Early Childhood - Teacher

Established in 1962, Rooted & Rising - Washington Park (formerly UMCS) has a deep commitment to and long-standing presence in Milwaukee’s Washington Park neighborhood, where it has provided a wide range of social service programs and assistance to low-income, marginalized families, including childcare, supportive housing, community health promotion, community organizing, emergency food pantry and family resource center services, and social work.

Having served as a staple in the Washington Park neighborhood since 1998, The Growing Tree Children's Center looks to take on new initiatives as we continue to grow. Our goal is to transition from traditional childcare to early education with an emphasis on outdoor education. A move that requires a shift in focus from simple care to intentional, structured planning and environments, as we immerse ourselves in holistic learning using the world around us.

We are currently seeking a dedicated and passionate Early Childhood Teacher to join our team of educators and contribute to the growth and development of our young learners. If you are enthusiastic about making a positive impact on the lives of young children and meet the qualifications outlined below, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

• Coordinate and implement educational curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards
• Maximize the early learning environment's potential for nature-based, child-centered learning.
• Engage in outdoor activities with children at least 30% of the day, as weather permits
• Create a positive and inclusive learning environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of each child.
• Observe and assess the progress of each child and provide feedback to parents or guardians on their child's development.
• Lead by example; encourage teaching team success through modeling and coaching.
• Plan individual and group age-appropriate activities to actively engage children and encourage social, cognitive and emotional growth.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Ensure all center policies and state regulations are met.
• Ensure a healthy classroom environment – including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children..
• Maintain accurate records, forms and files.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.

• Minimum of 2 years of professional childcare and/or early education experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.
• A minimum of 6 college credits in early childhood education.
• Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels. May also be required to kneel, bend, squat or crawl.
• A specific vision ability will be required including the ability to see up close and up to a certain distance, to see colors, have peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Associate degree in early childhood education or similar field
• Knowledge Nature-based and/ or child-centered learning programs
• Good organizational skills
• Good problem-solving skills
• Classroom management skills
• Knowledge of methods for positive redirection
• Experience or training in early childhood justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion

• 403(b) Retirement/savings plan
• Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Allowance (ICHRA)
• Discounted on-site Early Education and Care at The Growing Tree
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Paid sick-time
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance