Preschool Assistant Teacher

Preschool Assistant Teacher

One City Schools seeks a dynamic, passionate Assistant Teacher to guide our preschool scholars (ages 2-3) through foundational learning experiences. Join our award-winning team at One City Preschool, where we prepare 94% of preschoolers to test kindergarten-ready.

Position Overview

As a Preschool Assistant Teacher, you'll design and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum using AnjiPlay methodology while fostering comprehensive growth across all developmental areas. You'll lead classroom instruction, mentor young learners, and help shape the foundation of our scholars' educational journey by developing essential skills including cognitive readiness, social-emotional development, physical growth, creative expression, language acquisition, independence, and cultural awareness through play-based learning in a warm, nurturing environment.

What You'll Do

Lead Innovative Instruction:

• Design and implement AnjiPlay curriculum experiences for ages 2-3 that integrate comprehensive developmental learning
• Foster cognitive and academic readiness through pre-literacy skills (letter recognition, phonemic awareness, storytelling) and basic numeracy concepts (counting, shapes, patterns, problem-solving)
• Develop critical thinking through exploration, questioning, and hands-on discovery activities
• Support physical development with both gross motor activities (running, jumping, climbing) and fine motor skill practice (drawing, cutting, manipulating objects)
• Facilitate creative expression through art, music, dramatic play, and open-ended activities that support cognitive development and emotional processing
• Build language and communication skills through rich conversations, vocabulary building, and diverse communication experiences
• Create purposeful lesson plans that maximize learning through play-based approaches
• Assess and adapt instruction to meet individual developmental needs across all learning areas
• Prepare children for kindergarten readiness and lifelong learning success

Mentor and Inspire:

• Guide toddlers through critical early developmental milestones across all learning domains
• Create classroom environments that balance nurturing care with comprehensive educational experiences
• Support children's social and emotional development by providing opportunities for sharing, cooperation, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation
• Foster independence and self-care skills including age-appropriate self-help abilities, routine following, and personal responsibility
• Build secure relationships with children while encouraging peer connections and social belonging
• Promote cultural awareness and diversity through exposure to different cultures, languages, and family structures
• Encourage independence, self-esteem, and respect for individuality while building empathy and understanding
• Model loving, responsive interactions that build security and confidence in learning

Drive School Excellence:

• Participate in curriculum development and ongoing program reviews
• Engage in collaborative professional learning communities
• Maintain creative and orderly classroom environments
• Support family engagement and community building initiatives
• Build strong partnerships with families from diverse backgrounds

What You Bring

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum age of 18 years with High School Diploma, GED or HSED
• Member of the Wisconsin Child Care Registry or willingness to register
• Commitment to working with infants, toddlers, and families from diverse racial/cultural populations
• Understanding of infant and toddler development and early learning best practices
• Ability to create and execute developmentally appropriate care and learning plans
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and keep up with active children

Leadership Qualities:

• Innovative mindset with passion for early childhood education
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Cultural competency and commitment to equity
• Resilience and adaptability in dynamic educational environment
• Passion for continuous improvement and professional growth

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years of experience working with young children
• Bilingual Spanish abilities
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills

Exceptional Benefits & Compensation Comprehensive Package:

• Competitive salary reflecting education and experience
• 11-month assignment with standard work-day and dedicated planning time
• 18 PTO days plus holidays, spring break, and two-week winter break
• Full health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Comprehensive professional development opportunities

Unique Staff Benefits:

• On-campus childcare center with automatic admission for your age-eligible child, if space available
• Home ownership support through Own-It Program ($19,000 down payment grants available)
• Access to cutting-edge early childhood educational resources
• Employee Assistance Plan and voluntary benefits options

About One City Schools

• Our Mission: To seed a new model of public education ensuring children are on track to succeed from birth through high school graduation.
• Our Impact:
• Breaking Achievement Gaps: Specifically focused on addressing Wisconsin's persistent educational inequities, where fewer than 15% of Black children and 20% of Latino children read at grade level in South Madison elementary schools
• 5-Star Excellence: Earned Wisconsin's highest YoungStar Child Care Rating (5 out of 5 stars) and Madison Magazine Gold Award recipient for Best in Madison Child Care
• Global Innovation Leader: Selected by Anji Play founder, Cheng Xueqin, to be the first school in the world outside Mainland China to implement internationally recognized play-based curriculum (learn more at )
• Proven Results: 94% of preschoolers test kindergarten-ready, demonstrating exceptional preparation for academic success
• Community Investment: Raised $2.2 million to purchase and renovate the oldest and most notable preschool facility in Dane County, Wisconsin; offer the best compensation for early childhood educators in the Greater Madison region
• National Recognition: Teacher Tiffany Ortego received 2023 Changemaker in Education Award by National Alliance of Public Charter Schools

Why One City? We're more than a school system—we are educational innovators influencing policy, curriculum, and teaching practices across Wisconsin and beyond. From pioneering pandemic safety protocols, to leading on compensation and working conditions for early childhood educators, to leading $2.6 billion in education funding advocacy, One City is shaping the future of public education Ready to make an impact? Join our mission to transform education and change lives from the very beginning. One City Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members and applicants are treated with respect and dignity. Application Deadline: Positions remain open until filled - we're committed to finding the perfect fit for our scholars.