Lead Teacher

Early Connections Learning Centers•Colorado Springs, CO

9h•$22 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Teacher leads classroom planning and implementation of daily activities for children, creating joyful, engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support growth across developmental domains. The role models early education best practices, supports teachers, and partners with families to meet each child’s individual needs. The Lead Teacher collaborates with the teaching team and contributes to the organization’s mission, curriculum, values, and quality standards. This is a full-time, non-exempt position with 8- or 10-hour shifts, totaling 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with periodic evenings or weekends. The position is on site and has multiple vacancies in varying locations. The hourly wage range is $22.48–$25.13, dependent on qualifications. The position remains open until filled.

Requirements

At least an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field plus more than 6 credit hours in ECE and 9 months of classroom experience.
At least 24 ECE credits are required for Head Start/Early Head Start classrooms.
Documented experience teaching in early childhood education with children from birth to age six.
Passion for working with children and a strong professional foundation in early childhood education principles, theories, and best practices, including care for infants through school-age youth.
Before employment, pass federal and state criminal and Colorado Department of Early Childhood background checks, a pre-employment drug screen, and a physical; employment, education and/or credentials must be verified. A valid driver’s license is required by position.

Responsibilities

Create an engaging classroom where children feel valued and plan and implement learning experiences that support development across all domains.
Integrate play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Teaching Strategies GOLD, Colorado Early Learning Guidelines, and NAEYC standards.
Maintain safe, healthy, and organized indoor and outdoor environments that meet Colorado Department of Human Services licensing regulations, NAEYC accreditation standards, and organizational health and safety policies.
Collaborate with co-teachers to share responsibilities, guide classroom routines, and build effective teamwork.
Communicate with families weekly and through conferences about children’s milestones and progress, and support families’ understanding of child development and school readiness.
Create an inclusive classroom that respects children’s and families’ cultures, languages, abilities, and family structures.
Maintain accurate attendance, meal, and assessment records and contribute to NAEYC accreditation documentation and GOLD data collection in partnership with families.
Coordinate family events, classroom celebrations, and opportunities for parent participation in children’s learning.
Communicate respectfully and professionally with colleagues, families, and community partners, while maintaining confidentiality.
Build trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues while maintaining professional boundaries.
Collaborate across departments, including nutrition, behavioral health, enrollment, and administration, to support children and families.
Share relevant information promptly with co-workers and supervisors to support children’s safety, well-being, and continuity of learning.
Handle information about children, families, and staff discreetly and in accordance with organizational policies and ethical standards.
Participate in team meetings, trainings, and reflective practices that support continuous improvement and professional growth.

Benefits

$2,000 new Lead Teacher bonus.
13 paid holidays scheduled in 2026 and 19 additional days of PTO.
Paid parental and medical leave.
Medical insurance, with the employer paying up to 75% of the employee premium.
Free Employee Assistance Program with up to 5 sessions per life situation.
Dental and vision insurance.
Discounted childcare for eligible children enrolled at Early Connections Learning Centers, subject to enrollment availability.
Tuition reimbursement of $150 per 3-credit-hour course for eligible approved coursework; reimbursement may also be available for pre-approved job-related certificate programs.
100% employer-paid basic term life and AD&D insurance.
Voluntary short-term disability insurance.