Therapeutic Education Leader Teacher

Therapeutic Education Leader Teacher

Teach with Purpose. Heal Through Play. Transform Young Lives.

QUICK FACTS

Location: Stoughton Pay: $36.50 Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), 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

• Lead a cutting-edge pilot classroom serving 3- and 4-year-olds, with low ratios of 10 children to 3 classroom staff, that bridges education and mental health, where you’ll teach a full, developmentally appropriate, play based curriculum through a therapeutic lens, creating an environment where trauma-informed practices and rigorous early childhood education work hand-in-hand

• Work with a collaborative team of mental health consultants and social-emotional specialists who support your teaching practice, helping you navigate the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma while you carry out full classroom responsibilities

• Demonstrate 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: Early Childhood Associates Degree or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education (including 18 credits in ECE)

• Certification: Wisconsin DPI certification in Early Childhood Education or related field (or ability to obtain within first year); Wisconsin Registry certificate, Level 14 or above within 90 days of employment

• Experience: Minimum 5 years in early care and education settings; experience teaching preschool children in licensed programs or public schools

• Specialized Knowledge: Deep understanding of trauma, its effects on children and adults, and trauma-informed approaches; knowledge of anti-bias early childhood education principles and infant/early childhood mental health practices; ability to design developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive curriculum centered on social-emotional learning

• Professional Competencies: Strong relationship-building and attachment skills; ability to work collaboratively with diverse, multi-cultural families in high-need environments; excellent problem-solving and self-regulation; reflective capacity and commitment to ongoing professional growth

• Language: Bilingual capabilities in Spanish and/or Hmong preferred

• Additional Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age; valid Wisconsin Driver's License, motor vehicle, and adequate liability insurance required; successful completion of Caregiver Background Check and TB test required prior to employment

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a Therapeutic Education Leader in our pilot program, you'll teach a full, developmentally appropriate early childhood curriculum while weaving therapeutic and trauma-informed practices throughout all lessons, assessments, and interactions by:

• Design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum that includes all Head Start mandated outcomes (language, literacy, math, science, creative arts, social-emotional development, physical health, nutrition, approaches to learning), delivering rigorous instruction through a therapeutic lens

• Conduct ongoing child assessments, developmental screenings, and create individualized lesson plans and goals based on observation, documentation, and parent input

• Apply evidence-based, neuroscience-informed strategies that support how young children learn to understand and manage their emotions

• Build secure attachments and nurturing relationships with each child through consistent, responsive care and frequent one-on-one connection during choice time, transitions, and throughout the day

• Collaborate with your classroom team, mental health consultants, and social-emotional specialists to adapt your teaching strategies for children who have experienced trauma

• Engage families as partners through home visits, parent conferences, and ongoing communication rooted in strength-based, trust-building approaches

• Support and mentor classroom staff, providing training in trauma-informed teaching practices within an early childhood education context

• Participate actively in reflective supervision to deepen your understanding of how to integrate mental health principles into your instructional practice

• Coordinate program operations with building / facility; understand and comply with site and licensing rules and regulations; communicate and recommend any maintenance needs to administration

• Supervise Nutritional Services Provider (NSP) and Co-Supervise Transportation Specialist

JOIN OUR MISSION

Step into a role where trauma-informed, relationship-centered teaching transforms children's lives and builds resilience in our most vulnerable students. Apply today to join our mission!

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.