Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Thrive Preschool • Commerce City, CO

13h • $20 - $23

About The Position

Hello! My name is Katie, and I’m the director for Thrive Reunion, a play-based learning preschool located in the Reunion area of Commerce City, Colorado. We’re looking for enthusiastic, explorative teachers to join our team! Thrive is a nurturing and supportive community of early childhood professionals that are passionate about the importance of, and interplay between, play and discovery. We currently have five locations, and as we continue to grow as an organization, our desire is to build a team of educators that can grow with us and expand into new roles, experiencing both professional and personal growth. We are looking to hire a full-time assistant teacher (Monday-Friday, 8 hours/day) for an hourly position paying between $20.30 and $22.74 per hour plus benefits. We have strong beliefs about keeping harmony between work and life for all of our staff, and those beliefs drive all of the benefits we offer. We believe that time is our most valuable resource: 6 weeks of paid holidays and breaks with additional non-student contact days ( you can visit our website, thrivepreschool.com, to see the school year calendar) 80 hours of paid time off each year in addition to the regular school holidays and breaks We believe in caring for others now and into the distant future: Employer contributions toward group medical, dental and vision coverage 401(k) plans with employer contribution matching We believe in providing the best opportunity for an educator to do her/his/their best work: Classroom supplies and materials budget provided every month Time out of the classroom to plan and execute quality learning experiences We believe every human being has the right to continued personal and professional growth: Professional development and continuing education opportunities as you grow with the school Compatibility means everything to us. If you are dedicated to the future of our children, have experience as an early childhood teacher, and believe in the power of play-based learning, you’re probably in the right place. But let’s get the usual qualifications out of the way first. Just to make sure we’re on the same page, let’s start with the basics: A positive attitude and passion for working with young children, families, and co-teachers Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills Intentional and reflective in professional practices Meets or exceeds minimum qualifications for employment as an Early Childhood Lead Teacher in the state of Colorado, including training, experience, and background check requirements Experience as a teacher at a large childcare center in the state of Colorado Ability to work occasional weekends and evenings (open houses, family-teacher conferences, seasonal holiday celebrations, etc.) We pinky promise to make these as rare as possible A Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major area of study in early childhood education, elementary education, special education, family and child development, or child psychology is preferred.

Requirements

• A positive attitude and passion for working with young children, families, and co-teachers
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills
• Intentional and reflective in professional practices
• Meets or exceeds minimum qualifications for employment as an Early Childhood Lead Teacher in the state of Colorado, including training, experience, and background check requirements
• Experience as a teacher at a large childcare center in the state of Colorado
• Ability to work occasional weekends and evenings (open houses, family-teacher conferences, seasonal holiday celebrations, etc.)

Nice To Haves

• A Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major area of study in early childhood education, elementary education, special education, family and child development, or child psychology is preferred.
• A love of nature and spending time outdoors in all weather
• Dedication to play-based learning
• Experience, training, and/or knowledge of Reggio Emilia educational practices and philosophies
• A special talent, skill, or hobby (artistic, multi-lingual, play an instrument, sing, puppetry, storytelling, woodworking, knitting, cooking, gardening etc.) that you would enjoy sharing with the children and fellow teachers.
• We take the “play” part very seriously.

Responsibilities

• Partner i n learning with children as a collaborator and co-creator, investigating alongside children and actively engaging with them in the learning process
• Support a safe and nurturing environment for children in your assigned classroom that builds a secure attachment as a foundation for learning and healthy development, establishing a child's sense of trust and wellbeing.
• Establish and enforce classroom rules for behavior, and procedures to maintain safety and order
• Conduct ongoing observation, assessment, and developmental screenings of students
• Support families as partners in their child’s learning by: maintaining an open, friendly, and cooperative relationship with each child and family; providing regular and frequent communication about their child’s progress; responding to child and family needs in a timely manner; creating opportunities for family involvement in the classroom; encouraging family participation; and conducting family-teacher conferences
• Assist the lead teacher with all classroom activities as deemed necessary
• Assist lead teacher in documentation of children’s work and development in alignment with demonstrated abilities in a way that is organized, aesthetically pleasing, and in alignment with Thrive’s curriculum and philosophies.
• Comply with all operating licensing and health department policies.
• Be a role model to demonstrate desired skills, language, and behavior, mindful that young children learn through imitation.
• Attend all training opportunities and staff meetings as provided and scheduled
• Perform other tasks and duties as deemed necessary by the program director to create an incredible educational environment for the children and families

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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