Therapeutic Classroom Leader Assistant

Therapeutic Classroom Leader Assistant

Nurture Healing. Champion Growth. Transform Young Lives.

QUICK FACTS

Location: Stoughton Pay: $21.62 Schedule: Full-time, Part year

WHY JOIN US

We're reimagining early childhood education as a tool for social transformation with our therapeutic preschool model. Over 1,000 kids and families in Dane and Green County are facing barriers that shouldn't exist. We dismantle those barriers through trauma-informed education, genuine relationships, and deep commitment to success. If that work calls to you, we're ready to talk.

What Makes This Work Special

• Specialized classroom role within Reach Dane's unique Therapeutic Head Start classroom serving 3- and 4-year-olds, with low ratios of 10 children to 3 classroom staff, designed specifically to serve children and families who have experienced trauma

• Collaborative classroom team model working alongside a Therapeutic Education Leader, Classroom aide and a Child and Family Resilience Specialist in a healing-centered environment within an enhanced early childhood setting

• Develop your expertise in teaching young children through a trauma-informed lens, with reflective supervision and coaching that strengthens both your instructional practices and your ability to respond therapeutically to children's needs

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Generous Paid Time Off & Holidays

• Bilingual Pay Differential for qualified staff/positions

• 403(b) Retirement with Company Match After 2 Years

• Company-Paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer

• Comprehensive professional development: ongoing coaching, paid continuing education, and credential support

• Career advancement pathways with organizational training support

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Education: High school diploma required; completion of Preschool Credential or CDA within two years of hire; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred

• Experience: At least one year in an early childhood education setting preferred; experience building partnerships with low-income, multicultural families who have experienced trauma is a plus

• Specialized Knowledge: Trauma-informed practices with children, families, and staff; familiarity with the Pyramid Model for Social and Emotional Competence preferred, or commitment to learning

• Professional Competencies: Strong active listening, oral and written communication, and classroom leadership skills; relational, strengths-based approach; flexibility, organizational ability, and sound problem-solving

• Language: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or Hmong is a valued asset and strongly preferred

• Additional Requirements: Successful Caregiver Background Check and physical examination including TB test required prior to employment

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a Therapeutic Classroom Leader, you'll create a safe, healing-centered learning environment for children who have experienced trauma by:

• Alongside your dynamic team, assist with planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed curriculum aligned with Head Start Performance Standards and each child's individual goals

• Building authentic, strengths-based relationships with children and families

• Collaborating with the Therapeutic Education Leader, Child and Family Resilience Specialist, and mental health team to align classroom strategies with each child's protective factors

• Supporting positive social and emotional development through evidence-based, neuroscience informed strategies, and responsive, child-centered guidance practices

• Maintaining a safe, healthy, and organized classroom environment in compliance with childcare licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, and NAEYC accreditation criteria where applicable

JOIN OUR MISSION

A child's foundation to learn, a family's opportunity to succeed. Apply today to join our important work!

Reach Dane is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive workplace. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and interview process.