Serving children ages 2-5 years, Tenney Preschool and Childcare is a play-based preschool with a backbone of community care. We follow a whole-child approach to build empathetic, capable children who love themselves and others. Our focus is on helping children develop foundational social and emotional skills in order to support the full spectrum of development.

Tenney is a collaborative preschool program, so families are unusually involved in the operations and management of the school. Some caregivers may even work in the classroom under the direction of a teacher. 

Tenney Preschool is licensed by the state of Wisconsin, accredited by the city of Madison, and holds a five-star rating with YoungStar. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, religion, sexuality, gender, color, or ethnic origin with regard to educational, enrollment, or hiring policies.

Teachers are responsible for caring for children through a high quality lens, developing a mutually respectful relationship with children, families, colleagues, the Board of Directors, and administration, implementing curriculum, managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom, and other support as needed. Teachers must understand children’s cognitive, social, emotional, language, and physical development in order to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. Teachers must be skilled in communicating with both children and adults in order to meet the needs of the children, effectively communicate with colleagues, and resolve family concerns.

• Coordinate and implement educational curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards
• 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 families through informal discussions, progress reports, and family 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.
• Supervise teacher assistants and classroom volunteers to ensure they are following planned activities, hygiene, and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate records, forms and files.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.

• Qualifies as lead teacher in The WI Registry
• Minimum of 2 years of professional child care 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.
• Associate’s Degree in early childhood education or related field of study with a minimum of 30 Credits in ECE -OR- a plan to complete accreditation requirements within 5 years after hire.
• 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.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Tenney Preschool offers:

• 403b retirement program
• EAP health benefit
• Docs by Phone health benefit
• PTO
• Paid holidays and school closings
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Competitive pay