Childcare Floater

Description

Childcare Floater

Department: Early Childhood Education

Reporting Manager: Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Compensation Range: $18 - $22

Bonus/Commission Eligible: No

Position Summary

The Childcare Floater will work collaboratively with Early Head Start Teachers and Head Start Teachers to ensure the successful operation of a classroom of children. The Childcare Floater also works with family members to implement the curriculum to achieve outcomes for children of all abilities. The Childcare Floater will ultimately be evaluated on a combination of skills, dispositions, and behaviors, some of which are related to the specific service area of this position and others that represent general expectations of all Penfield Children’s Center employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in ensuring full compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, WI DCF licensing, and accreditation requirements.
• Uphold classroom policies, procedures, and health/safety practices.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment, including refreshing learning centers and ensuring materials are sanitized and in good repair.
• Supervise and monitor assigned children to ensure safety and support social-emotional development.
• Maintain family confidentiality while ensuring parents receive timely, accurate information about their child’s progress.
• Collaborate respectfully with co-teachers, center staff, and families to support a positive learning environment.
• Follow mandated reporting requirements for suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changing classroom assignments and schedules.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED

Prior experience with children aged 0-5 years

Preferred Education and Experience

• Birth to Five, Infant/Toddler, or PreSchool Child Development Associate (CDA) OR Infant/Toddler or PreSchool Credential
• A valid driver’s license
• First Aid/CPR certification

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• The ability to build positive, cooperative relationships with children, families, teammates, and community partners.
• Solid organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to balance documentation, communication, and classroom responsibilities.
• Basic comfort with technology, including email, internet use, data entry, and navigating databases.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Bilingual (English & Spanish)

• Experience supporting diverse families and communities
• Familiarity with Head Start standards or WI DCF licensing

Physical Requirements

• Must meet all required health and safety clearances in accordance with Penfield Children’s Center policy, including an annual flu vaccine and tuberculosis test.
• Move freely throughout the classroom and center, including standing, walking, bending kneeling, and sitting on the floor with children
• Lift, carry, and hold children weighing up to 40 pounds as needed to assist children physically during transitions, outdoor or indoor play, or safety situations.
• Safely push, pull, or maneuver classroom equipment, strollers, or materials up to 50 pounds
• Maintain visual and auditory supervision of children at all times; including during active play, outdoor activities, and transitions.
• Support children with toileting, handwashing, meals, and hygiene as needed.
• Tolerate typical early childhood environmental conditions, including noise, frequent movement, and exposure to cleaning products used according to licensing and program standards

Benefits Package: Head Start Staff

• 128 PTO Hours (3 weeks + 1 Day)
• Earned per pay period, usable early
• +1 week after 3 years
• +1 week after 4 years

33 Paid Holidays (2026)

New Year's Day, January 2nd, MLK Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Day Before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Day After Thanksgiving

Spring Break (1 Week)

Summer Break (2 Weeks)

Winter Break (December 23rd through New Year’s)

1 Employee Choice Holiday

• Immediate 403b Retirement Enrollment & Company Match After 1 Year (50% of employee contribution up to 3%)
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance (1st of month after 30 days)

Flexible Spending Account

• Health Savings Account OR Health Reimbursement Arrangement (Based on Health Plan)
• Voluntary Insurance: Short Term & Long Term Disability, Critical Illness & Accident
• Company Paid Life Insurance (2x annual salary)

2 Weeks Paid Parental Leave

Employee Assistance Program