Lead Teacher

University of Colorado • Colorado Springs, CO

10d • $19 - $23 • Onsite

About The Position

Provide quality, nurturing, early care and education for a group of diverse young children in a childcare center. This position plans and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum activities for young children, assesses child development, mentors, coaches and directly supervise student employees and work hand in hand with university students, staff, faculty, alumni, families and community members. This position also exists to ensure compliance with state childcare licensing, state and county health department standards, and national accreditation requirements.

Lead Teacher positions may be assigned, or reassigned, as needed to any classroom and age group at the Family Development Center (FDC). This position works a shift within the hours of 7:30am and 5:30pm, that may rotate or change as needed. On occasion work schedules may shift to include evening and weekend hours for required staff meetings, training, or school events.

Requirements

• Applicants must meet the State of Colorado Childcare licensing requirements, as well as the NECPA Accreditation requirements, for an Early Childhood Teacher/Lead Teacher listed below in the Early Childhood Teacher Qualifications.
• Must complete ONE of the following options below to meet ECT qualifications:
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in: Child Development, Child Psychology, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Educational Leadership and Administration, Elementary Education, Family and Human Development, Family Studies, or Special Education.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree in a field outside those listed above and completion of at least two (2) three-credit courses in Early Childhood Education, including one (1) of the following: Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Guidance Strategies, or Department-approved Pyramid Plus Training.
• Associate’s degree (minimum 60 semester credit hours) in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, including at least two (2) three-credit Early Childhood Education courses (one must meet the course requirement listed above).
• Current Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Professional Teaching License with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education Specialist, Elementary Education, Special Education, or Principal Licensure.
• Current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level II (2) or higher (Version 3.0 or accepted equivalent).
• Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Center-Based Preschool, Center-Based Infant-Toddler, Family Child Care, or other Department-approved credential.
• Substitutions: Each of the above pathways satisfies the educational and experience requirements; no additional professional experience is required.

Nice To Haves

• Highly qualified applicants will have formal training in Conscious Discipline. Evidence-based social emotional training supporting children’s development and success.

Responsibilities

• Child-Centered Learning
• Safe and Supportive Environment
• Inclusive Education
• Positive Behavior Support
• Collaboration with Families
• Developmentally Appropriate Practices
• Continuous Professional Development
• Observation and Assessment
• Play-Based Learning
• Ethical and Professional Conduct
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Reflective Practice
• Respect for Child Autonomy
• Culturally Responsive Teaching

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education: Avail twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree