ECE Assistant Teacher

ECE Assistant Teacher at School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin‑Madison

Job Category: University Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Early Childhood Education Assistant Teacher

Job Summary: The Child Development Lab (CDL) is a relationship‑based program in which teachers strive to build foundational, trusting, caring, and respectful connections with children and families. The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher works cooperatively and collaboratively with classroom teachers, CDL staff, families, university students, and researchers to support and advance the mission of the CDL. The Assistant Teacher is responsible for partnering with teachers to provide a safe, healthy, and nurturing classroom environment, supporting compliance with licensing and accreditation standards, and supervising children by sight and sound at all times.

Responsibilities include guiding children’s behavior, supporting social‑emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development, assisting children with developmental delays or disabilities, supervising university students in the classroom, modeling and training student staff, and adhering to all Wisconsin Department of Children and Families group childcare licensing regulations and CDL policies and procedures.

The job requires vigorous physical activity including sitting on the floor, moving up and down, running, jumping, climbing, reaching overhead, lifting at least 35 pounds, pushing or pulling children or furniture, and daily participation in outdoor activities in all weather.

Work Schedule: 9:30 am – 5:45 pm, Monday – Friday. Some nights and weekends may be required for professional development training.

• Assist with planning and facilitation of classroom programming and coordination according to established curriculums.
• Document effective communication with internal and external stakeholders and provide updates of child activities.
• Assist with basic technical and administrative classroom support.
• Update and organize individualized developmental plans for children.
• Maintain the safety and physical well‑being of children in the designated classroom.

School of Human Ecology, The Child Development Lab (CDL)

Starting salary based on experience; well‑qualified applicants can anticipate earning between $19.24 and $21.15 per hour.

Comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off, competitively priced health, dental, vision, and life insurance, tax‑advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System pension fund.

• One or more years of experience assisting with child routines in a regulated childcare setting.
• Ability to maintain patience, flexibility, and calm demeanor when managing daily classroom routines.
• Prior experience working with children aged 2‑6 years.
• Knowledge of or experience with childcare licensing regulations.
• Clear criminal background check including fingerprinting.

• Experience assisting with developmentally appropriate ECE curriculum planning and child assessment.
• Demonstrated skills in applying positive behavior guidance with young children.
• Commitment to an inclusive work environment and respect for all.
• Effective communication with multiple internal and external stakeholder groups.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and current research‑based practices with all abilities.
• Leadership experience in a kindergarten or after‑school program.

Preferred Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.

Click "Apply" and upload Resume and Cover Letter. Resumes and cover letters should detail training and experience relevant to the required and preferred qualifications.

The interview process may include a 30‑minute classroom observation with children.

Lizzie Druke, Human Resources Generalist, edruke

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW‑Madison. We value the contributions of each person and commit to excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity. The University of Wisconsin‑Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with federal and state civil‑rights laws. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.