Infant Toddler Assistant Teacher

About This Role

🚨 URGENT HIRE: Infant & Toddler Assistant Teachers (2 Openings!)

Program: Early Head Start

Age Group: Growing little minds from 6 weeks to 2½ years old

Expected Start Date: August 13, 2026

Status: Full-Time, Year-Round Position

About the Role

Our Early Head Start program is growing, and we are urgently seeking two dedicated Assistant Teachers to join our team! In this role, you will help nurture and guide our youngest learners (ages 6 weeks to 2½ years) during their most critical stage of development.

You won’t just be watching over children; you will be a vital part of their growth—supporting their health, nutrition, and early education in a safe, nurturing environment. We strongly believe in investing in our team: we will actively support you in earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential as you grow into a leading educator for our children and families.

What You'll Do

👶 Classroom Excellence (60%)

• Facilitate Growth: Implement developmentally appropriate activities tailored for ages 6 weeks to 2½ years that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and social-emotional development.
• Observe & Document: Track developmental milestones and behaviors to identify strengths, support individual growth areas, and maintain accurate records.
• Create a Sanctuary: Keep a clean, sanitized, and organized classroom environment (including laundry and equipment) meeting all early childhood safety standards.
• Collaborate: Work alongside special needs specialists to support individual goals and welcome parent volunteers into the classroom.
• Family Engagement: Build strong, trusting relationships with families, handling daily hand-offs to authorized adults and communicating key updates.

📝 Documentation & Professionalism (10%)

• Maintain Records: Assist in keeping accurate electronic and written files, including assessments and anecdotal observations.
• Grow Your Skills: Attend ongoing training and professional development sessions to stay at the forefront of infant and toddler care.

Requirements

What You’ll Need🎓 Education & Certifications

• Required: High School Diploma or GED, with progress toward an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or an Infant/Toddler CDA.
• CDA Requirement: Must obtain an Infant/Toddler CDA within the second year of hire (and maintain credentials through 2028). We are fully committed to supporting you through this process!
• Safety: Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Compliance: Ability to pass a background check, health screening, and Central Background Registry enrollment.

💪 Skills & Physical Requirements

• Physical Agility: Ability to sit on the floor, kneel, bend frequently, lift up to 30 lbs, and move quickly to ensure child safety.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Energy: High energy, empathy, and a strong "team-player" mindset essential for a fast-paced classroom environment.

Nice To Haves

⭐ Nice-to-Haves (Preferred Qualifications)

• Wisconsin Registry Level 6 (or higher): Highly preferred to step in and coverage support as a Lead Teacher when needed.
• Bilingual Skills: English/Spanish proficiency is a major plus!
• Growth Mindset: An eagerness to learn, continually pour back into your own professional development, and step up to become our next generation of Lead Teachers.

Benefits

What We Offer (Benefits & Perks)

We value our staff and provide a robust support system for your health, family, and professional growth:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Professional Development
• Professional Development Support: We fund and support staff earning their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
• Health & Savings: Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Income Protection & Life: Short-Term Disability, Critical Illness Coverage, and Accident Insurance.
• Family Protection: Additional Life Insurance options for spouse and children.
• Well-being: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and personal support.

About Us

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.