Infant & Toddler Lead Teacher (Center-Based)
About This Role
Family Forum, Inc. in Superior, WI is seeking a qualified Infant & Toddler Lead Teacher (Center-Based) to work with Infant / Toddler (0–2) in a early head start environment. This position requires an active Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Program: Early Head Start
Age Group: Nurturing & guiding little minds (ages 6 weeks to 2½ years)
Schedule: Full-Time, Year-Round Position
Urgency: Immediate Opening (Filling quickly due to internal staff promotions!)
Lead the Way in Early Childhood Development 🌟
Are you a visionary educator ready to build the foundation for our youngest learners? We are seeking a dedicated Infant & Toddler Lead Teacher to take ownership of a classroom and drive high-quality early education for our infants and toddlers!
As a Lead Teacher, you are the architect of a nurturing environment where health, nutrition, and developmentally appropriate education meet. You won't just manage a classroom—you will inspire a team, partner closely with families, and ensure full compliance with Federal Head Start Performance Standards while fostering a culture of safety, joy, and excellence.
Ready to inspire the next generation? With our program expanding and staff advancing into new leadership roles, we are looking to fill this vital position immediately. Apply today to lead our Early Head Start classroom!
What You'll Do
The Impact You’ll Make
🎨 Classroom Leadership & Instruction (60%)
- Curriculum Ownership: Design and execute daily lesson plans that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth while integrating family and cultural influences.
- Instructional Excellence: Lead small/large group experiences, music, movement, and motor activities using evidence-based, developmentally appropriate practices.
- Child Assessment: Conduct developmental screenings and maintain detailed anecdotal records to track progress and create individualized learning paths.
- Collaborative Care: Partner with Special Needs staff to implement tailored goals and lead monthly staffing meetings to review child progress.
🤝 Family Engagement & Safety (30%)
- Parent Partnerships: Lead parent-teacher conferences and maintain frequent, warm, and professional communication regarding child progress and home-to-center transitions.
- Community Advocacy: Serve as a trusted resource for families by maintaining a deep working knowledge of community support networks.
📋 Compliance & Professionalism (10%)
- Record Keeping: Ensure 100% accuracy in electronic and written records, including assessments, attendance, and health documentation.
- Mentorship: Supervise, guide, and mentor Assistant Teachers and volunteers to foster a cohesive, growth-oriented classroom team.
- Confidentiality: Maintain the highest standards of data privacy in accordance with Head Start policies.
Requirements
What You’ll Bring
🎓 Education & Experience
- Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a related field with a focus on Infant/Toddler development.
- Credentialing: Specialized Infant/Toddler CDA required.
- Experience: 1–2 years of experience leading an infant/toddler or pre-school classroom preferred.
📜 Certifications & Compliance
- Wisconsin Registry: Level 6 or higher required.
- DCF Qualifications: Completion of Introduction to the Child Care Profession and Infant/Toddler Coursework.
- Safety & Clearance: Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification, plus ability to clear a full background check and health screening.
💡 Core Competencies
- Observation & Individualization: Ability to assess developmental progress and tailor learning plans to each child's unique needs.
- Teamwork & Flexibility: Strong collaborative spirit within a co-teaching model.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills for family partnerships and detailed documentation.
Nice to Have
⭐ Nice-to-Haves (Preferred Qualifications)
- Advanced Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Human Development with an Infant/Toddler concentration.
- Proven Leadership Experience: 2+ years of experience leading an infant/toddler classroom and mentoring assistant staff or volunteers.
- Bilingual Proficiency: English/Spanish fluency is a major plus to connect deeply with our diverse families.
- Head Start Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with Federal Head Start Performance Standards and assessment tools (e.g., TS GOLD or similar child observation systems).
- Community Connection: Knowledge of local community resources and family support services in Wisconsin/Superior area.
Benefits
About Family Forum, Inc.
Family Forum, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation that provides programs for families in Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron, and Price Counties of Wisconsin. The corporation is made up of a Governing Board who manage the affairs of the corporation through the Executive Director. The programs provided by Family Forum, Inc. are Head Start / Early Head Start.
Mission Statement
We are dedicated to preparing children and their families for success; through high quality programming, family support and wellness education, while fostering meaningful relationships.
Our Vision
Partnering with families and communities to build school readiness for all children through passionately committed relationships that connect families to goal oriented outcomes.
Common Questions
What ECE credentials are required for this position?
This role requires a CDA.
What does this position pay?
This Infant & Toddler Lead Teacher (Center-Based) role pays $17.02 to $20.60/Hr.
Is this full-time or part-time?
This job is Full Time.
Where is Family Forum, Inc. located?
Family Forum, Inc. is located at 1500 North 34th Street, Superior, WI