Early Childhood - School-Age Teacher (Short-Term/Summer)
24 days ago
Madison
Job Description Summary Tenney Preschool and Childcare is a community-rooted, play-based program serving children ages 2–9. Our work is grounded in a whole-child approach that centers relationships, social and emotional growth, and a deep respect for childhood. We believe that when children feel safe, seen, and valued, they grow into empathetic, capable people who care for themselves and others. Our classrooms are designed to support curiosity, collaboration, and joyful learning. Rather than rushing outcomes, we focus on building strong foundations through play, exploration, and meaningful connection. Social and emotional development is woven into everything we do, supporting children across the full spectrum of cognitive, physical, and emotional growth. Tenney is a truly collaborative preschool community. Families are actively involved in the life of the school, and our cooperative structure means caregivers partner closely with teachers and leadership. This creates a uniquely connected environment where relationships matter and educators are supported by an engaged, invested community. Tenney Preschool is licensed by the State of Wisconsin, accredited by the City of Madison, and holds a five-star YoungStar rating. We are committed to equity and inclusion and do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, religion, sexuality, gender, color, or ethnic origin in our educational, enrollment, or hiring practices. Duties • Support the implementation of engaging, developmentally appropriate activities and encourage children’s active participation through play and exploration, • Actively participate alongside children in daily activities while helping maintain an organized, clean, and well-prepared classroom environment, • Communicate regularly and warmly with families through informal conversations and shared observations about children’s experiences and growth, • Model and encourage self-help skills and healthy hygiene practices in a supportive, developmentally appropriate way, • Support children and families during daily transitions, helping create a smooth and welcoming flow between home and school, • Follow all center policies and state licensing regulations to ensure a safe, consistent, and high-quality program, • Engage in ongoing reflection and professional learning to support continuous growth and quality improvement Requirements • Must be at least 18 years old, • One non-credit, department-approved early childhood education course, OR two credits in early childhood education, OR an approved assistant teacher training program, • Successful completion of DCF-required background check, • Has experience working with children, sufficient to safely support supervision and daily care, • Abusive Head Trauma training, • Mandated Reporter training, • Is able to actively supervise and engage with children, including the physical ability to walk, stand, bend, kneel, lift, and participate in daily activities, • Has the sensory ability to ensure children’s safety, including seeing, hearing, and responding appropriately to children and environmental cues Nice To Haves • An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, education, psychology, or a related field, • Coursework or training in early childhood education, even if not yet completed, • A Wisconsin Registry Credential (Assistant Teacher, Preschool, Infant and Toddler, or higher), • Experience working in a licensed child care center, cooperative preschool, or school setting, • Familiarity with play-based, emergent, or inquiry-driven curriculum, • Experience working in mixed-age classrooms or with school-age children, • Comfort participating in co-teaching or shared leadership models, • Experience documenting children’s learning through observations, photos, or written reflections, • Interest in ongoing professional development and reflective practice, • Alignment with Tenney’s values around community care, collaboration, and relationship-based education Benefits Tenney Preschool offers a supportive, community-centered work environment along with meaningful benefits. Compensation and Time Off • Competitive pay, • Paid time off, as eligible, • Paid holidays and school closings, as applicableCommunity and Work Environment, • Small group sizes that allow for meaningful relationships with children, • A collaborative staff culture grounded in mutual respect, communication, and shared responsibility, • A close-knit family community that values connection, care, and partnership, • A co-teaching model that emphasizes teamwork and support, • Opportunities to contribute ideas and feedback within a reflective, values-driven programAdditional Benefits (after 3 months of employment), • Monthly retirement stipend, • Monthly wellness stipendTenney is a place for educators who value connection, collaboration, and being part of a thoughtful, engaged community.