Infant/Toddler Childcare Teacher

Join Us in Building Something Special at Little Forest School

At Little Forest School, we’re not just hiring—we’re inviting you to help shape something meaningful.

As a nonprofit nature-based childcare center, we’re creating a space where children lead the way through curiosity, creativity, and muddy hands. We're looking for:

• Outdoor enthusiasts

• Educators who believe in:

  • The power of play

  • The beauty of puddle jumping

  • The importance of nature-based learning

This is more than a job—it’s a chance to:

• Co-create an innovative forest school curriculum

• Grow with a passionate team

• Become part of a community-driven effort

If you're excited about building something new and believe that sticks and stones make some of the best learning tools—we’d love to meet you.

Position Summary: Infant/Toddler Childcare Teacher

Pay Rate: $18–$20/hour
Ages Served: 3 months to 2.5 years
Reports to: Childcare Director

Location: Manitowish Waters, WI

Benefits:

Paid time off: 12 PTO days (year 0-2)

Holiday pay: 10 paid holidays & Christmas Eve through New Years Day paid

Cigna Health Insurance: employee coverage 80%; Family Coverage 50%

Delta Dental & Vision: Employee coverage 100%; Family Coverage optional

Tuition reimbursement

Simple IRA's: 3% employer match

Health Saving's Account: $100/month contribution (eligible employees)

Complimentary Household Membership to North Lakeland Discovery Center

The Childcare Teacher supports the development and delivery of high-quality, nature- and play-based programs. This role involves:

• Implementing curriculum

• Supervising children and classroom activities

• Fostering a nurturing, inclusive environment

Essential Functions

Program Delivery

• Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons rooted in nature and play-based learning

• Foster achievement, belonging, and relationships through intentional programming

• Make systematic observations and assessments to support each child’s development

• Maintain accurate records (lesson plans, evaluations, child assessments)

• Provide updates to Childcare Director as needed

Classroom Supervision & Safety

• Oversee daily classroom operations and ensure a safe, inclusive environment

• Supervise assistants, aides, and volunteers

• Ensure compliance with all licensing and safety regulations

• Support ADA accommodations for inclusivity

• Maintain cleanliness and safety of program site and equipment

• Uphold confidentiality of children’s and families’ information

• Complete:

  • 15 hours of annual continuing education

  • Abuse and neglect training every two years

Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with families through:

  • Daily communication

  • Parent conferences

  • Coordinating with home schedules

• Connect families with community resources

• Attend and contribute to:

  • Staff meetings

  • Training sessions

  • Childcare events

• Participate in creating a positive, collaborative school culture

Qualifications

Age

• Must be at least 18 years old

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent

• At least two:

  • DCF-approved non-credit courses or

  • College-level courses in early childhood education

Certifications

• CPR, First Aid, and AED (or obtained within 3 months of hire)

• Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Training

• SIDS

• Mandated Reporter

• Wisconsin Registry Certificate:

  • Level 4 minimum

  • Level 7 preferred

Experience

• At least 240 hours in an early childhood setting (childcare center, family childcare, etc.)

Skills & Physical Requirements

• Ability to build authentic relationships with diverse families and children

• Physically able to:

  • Bend, lift, and sit at children's level

  • Stay active throughout the day

• Comfortable with exposure to:

  • Cleaning supplies

  • Bodily fluids

  • Common childhood illnesses

• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities