Lead Teacher

$2000 SIGN-ON BONUSu00a0ABOUT EARLY CONNECTIONS LEARNING CENTERSEarly Connections Learning Centers is dedicated to providing comprehensive, high quality early care and education for ALL children. Every position works in coordination to achieve this mission. Since 1897, our work to provide high quality early childhood education has positively impacted thousands of children and families in the Pikes Peak region. Our nationally accredited programs help build a strong foundation for young children to be happy and successful in learning and life.u00a0JOB SUMMARYThe Lead Teacher plays a vital role in shaping each child's early learning experience through intentional teaching, creativity, and compassion. This position leads classroom planning and implementation for children's daily activities, fostering an environment where curiosity and connection can thrive. The Lead Teacher models best practices in early childhood education, supports teachers, and partners with families to ensure every child's individual needs are met.u00a0As a member of the Early Connections teaching team, the Lead Teacher contributes to our mission by creating joyful, developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with our curriculum, values, and quality standards. This position is ideal for an educator who values collaboration, continuous learning, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on children, families, and our community.u00a0ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Create a joyful, engaging classroom where every child feels valued, and inspired to explore. Plan and implement meaningful learning experiences that support each child's growth across all developmental domains.u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Model excellence in early education practice by integrating play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Teaching Strategies GOLD, Colorado Early Learning Guidelines, and NAEYC standards.u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Ensure a safe, healthy, and organized environment --- indoors and outdoors --- that invites curiosity while meeting all Colorado Department of Human Services licensing regulations, NAEYC accreditation standards, and Early Connections health and safety policies.u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Lead with partnership and purpose. Collaborate with Co-Teachers to share responsibilities, guide classroom routines, and build teamwork rooted in trust, communication, and mutual respect.u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Foster strong, respectful relationships with families. Communicate weekly and through conferences to celebrate milestones, discuss progress, and strengthen each family's understanding of their child's development and school readiness.u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Honor inclusion and diversity. Create a classroom that celebrates the individuality of every child and family---welcoming different cultures, languages, abilities, and family structures with enthusiasm and respect.u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Document learning and growth. Maintain accurate attendance, meal, and assessment records; contribute to NAEYC Accreditation documentation and GOLD data collection in partnership with families.u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Engage families and community. Coordinate family events, classroom celebrations, and ongoing opportunities for parents to participate in their child's early learning journey.u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Uphold professionalism and confidentiality. Communicate openly and respectfully with colleagues, families, and community partners, representing Early Connections' values in all interactions.u00a0SECONDARY DUTIESu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Build trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues, maintaining professional boundaries while fostering warmth, respect, and open communication.u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Collaborate across departments to ensure that each child and family receives comprehensive support---partnering with colleagues in nutrition, behavioral health, enrollment, and administration as needed.u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Communicate wi h honesty and empathy. Share relevant information promptly with co-workers and supervisors to support children's safety, well-being, and learning continuity.u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Protect confidentiality. Handle information about children, families, and staff with discretion and in alignment with Early Connections policies and ethical standards.u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Demonstrate professionalism and positivity in every interaction, modeling Early Connections' values of respect, excellence, professionalism, and honoring our legacy.u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. Participate in team meetings, trainings, and reflective practices that strengthen teaching quality and professional growth.u00a0QUALIFICATIONSu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Minimum Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development or Bachelor's Degree in an unrelated field plus >6 credit hours in ECE and 9 months classroom experience; 24+ ECE credits required for Head Start/Early Head Start classroomsu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Documented experience teaching in the Early Childhood Education field working with children (birth to age six)u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Demonstrated passion for working with children and a strong professional foundation in the principles, theories, and best practices of early childhood education, including care for infants through school-age youthu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Prior to employment, candidates must pass federal and state criminal and Colorado Department of Early Childhood background checks, pre-employment drug screen, physical,and verification of employment, education and/or credentials and, by position, valid driver's license.u00a0PHYSICAL DEMANDSPosition requires physical mobility, with or without reasonable accommodation if requested, to perform essential functions of the job, including but not limited to sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, squatting. Should be able to:u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Exert 20 to 40 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently to move objects and occasionally childrenu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Make fast, simple, repeated movementsu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Endure physically and emotionally working with children birth through school-age for long periods of timeu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0See objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are focused forwardu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0See details at a distance and close rangeu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.u00a0TRAVEL AND REMOTE WORKAll positions at Early Connections Learning Centers are on site. This position does not qualify for any remote working capability.u00a0CURRENT BENEFITSPaid Time Offu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a013 paid holidays scheduled in 2025u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a019 additional days of PTOu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Paid parental and medical leaveMedical, Dental, Visionu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Medical insurance -- ECLC pays up to 75% of employee premiumu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Dental and Vision insuranceu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Free Employee Assistance ProgramHealth Reimbursement Account (HRA)u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Pre-tax dollars from your paycheck are reimbursed for medical, dental, vision and other health-related expenses up to $300 per yearChildcare Benefitu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Substantial discount for childcare: employees pay $25/week for children 3+ who are enrolled at Early Connections Learning CentersThis benefit depends on having an enrollment openingTuition Reimbursement, Continuing Education and Trainingu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Tuition reimbursement of $150 per 3-credit hour course is available to staff enrolled in approved coursework in Early Childhood Education or related to their position and who maintain the required grade point average.u00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Reimbursement may be available for pre-approved job-related certificate programsOther Insuranceu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0100% employer-paid Basic Term Life and AD&D Insuranceu00b7u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0Voluntary Short Term Disabi

Created: 2026-01-23