Job Description
Summary We are seeking a nurturing, experienced Infant Lead Teacher to provide high-quality care and early education for infants in a safe, supportive, and engaging classroom environment. The Infant Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum, fostering secure attachments, and supporting each child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. This role includes communicating with other staff, maintaining strong communication with families, and ensuring compliance with all licensing and safety regulations. The ideal candidate is patient, organized, passionate about early childhood development, and committed to creating a loving foundation for lifelong learning. This classroom can have up to 7 infants under the care of a lead teacher and assistant teacher.
Duties - Provide a safe, nurturing, and responsive environment that supports infants’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and daily activities aligned with early childhood best practices
- Observe, document, and assess each child’s development and milestones; maintain accurate records and portfolios
- Maintain family routines for feeding, diapering, napping, and play while following health and safety guidelines
- Build strong, respectful relationships with families through daily communication and conferences as needed
- Supervise, mentor, and support assistant teachers and classroom staff; model best practices in infant care
- Ensure compliance with state licensing regulations, health codes, and center policies at all times
- Maintain a clean, organized, and stimulating classroom environment
- Practice safe sleep procedures and proper sanitation at all times
- Respond promptly and appropriately to infants’ needs, cues, and behaviors
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and required trainings
- Collaborate with leadership and colleagues to support center-wide goals and quality standards
- Report any concerns related to child welfare, health, or safety following mandated reporting guidelines
Requirements - Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have completed high school or its equivalent, as determined by the Wisconsin department of public instruction.
- Have at least 240 hours of experience as an assistant child care teacher in a group child care center, as a licensed family child care provider, or in another approved early childhood setting.
- Wisconsin Registry level of at least 7 or higher.
At least one of the following:
- Four credits in early childhood education or its equivalent.
- Two non-credit department-approved courses in early childhood education (Introduction to the Child Care Profession and Skills and Strategies for the Child Care Teacher or the assistant child care teacher or child care teacher training programs approved by the Wisconsin department of public instruction).
- Two credits in early childhood education and one noncredit department-approved course in early childhood education.
- A certificate from the Wisconsin Registry indicating that the person is qualified as a child care teacher.
- The Registry Preschool Credential.
- The Registry Infant Toddler Credential.
- Forty-eight credits from an institution of higher education with at least 3 credits in early childhood education or its equivalent.
- A one-year child care diploma in child care or early childhood education from an institution of higher education.
- An associate degree in early childhood education or child care from an institution of higher education.
- A Child Development Associate credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition.
- Certificate from American Montessori Society, Association Montessori International, or Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education.
- A license issued by the Wisconsin department of public instruction or the appropriate authority in another state to be a pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, or early childhood regular or special education teacher. The license may not be a one-year license with stipulations (formerly known as an emergency license); a 3-year, short-term substitute license; or a 5-year long-term substitute license, as defined by the Wisconsin department of public instruction.
Nice To Haves - Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
- Infant–Toddler Credential or Child Development Associate (CDA)
- Previous experience as a Lead Teacher in an infant classroom
- Knowledge of infant development, attachment theory, and responsive caregiving practices
- Experience with curriculum planning and developmental assessments
- Familiarity with state licensing regulations and quality rating systems
- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with families and team members
- Experience mentoring or supervising assistant teachers
- Multilingual or bilingual abilities
- Passion for ongoing professional growth and early childhood best practices
Benefits - Health Insurance
- 401k
- Short Term Disability
- Vacation Time
- Paid Holidays & Paid Birthday
- Paid Continuing Education & Access to College Scholarships
- Sign on Bonus
- 50% Tuition Discount
Job Tags
Full time, Temporary work, Relocation package,