Lead Teacher

$2000 NEW LEAD TEACHER BONUS ** ** 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 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. As 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. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES · Create 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. · 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. · Ensure 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. · Lead with partnership and purpose. Collaborate with Co-Teachers to share responsibilities, guide classroom routines, and build teamwork rooted in trust, communication, and mutual respect. · Foster 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. · Honor 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. · Document learning and growth. Maintain accurate attendance, meal, and assessment records; contribute to NAEYC Accreditation documentation and GOLD data collection in partnership with families. · Engage families and community. Coordinate family events, classroom celebrations, and ongoing opportunities for parents to participate in their child's early learning journey. · Uphold professionalism and confidentiality. Communicate openly and respectfully with colleagues, families, and community partners, representing Early Connections' values in all interactions. ** ** SECONDARY DUTIES · Build trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues, maintaining professional boundaries while fostering warmth, respect, and open communication. · Collaborate across departments to ensure that each child and family receives comprehensive support---partnering with colleagues in nutrition, behavioral health, enrollment, and administration as needed. · Commu icate with honesty and empathy. Share relevant information promptly with co-workers and supervisors to support children's safety, well-being, and learning continuity. · Protect confidentiality. Handle information about children, families, and staff with discretion and in alignment with Early Connections policies and ethical standards. · Demonstrate professionalism and positivity in every interaction, modeling Early Connections' values of respect, excellence, professionalism, and honoring our legacy. · Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. Participate in team meetings, trainings, and reflective practices that strengthen teaching quality and professional growth. QUALIFICATIONS - Minimum 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 classrooms - 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 children birth through school-age 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 · 13 paid holidays scheduled in 2025 · 19 additional days of PTO · Paid parental and medical leave Medical, Dental, Vision · Medical insurance -- ECLC pays up to 75% of employee premium · Dental and Vision insurance · Free Employee Assistance Program Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) · Pre-tax dollars from your paycheck are reimbursed for medical, dental, vision and other health-related expenses up to $300 per year Childcare Benefit - Substantial discount for childcare: employees pay $75/week for toddlers (12 months - 3 years) and $50/week for Preschool and School age (3 years - 14 years) children 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-p