Early Childhood Education Jobs in Wisconsin
Early Childhood Education jobs in Wisconsin concentrate in public school districts, Head Start programs, licensed child care centers, and state-funded early intervention services, with demand at every level from classroom aide to lead preschool teacher and program director. Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay anchor the largest share of openings, where employers such as Milwaukee Public Schools, United Way of Dane County, and KinderCare Education maintain consistent hiring pipelines. The most in-demand specialties across Wisconsin include special education early intervention, bilingual early childhood instruction, and infant-toddler development. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Reports To: Early Childhood Education Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time
Position Summary
The Early Childhood Childcare Assistant Teacher/Van Driver supports the Lead Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for young children while ensuring the safe transportation of children to and from the childcare center, school, field trips, and other approved activities. This position combines classroom assistance with transportation responsibilities, requiring a commitment to child safety, positive relationships, and compliance with all childcare licensing regulations and transportation safety standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Classroom Support
- Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and daily lesson plans.
- Support children's cognitive, social-emotional, language, physical, and creative development through engaging activities and play.
- Prepare and organize classroom materials, learning centers, and educational activities.
- Encourage children's independence, curiosity, and positive social interactions.
- Participate in classroom routines, including circle time, learning centers, outdoor play, meals, and rest time.
Child Supervision
- Provide continuous supervision to ensure children's health, safety, and well-being.
- Assist with maintaining appropriate teacher-to-child ratios.
- Use positive guidance and behavior management techniques.
- Respond appropriately to children's individual needs and emergencies.
Transportation Responsibilities
- Safely transport children to and from the childcare center, schools, field trips, and other approved destinations using a center-owned vehicle.
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and report maintenance or safety concerns immediately.
- Ensure all children are properly secured using age-appropriate safety restraints.
- Maintain accurate transportation logs, attendance records, mileage logs, and vehicle inspection reports.
- Follow all state licensing requirements, Department of Transportation regulations, and center transportation policies.
- Ensure no child is left unattended in the vehicle by conducting required vehicle sweeps after each trip.
- Maintain cleanliness and readiness of the assigned vehicle.
- Communicate transportation delays, emergencies, or incidents promptly to the Center Director.
Health & Safety
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary classroom environment.
- Follow all health, safety, sanitation, and licensing regulations.
- Assist with daily health checks and hygiene routines.
- Report accidents, injuries, incidents, or safety concerns according to center procedures.
Family Engagement
- Greet children and families in a warm and professional manner.
- Communicate professionally with families regarding transportation schedules and daily activities as appropriate.
- Support family engagement events and classroom activities.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
Team Collaboration
- Work cooperatively with the Lead Teacher and other staff members.
- Assist in preparing classrooms before and after daily activities.
- Attend staff meetings, transportation safety meetings, professional development, and required trainings.
- Demonstrate flexibility by assisting in other classrooms or program areas as needed.
Classroom Management
- Assist with attendance, daily reports, meal counts, and classroom documentation.
- Help organize classroom supplies and maintain inventory.
- Support smooth classroom transitions and daily routines.
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or coursework in Early Childhood Education preferred.
- Associate's degree in early childhood education or a related field is desirable.
- A minimum of a Level 3 in the Wisconsin State Registry
Experience
- Previous experience working with young children in a childcare, preschool, or educational setting preferred.
- Experience transporting children or driving passenger vans is preferred.
Licenses & Certifications
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to meet organizational and insurance driving requirements.
- CPR and First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
- Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training.
- Background check clearance.
- Any state-required childcare and transportation training.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Basic knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
- Safe driving skills and knowledge of transportation safety procedures.
- Ability to supervise children both in the classroom and during transportation.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Dependable, patient, organized, and flexible.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development.
Physical Requirements
- Lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Frequently bend, kneel, squat, and sit on the floor.
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Safely enter and exit passenger vehicles multiple times daily.
- Assist children entering and exiting the vehicle.
- Participate in indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions.
- Respond quickly in emergency situations.
Work Environment
The Assistant Teacher/Van Driver works in classrooms, playgrounds, and passenger vehicles. The position requires active supervision of children, safe transportation practices, frequent interaction with families and staff, and flexibility in supporting daily childcare operations.
Core Competencies
- Child Development & Classroom Management
- Health, Safety & Transportation Compliance
- Family Engagement & Communication
- Child-Centered Service
- Collaboration & Professionalism
- Adaptability & Continuous Improvement
Monday through Friday
7AM - 3:30PM
40 hours/week
See All 9 Early Childhood Education Jobs in Wisconsin
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Find JobsEarly Childhood Education Jobs by City in Wisconsin
Where Wisconsin roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Early Childhood Education Job Market in Wisconsin
A snapshot from current Wisconsin openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Wisconsin Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in early childhood education jobs across Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin Department of Children and Families child care certification or equivalent state credential
- Associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or child development
- Experience working directly with children ages birth through age eight
- CPR and first aid certification valid in the state of Wisconsin
- Familiarity with Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards and classroom implementation
- Ability to pass a Wisconsin Department of Justice background check before hire
Early Childhood Education Jobs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a early childhood education in Wisconsin?
Working as an early childhood educator in Wisconsin typically requires a credential issued or recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. The state uses a tiered registry system through the Wisconsin Registry, and most licensed child care centers require at minimum a registry level tied to relevant coursework or a Child Development Associate credential. Lead teacher roles in public PreK or Head Start programs generally require a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a closely related field.
Which companies hire early childhood educations in Wisconsin?
Employers hiring early childhood educations in Wisconsin right now include Mead Consulting, Carthage College, and University of Wisconsin, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Wisconsin's strong network of Head Start grantees, public school districts, and licensed child care organizations means steady openings exist across urban centers and smaller communities throughout the state.
Which Wisconsin cities have the most early childhood education jobs?
Milwaukee, Edgar, and Kenosha account for the highest concentration of early childhood education openings in Wisconsin. Milwaukee leads because of its large public school district, dense Head Start program network, and numerous licensed child care centers serving working families, while Madison's openings are driven by the University of Wisconsin system, state agency programs, and a robust nonprofit early childhood sector. Green Bay's growth reflects expanding bilingual and dual-language program demand tied to a growing Latino community.
Are there remote early childhood education jobs in Wisconsin?
Yes, but they're rare. Early childhood education is a fundamentally hands-on, in-person role, so the vast majority of positions require physical presence with children. About 25% of early childhood education openings tied to Wisconsin are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to be in program coordination, curriculum development, or family support coaching rather than direct classroom instruction.
How can I get hired as a early childhood education in Wisconsin with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a classroom aide or assistant teacher position at a licensed child care center or Head Start program, which typically requires only a high school diploma and a willingness to complete Wisconsin Registry enrollment. Milwaukee Public Schools and community action agencies across the state regularly hire paraprofessionals who can earn their Child Development Associate credential on the job. Building hours in an infant-toddler room or as a substitute in a 4K program creates a direct path toward lead teacher eligibility.
Where can I find and apply to early childhood education jobs in Wisconsin?
You can find and apply to early childhood education jobs in Wisconsin on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state. Search for roles that match your credential level and experience, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 9 Early Childhood Education Jobs in Wisconsin
Find roles in Wisconsin that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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