Early Childhood Lead Preschool Teacher

Thrive Preschool • Denver, CO

4d • $47,910 - $52,701 • Onsite

About The Position

Thrive Plum Hill, a play-based learning preschool in Denver, Colorado, is seeking a full-time salaried lead teacher. The role is scheduled Monday through Friday for eight hours per day and pays $47,910 to $52,701 per year, plus benefits. The lead teacher works closely with the program director and teaching and support staff to guide children’s learning and development, partner with families, and contribute to the school community. Thrive describes itself as a nurturing community of early childhood professionals focused on play and discovery, with opportunities for educators to grow professionally and personally.

Requirements

• A positive attitude and passion for working with young children, families, and co-teachers.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Intentional and reflective professional practice.
• Meets or exceeds Colorado’s minimum employment qualifications for 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, and/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

• Oversee the development and implementation of 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 student observation, assessment, and developmental screenings.
• Partner with families by maintaining open, friendly, and cooperative relationships; communicating regularly about children’s progress; responding to needs in a timely manner; creating and encouraging opportunities for family involvement; and conducting family-teacher conferences.
• Contribute, as appropriate and in conjunction with the program director, to the development, implementation, and review of school-wide policies, procedures, and activities.
• Train and supervise assistant teaching staff in conjunction with the program director.
• Plan equipment and supply needs with assistant teachers and other program staff using the school-provided budget.
• Attend all training opportunities and staff meetings as provided and scheduled.
• Perform other tasks and duties deemed necessary by the program director to create an 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: Mid Level