Teacher

• This position will remain open until filled.
• ABOUT EARLY CONNECTIONS LEARNING CENTERS Early 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.
• We are hiring for our new Alice Bemis Taylor center, a project heavily supported by the community that expands access to high-quality education, establishes a professional development hub for early educators, and creates lasting opportunities for children and families in our community.
• JOB SUMMARY The Teacher plays a vital role in creating a joyful, nurturing, and inclusive classroom where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to learn.
• Working closely with the Lead Teacher, this position helps design and deliver meaningful learning experiences that foster each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.
• Teachers partner with families to build a strong foundation for school readiness and lifelong curiosity.
• This role upholds the highest standards of quality by following Colorado Department of Human Services licensing requirements, NAEYC Accreditation Standards, and Early Connections’ policies and values.
• Note that this position has a schedule of Monday - Friday, 9AM-6PM MST.

• Essential duties
• Create a joyful, engaging classroom where every child feels known, valued, and inspired to explore. Plan and implement meaningful learning experiences that support each child’s growth across all developmental domains.
• Model excellence in early education practice by integrating play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Teaching Strategies GOLD, Colorado Early Learning Guidelines, and NAEYC standards.
• Partner in the classroom. Collaborate with the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing engaging, developmentally appropriate learning activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and growth across all areas of development.
• Lead with confidence when needed. Assume full classroom responsibility in the Lead Teacher’s absence, providing consistency and care for children and families.
• Create a safe, welcoming environment. Maintain indoor and outdoor spaces that are clean, safe, and inviting, ensuring compliance with CDHS Licensing, Health and Safety standards, USDA food and sanitization requirements, and the NAEYC Cleaning and Sanitation Table.
• Support inclusion and belonging. Foster a classroom culture that values and celebrates each child’s identity, background, and abilities—embracing diversity in all forms including culture, family structure, language, and individual needs.
• Engage families as partners. Build positive relationships with parents and caregivers through open communication, family events, and parent-teacher conferences. Collaborate with families to share progress and strategies for supporting children’s growth and school readiness.
• Document and observe with purpose. Accurately complete documentation such as attendance, meal records, and assessment data (Teaching Strategies GOLD), incorporating family input to inform individualized learning goals.
• Promote health and safety. Request, prepare, and maintain classroom materials to ensure they are adequate, appropriate, and safe. Adhere to CACFP and other health regulations that protect children’s well-being.
• Model professionalism and continuous learning. Demonstrate understanding of early childhood development principles, applying them with compassion and creativity. Stay current with training and program expectations to ensure compliance with Early Connections, CDHS, and NAEYC standards.

• Secondary duties
• Build warm, respectful relationships with children and families while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Communicate and collaborate with colleagues, specialists, and community partners to support children’s needs and classroom goals.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion in all matters related to children, families, and staff.
• Represent Early Connections with professionalism—showing positivity, reliability, and pride in the important work of early education.

Qualifications

• Is Early Childhood Teacher qualified and meets Colorado minimum Rules and Regulations for Teachers. Additional coursework may be required based on classroom assignment.
• Documented experience teaching in the Early Childhood Education field working with children (birth to age six)
• Demonstrated 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 youth
• Prior 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.

• Physical demands
• Position 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:
• Exert 20 to 40 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently to move objects and occasionally children
• Make fast, simple, repeated movements
• Endure physically and emotionally working with infant through school-age children for long periods of time
• See objects or movement of objects to one’s side when the eyes are focused forward
• See details at a distance and close range
• Detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness
• Keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position

TRAVEL AND REMOTE WORK All positions at Early Connections Learning Centers are on site. This position does not qualify for any remote working capability.

• CURRENT BENEFITS Paid Time Off
• At least 30 paid days off offered in first full year of employment
• Paid Family Medical Leave for qualifying individuals – this benefit does not provide 100% wage replacement

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Medical insurance – ECLC pays up to 75% of employee premium
• Dental and Vision insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program

Childcare Benefit • Substantial discount for childcare

• employees pay $25/week for children ages 3+ who are enrolled at Early Connections Learning Centers
• **This benefit depends on having an enrollment opening

• Tuition Reimbursement, Continuing Education and Training
• Tuition 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.
• Reimbursement may be available for pre-approved, job-related certificate programs

• Other Insurance
• 100% employer-paid Basic Term Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance