The Teacher creates a nurturing, inclusive classroom environment and implements developmentally appropriate learning experiences. They collaborate with Lead Teachers and families to support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.
Requirements summary
Candidates must meet Colorado minimum rules and regulations for teachers and have documented experience working with children from birth to age six. Required credentials include passing background checks, drug screens, and physical examinations.
professional certificatePatient CareCollaborationProfessionalismClassroom ManagementChild DevelopmentFamily EngagementEarly Childhood EducationHealth and Safety ComplianceCurriculum PlanningPlay-Based LearningInclusive TeachingObservation and Documentation
Job description
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.
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. $1,000 SIGN-ON BONUS!
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.
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Vision Insurance
Medical Insurance
AD&D Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Sign-on Bonus
Basic Term Life Insurance
Free Employee Assistance Program
Childcare Discount
Continuing Education and Training
Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance
Paid Family Medical Leave
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
This position will remain open until filled.
Market context
Colorado teacher roles remain in steady demand
Teacher openings in Colorado are often shaped by district staffing needs, student support demands, and the need for licensed educators who can manage classrooms and IEP-related responsibilities. This role is competitive because it requires a bachelor’s degree, a Colorado teaching or substitute license, strong behavior and classroom management skills, and the ability to handle physical tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your license status and tailor your application to classroom management and special education experience.
