Apprentice Teacher Assistant

Community Partnership for Child Development•Colorado Springs, CO

About The Position

The Early Educator Apprenticeship Program, offered in partnership with CPCD and Pikes Peak State College, provides participants with the skills and practice needed to begin a career in early childhood education. This competency-based apprenticeship lasts at least one year and includes 2,000 on-the-job learning hours, attainment of 44 competencies, and at least 199 hours of related instruction. Apprentices receive progressively increasing wages based on the current hourly journey worker wage rate. The Apprentice Teacher Assistant assists the teacher in establishing, planning, and implementing safe, healthy, high-quality learning experiences and environments that advance the whole child’s development in partnership with families. The role complies with CPCD policies and procedures, Head Start Performance Standards, Colorado Department of Human Services licensing requirements, and Colorado Quality Standards for Early Childhood Care and Education Services. The assistant implements a balance of group and individualized experiences to promote school-readiness skills as defined by CPCD’s School Readiness Action Plan. Applicants must be taking courses at Pikes Peak State College or plan to enroll in the coming semester. The position is scheduled for 40 hours per week and is set to begin November 2nd. Compensation ranges from $17.59 to $22.34 per hour, depending on qualifications. Applicants who do not already hold the required credential must be willing to obtain it within two years of hire. First Aid, CPR, and medication administration certifications must be obtained within 90 days of employment and maintained as required. CPCD provides early childhood education through Head Start, Early Head Start, and the Universal Preschool Program, as well as health, dental, and family support services for children and families. The organization describes itself as an equal-opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workforce.

Requirements

Must be taking courses at Pikes Peak State College or plan to enroll in the coming semester.
High school diploma or GED.
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Early Childhood Professional Credential Level II (PDIS); candidates without the credential must be willing to obtain it within two years of hire.
Obtain First Aid, CPR, and medication administration certification within 90 days of employment and maintain certifications as required.
Ability to lift, carry, or manipulate up to 40 pounds.
Access to reliable transportation to perform job functions, including travel to another location during the workday if necessary.
If using a personal vehicle, maintain minimum liability insurance as determined by the State of Colorado.
Successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination, TB test, drug test (including marijuana), and background check in accordance with Office of Head Start Performance Standards and Childcare Licensing; subsequent physical examinations and TB tests are required as applicable.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of successful work experience with children from birth to age three and/or age five.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Assist the teacher in establishing, planning, and implementing safe, healthy, high-quality learning experiences and environments.
Support the development of the whole child in partnership with families.
Comply with CPCD policies and procedures, Head Start Performance Standards, Colorado Department of Human Services licensing requirements, and Colorado Quality Standards for Early Childhood Care and Education Services.
Implement group and individualized experiences that promote school-readiness skills as defined by CPCD’s School Readiness Action Plan.

Benefits

Paid vacation time, paid sick time, and paid holidays and breaks for eligible employees working 25 or more hours per week.
Paid holidays include Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Presidents Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Paid breaks include one week for Spring Break, one week for Fall Break, and two weeks for Winter Break.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.
Flexible spending accounts.
Aflac supplemental insurance and voluntary life insurance.
Basic life, long-term disability, and AD&D insurance paid by CPCD at no cost to the employee.
401(k) with traditional and Roth enrollment options and automatic enrollment in profit-sharing after one year of employment.
Tuition assistance after 60 days of employment: up to $4,000 per year for Early Childhood Education associate’s or bachelor’s degrees and up to $2,500 per year for other degrees related to employment at CPCD.
Employee Assistance Program with six free counseling or therapy sessions per year.
Well-being program, including two hours of paid time per month for wellness activities.