Early Childhood Lead Preschool Teacher

Thrive Preschool • Denver, CO

27d • $46,625 - $51,288

About The Position

Hello! My name is Amber, and I’m the director for Thrive Plum Hill, a play-based learning preschool located in Denver, 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 four 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 lead teacher (Monday-Friday, 8 hours/day) for a salaried position paying from $46,625 to $51,288 per year, 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: 5 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 has a lead 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. And here are some of the philosophies and lifestyle choices we share with our educators that make Thrive a special place to learn and grow: 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.

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 lead 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

• Oversee the development and implementation of inquiry-based curriculum, documentation, and work projects of children in accordance with our guiding educational philosophy.
• Cultivate a learning environment that nurtures intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and character development, and is responsive to the diverse needs and learning styles of all children
• 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/or individualized services or activities as outlined
• 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
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of school-wide policies, procedures, and activities in conjunction with the program director, as appropriate
• Train and supervise assistant teaching staff in conjunction with program director
• Plan for equipment and supply needs in conjunction with assistant teachers and other program staff (using the budget provided by the school, we don’t believe in educators paying for supplies out of their own pockets)
• 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

• 5 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: Mid Level