Lead Preschool Teacher

Milwaukee, WI · Early Education and Care

Job Type: Full-time (Hourly/Non-Exempt)

Location: Milwaukee, WI – Early Education and Care Division

Salary Description

$17.07 to $19.44

Description:

La Causa Early Education and Care is committed to providing children with a safe, nurturing, and educational environment that supports their growth and development. We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Lead Teacher / Lead Teacher in Training to join our team.

As a Lead Teacher, you will take the lead in creating and maintaining a positive classroom environment that encourages learning, exploration, and well-being. You’ll develop age-appropriate lesson plans, ensure classroom safety, and collaborate with families and staff to promote the mission and values of La Causa, Inc.

Why Join La Causa, Inc.?

We’re proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace for 2025–2026, reflecting our commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and appreciated.

• When you join our team, you’ll enjoy benefits and perks designed to support your personal and professional success, including:
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Receive your annual PTO allotment upfront after completing 90 days of employment, prorated based on your start date during your first year.
• Paid Birthday and Personal Days: Enjoy a paid day off for your birthday, plus two additional personal days each year.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Participate in our retirement plan through Voya with an employer match to help support your financial future.
• Health and Wellness Benefits: Access medical, dental, and vision coverage to support your overall well-being.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Receive up to $1,000 annually toward continued education and professional development.
• Employee Appreciation and Team Events: Enjoy a fun, connected culture with activities like bake-offs, potlucks, and team celebrations.
• A Supportive Culture: Be part of a workplace where employees are recognized, encouraged, and given opportunities to grow.
• Join a company that invests in its people and has been recognized as a Top Workplace for 2025–2026.

Your Role:

As a Lead Teacher / Lead Teacher in Training , you will plan, implement, and evaluate classroom activities to meet the developmental needs of children. You will provide leadership and guidance to classroom staff, ensure compliance with regulations, and foster strong partnerships with families.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and implement age-appropriate curriculum and lesson plans in accordance with agency and state requirements
• Ensure the classroom is a safe, clean, and engaging learning environment
• Supervise and interact with children with dignity and respect while promoting their physical, emotional, and cognitive development
• Monitor staff-to-child ratios and notify your supervisor of any changes
• Ensure all daily routines are followed and in compliance with organizational standards, including arrival, meals, nap time, group activities, transitions, and departure
• Act as a backup for other teaching-related positions as needed
• Ensure safety at all times and respond appropriately to emergency drills or real situations
• Maintain compliance with WI Child Care Regulations, NAC Standards, and all agency policies
• Serve as a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse and neglect
• Prepare and submit documentation such as medicine logs, reports, and attendance by required deadlines
• Attend meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions as directed
• Build positive and professional communication with families, coworkers, and all stakeholders
• Perform other duties as assigned

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to stand, sit, reach, stoop, bend, and walk
• Must be able to lift and carry children weighing up to 50 pounds
• Attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the position
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities

Working Conditions

• Work performed primarily in a classroom environment
• Local travel may be required
• Flexible hours as dictated by program needs

Minimum Qualifications Required

Lead Teacher in Training

• Level 12 on WI State Registry
• 0–2 years of paid experience (minimum of one year working with families or in a classroom strongly preferred)

Lead Teacher:

• Level 12 or higher on WI State Registry
• Minimum of two (2) years of paid experience working with families and/or in a classroom setting

Additional Requirements:

• Must complete 25 hours of in-service training annually (calendar year)
• For Early Head Start classrooms: 12 credits in Early Childhood Education required
• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred (required for bilingual positions)
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and be at least 21 years of age
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; able to work with individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
• Must successfully complete all required background checks, including Criminal History, TB Test, and Physical Exam

Day-to-Day Setting

• Work performed in classroom and school environments
• Regular interaction with children, staff, and families
• Flexible schedule based on program needs
• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities

About La Causa, Inc.

Founded in 1972, La Causa, Inc. is one of Wisconsin’s largest bilingual, multicultural agencies. Our mission is to provide children, youth, and families with quality, comprehensive services to nurture healthy family life and strengthen community stability.

Our divisions include Crisis Nursery & Respite Center , Early Education & Care , La Causa Charter School , and Social Services (Adult and Youth Services). At the heart of our mission is our dedicated staff who welcome all into Familia La Causa and serve the children and families of Milwaukee with care and compassion.

Learn more at

Join Our Team — Apply Today!

Create a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Apply now and take the next step in your career!