Early Childhood Assistant Preschool Teacher

Thrive Preschool • Englewood, CO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Thrive Englewood, a play-based learning preschool in Englewood, Colorado, is seeking a full-time assistant teacher. The role is an hourly position scheduled Monday through Friday, eight hours per day, with pay of $20.86 to $23.36 per hour. The assistant teacher works closely with the program director, lead teacher, and teaching and support staff to help provide an inquiry-based, play-centered educational environment for children and families.

The role includes supporting curriculum development and implementation, observing and assessing children, maintaining a safe and responsive classroom, and partnering with families. The assistant teacher also contributes to school-wide policies and activities, plans supply needs with colleagues, and attends scheduled training and staff meetings.

Requirements

• Positive attitude and passion for working with young children, families, and co-teachers.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Intentional and reflective professional practice.
• Meet or exceed Colorado's minimum qualifications for employment as an Early Childhood Lead Teacher, including training, experience, and background-check requirements.
• Experience as a lead teacher at a large childcare center in Colorado.
• Ability to work occasional weekends and evenings for events such as open houses, family-teacher conferences, and seasonal holiday celebrations.
• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a major in early childhood education, elementary education, special education, family and child development, or child psychology.

Nice To Haves

• Love of nature and spending time outdoors in all weather.
• Dedication to play-based learning.
• Experience, training, or knowledge of Reggio Emilia educational practices and philosophies.
• A special talent, skill, or hobby to share with children and fellow teachers, such as art, multilingual ability, playing an instrument, singing, puppetry, storytelling, woodworking, knitting, cooking, or gardening.

Responsibilities

• Assist the lead teacher with developing and implementing inquiry-based curriculum, documentation, and children's work projects in accordance with the school's educational philosophy.
• Cultivate a learning environment that supports children's intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and character development and responds to diverse needs and learning styles.
• Plan activities for children with special needs, with training and technical assistance from disabilities and mental health specialists; implement individual education plans, behavior management plans, and individualized services or activities as outlined.
• Establish and enforce classroom behavior rules and procedures to maintain safety and order.
• Conduct ongoing observation, assessment, and developmental screenings of students.
• Build cooperative relationships with children and families, communicate regularly about children's progress, respond to needs in a timely manner, and create and encourage opportunities for family involvement.
• Conduct family-teacher conferences.
• Contribute, as appropriate, to the development, implementation, and review of school-wide policies, procedures, and activities with the program director.
• Plan for equipment and supply needs with lead teachers and other program staff using the school-provided budget.
• Attend scheduled training opportunities and staff meetings.
• Perform other tasks and duties deemed necessary by the program director to create an effective educational environment for children and families.

Benefits

• Six weeks of paid holidays and breaks, plus additional non-student contact days.
• 80 hours of paid time off each year in addition to regular school holidays and breaks.
• Employer contributions toward group medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution matching.
• Monthly classroom supplies and materials budget.
• Time out of the classroom to plan and execute learning experiences.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level