus childcare center

Home ownership support

Qualifications

• Understanding of infant and toddler development.
• Ability to create developmentally appropriate plans.
• Commitment to working with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Lead classroom instruction for infants and toddlers.
• Design engaging curriculum that fosters development.
• Build secure, nurturing environments.

Skills

Child Development Knowledge

Communication Skills

Creativity

Cultural Competency

Collaboration Skills

Education

High School Diploma, GED or HSED

Job description

PRESCHOOL LEAD TEACHER (INFANTS & ONE-YEAR-OLDS)

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

LEAD THE FUTURE OF INFANT & TODDLER EDUCATION
Ready to inspire and nurture our youngest learners while leading educational innovation? One City Schools seeks adynamic, passionate Lead Teacherto guide our infant and one-year-old scholars through foundational learning experiences. Join our award-winning team at One City Preschool, where we prepare children from birth with exceptional early childhood care and education.

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 Lead Teacher for Infants & One-Year-Olds, you'll design and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum using AnjiPlay methodology while fostering comprehensive growth across all developmental areas. You'll lead classroom instruction for our youngest learners, mentor infants and toddlers, 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
Lead Innovative Instruction:

• Design and implement AnjiPlay curriculum experiences for infants and one-year-olds that integrate comprehensive developmental learning
• Foster early cognitive development through sensory exploration, cause-and-effect discovery, and age-appropriate problem-solving activities
• Support physical development with both gross motor activities (crawling, standing, walking) and fine motor skill practice (grasping, manipulating objects, early coordination)
• Facilitate creative expression through sensory play, music, movement, and open-ended exploration that supports cognitive development and emotional processing
• Build early language and communication skills through rich conversations, vocabulary building, reading, and responsive interactions
• Create purposeful lesson plans that maximize learning through developmentally appropriate play-based approaches
• Assess and adapt instruction to meet individual developmental needs across all learning areas
• Prepare children for continued early learning success and developmental milestones

Mentor and Inspire:

• Guide infants and toddlers through critical early developmental milestones across all learning domains
• Create classroom environments that provide exceptional nurturing care with comprehensive early learning experiences
• Support children's early social and emotional development by providing secure attachments, responsive caregiving, and opportunities for early peer interaction
• Foster beginning independence and self-care skills appropriate for infants and one-year-olds
• Build secure, trusting relationships with children while encouraging early social connections
• Promote cultural awareness through exposure to different languages, music, and family structures
• Encourage exploration, curiosity, and respect for individuality while building foundation for empathy
• Model loving, responsive interactions that build security, attachment, and confidence in learning

Drive School Excellence:

• Participate in curriculum development and ongoing program reviews specific to infant and toddler care
• Engage in collaborative professional learning communities focused on early childhood best practices
• Maintain creative, safe, and developmentally appropriate classroom environments
• Support family engagement and community building initiatives for families with very young children
• Build strong partnerships with families from diverse backgrounds during this critical bonding period

WHAT YOU BRING

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum age of 18 years with High School Diploma, GED or HSED
• Member of the Wisconsin Child Care Registry or willingness to register
• Commitment to working with infants, toddlers, and families from diverse racial/cultural populations
• Understanding of infant and toddler development and early learning best practices
• Ability to create and execute developmentally appropriate care and learning plans
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and keep up with active children

Leadership Qualities:

• Innovative mindset with passion for infant and toddler education
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with families and colleagues
• Cultural competency and commitment to equity from birth
• Resilience and adaptability in dynamic early childhood environment
• Passion for continuous improvement and professional growth in infant care

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years of experience working with infants and young children
• Bilingual Spanish abilities
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills specific to infant care

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 two-week 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, if space available
• 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 fewer than 15% of Black children and 20% 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 Madison Magazine Gold Award recipient for Best in Madison Child Care
• Global Innovation Leader:Selected by Anji Play founder, Cheng Xueqin, to be the first school in the world outside Mainland China to implement internationally recognized play-based curriculum (learn more at www.anjiplay.com)
• Proven Results:94% of preschoolers test kindergarten-ready, demonstrating exceptional preparation for academic success
• Community Investment:Raised $2.2 million to purchase and renovate the oldest and most notable preschool facility in Dane County, Wisconsin; offer the best compensation for early childhood educators in the Greater Madison region
• 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 are educational innovators influencing policy, curriculum, and teaching practices across Wisconsin and beyond. From pioneering pandemic safety protocols, to leading on compensation and working conditions for early childhood educators, to leading $2.6 billion in education funding advocacy, One City is shaping the future of public education

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.