Position Summary:

The Children’s Center at UW Platteville invites applications for a Lead Teacher opening. The Lead Teacher works as part of a team to deliver a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children enrolled in their classroom as well as providing general supervision and management of the children enrolled.

The Lead Teacher will prepare classroom materials, facilitate classroom programs, and assess student progress to ensure safety and foster an environment of learning and development in accordance with established curriculum. The Lead Teacher interacts regularly with parents and trains new teachers and students.

This is a full-time, benefit and paid leave eligible position. Salary for this position is $43,800 per year.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Plans and facilitates classroom programming and schedules daily classroom activities for an early childhood education facility according to established curriculums.
• Maintains the safety and physical well-being of children in a designated classroom.
• Evaluates individualized and developmental educational plans for children in collaboration with other stakeholders, as needed.
• Maintains and documents effective communication with internal and external stakeholders to relay pertinent information and provide updates of child activities per established guidelines and regulations.
• Mentor new teachers and students.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of early childhood education
• Strong written and oral communications skills

Why It’s Great to be a Pioneer:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, offers associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degree programs in a broad spectrum of disciplines including: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; criminal justice; education; business; agriculture; and liberal arts. The Platteville campus is located in Southwest Wisconsin’s largest community, which has a rich history rooted in mining —particularly lead mining —dating back to the early 19th century. The region offers excellent school systems, high-quality medical and hospital facilities, outstanding recreational opportunities, and vibrant businesses and industries. UW-Platteville serves as a cultural and educational center for the Tri-State region of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Children’s Center was established in 1996 to provide children with a rich and caring environment. The center provides an atmosphere that promotes development of self-esteem, creativity, and an interest in exploring and discovering.

The mission of the Children’s Center is to provide a high-quality, nationally accredited childcare service with education opportunities for children and families at a reasonable cost. The Children’s Center staff members encourage children to grow and successfully learn in their individual way. Our curriculum nurtures children in all areas of development. Our philosophy is that young children grow and flourish in a positive, stimulating environment. Our teachers facilitate play activities throughout the day which support children’s natural desire for learning. In addition, children learn to be inquisitive, confident, and responsible, which are building blocks for future success.

Application Deadline:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by January 30, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

The following documents are required for applicant consideration:

• Letter of application addressing all required qualifications
• A current resume
• Contact information (name, telephone number, and email address) for 3 professional references.
• Additional documents as needed

For questions regarding this position, please contact Julie Soja, Children’s Center Director at 608-342-1260.

Legal Notices and Important Information: 

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University ensures physical accessibility to work environments for persons with disabilities and will provided reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to employment. Upon request, the University will provide reasonable accommodations for religious observances and practices.

The University is committed to a program of affirmative action for women, racial minorities, persons with disabilities, disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. While the Chancellor assumes overall responsibility for the success of the program, university administrators and supervisors are responsible and accountable for implementation. Authority for monitoring the program is delegated to Human Resources.

Each individual associated with the University is called upon to pledge a new and revitalized commitment to build and maintain a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination, an environment that fosters mutual respect, recognizes the dignity and worth of all people, and promotes to the fullest, equal employment opportunity through affirmative action.

In compliance with the Clery Act of 1998, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Annual Security & Annual Fire Safety Report is available for review. Call the UW-Platteville Campus Police Office at 608.342.1584 for a paper copy of the annual report.

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.