Child Care Teacher

About the Role

At the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley, we believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing place where they can learn, grow, and thrive. As a Child Care Teacher, you'll do more than supervise a classroom - you'll inspire curiosity, build confidence, and create meaningful experiences that help children develop a lifelong love of learning.

If you're passionate about early childhood education, love seeing children discover the world around them, and want to be part of a supportive team that truly values its employees, we'd love to meet you!

What You'll Do

Inspire Learning

• Design and lead engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Create weekly lesson plans that encourage curiosity, creativity, and exploration.
• Individualize activities to meet each child's unique developmental needs.

Create a Safe & Welcoming Environment

• Ensure the safety and well-being of every child through active supervision.
• Maintain a clean, organized, engaging classroom where children can thrive.
• Follow Wisconsin DCF licensing regulations and YMCA health and safety standards.

Foster Social & Emotional Growth

• Help children build confidence, self-regulation, and healthy relationships.
• Use positive behavior guidance strategies that encourage learning and independence.
• Create a classroom culture where every child feels valued, included, and respected.

Build Strong Family Partnerships

• Develop trusting relationships with families.
• Share children's milestones, classroom experiences, and developmental progress.
• Partner with parents to support each child's success.

Observe, Assess & Celebrate Progress

• Monitor developmental milestones through observation and assessment.
• Use data to personalize learning experiences.
• Maintain accurate documentation and required records.

Collaborate & Lead

• Be a positive role model for children and fellow staff.
• Support and mentor classroom team members.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and YMCA events.
• Demonstrate the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in everything you do.

Key Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• Meet Wisconsin DCF qualifications for a Child Care Teacher (Lead or Assistant). Training offered.
• Wisconsin Registry Certificate (or ability to obtain within 90 days)
• CPR/AED & First Aid certification (or ability to obtain)
• Completion of Abusive Head Trauma/Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention training
• 1–2 years of experience in a licensed early childhood setting
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices
• Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Wisconsin Registry Level 10 or higher
• Experience in a YoungStar 4- or 5-Star or NAC-accredited program
• Experience with Conscious Discipline and/or Pyramid Model
• Experience leading a classroom or mentoring staff
• Familiarity with Brightwheel, Procare, or similar child care software
• Bilingual skills that reflect our community

Benefits

Full-Time Employee Benefits

Health & Wellness

• FREE YMCA Membership (includes Household Membership)
• Discounts on YMCA programs and services for you and your household

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible schedules for work-life harmony
• Competitive paid time off program

Professional Growth

• Paid trainings & certifications (CPR, First Aid, YMCA Leadership)
• Gain valuable experience in customer service, problem solving, and people skills

Financial Security

• Strong employer retirement contribution (12% after qualifying)

Family Support

• Incredible discounts on Child Care Center, School Age Child Care, Camp Manitou & Summer Day Camps

Community & Connections

• Build lasting relationships with members and staff
• Connect and make a difference in your community

*The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $13.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $13 - $17