Lead Teacher

Close All

Job Summary

The Children's Center at the University of Colorado Boulder encourages applications for a Lead Teacher position! This vital role is part of the team that provides childcare for children of families affiliated with CU Boulder including residents of Family Housing Apartments, faculty, staff, students, and alumni, as well as families of the wider Boulder community.

This position provides a nurturing and safe environment for a diverse population of children ages 6 weeks to age 8. In collaboration with assistant teachers and the center's directors, the Lead Teacher develops and implements lesson plans, teaches developmentally appropriate curriculum, and provides training for assistant teachers, university student employees and volunteers. This role also gathers information for evaluation of students, employees, volunteers and children, and aids in providing information towards working with families.

This role may also provide supervision of classroom staff. Additionally, the position writes and implements age appropriate activity and lesson plans for educational and recreational purposes; supervises and interacts with infants and children in the assigned classroom using appropriate guidance techniques; ensures a safe environment and safe conditions on the playground; prepares for lunch, snack and nap time; consults with parents regarding the needs of ill children or children with behavioral problems; maintains or exceeds health standards; and completes reports concerning child development and other center needs.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The most important goal of our early childhood curriculum is to help children become enthusiastic learners. This means encouraging children to be active and creative explorers who aren't afraid to try out their ideas and to think their own thoughts.

Our goal is to support children in becoming independent, self-confident and inquisitive learners. We do this by allowing them to learn at their own pace and in ways that are best for them. By giving children good habits and attitudes, particularly a positive sense of themselves, we will make a difference throughout their lives. The Children's Center is licensed through the Colorado Department of Social Services.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Professionalism/Classroom Quality

Planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum by using available resources, creating activities, meeting individual children's needs. Maintaining the classroom areas which include science, math, language, arts, large and small motor, art, multi-cultural. Follows all ITERS, ECERS, Colorado Shines and licensing guidelines.

Administrative/Supervision

Directly supervises and trains a teacher assistant and provides guidance as needed for work-study students, interns and volunteers. Supervises and interacts with children by planning and implementing age-appropriate activities.

Uses appropriate guidance techniques. Keeps clear, comprehensive, and accurate records, (Sign in sheets, Children's records, all other paperwork).

Communication/Parent Contact

Maintains channels of communication with teaching teams and office in an effective manner. Maintains confidentiality in all communication.

Completes written reports as necessary including notes, accident reports, etc. Provides information to parents about their child by discussion at arrival and departure time, written communications, conference reports and/or telephone calls. Provides positive customer service and information and handles difficult situations with finesse. Helps parents to understand behavior and development.

Health & Safety

Ensures safety of children by monitoring indoor and outdoor equipment, communicating any concerns to the director. Maintains health standards following procedures for food preparation, diapering, medication administration, etc. Remains current on certifications including CPR, First Aid, UP, Child Abuse, and Medication Administration.

Professional Development

Assures continual professional growth by attending staff in-services, workshops, and conferences. Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling, working with different levels of staff, and handling a variety of situations.

What You Should Know

This is a fully in-person position.

What We Can Offer

The salary for this full-time role is $49,753 annually.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be authentic. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Meet at least one of the following qualifications (1-9) that are based on the qualifications set out by the Colorado Office of Early Childhood.

• A Bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university with a major area of study in one of the following areas: 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.

• A Bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university with a major area of study in any area other than those listed above (#1) and two additional three-semester credit hour courses in Early Child Education, with one course in the following: Introduction to Early Childhood Professions, or Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children, or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion.

• An Associate's degree (60 semester credit hours) from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, which must include at least two, three-semester credit hour courses in either: Introduction to Early Childhood Professions; or Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children, or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion.

• A current professional teaching license issued by the Colorado Department of Education with an Endorsement in the area of Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or Early Childhood Special Education Specialist.

• A current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level II or higher in Version 3.0 as determined by the Department.

• A current certification as a Child Development Associate (CDA) in: Center Based, Preschool; Center-Based, Infant-Toddler; or Family Child Care; or other Department-approved credential.

• Completion of a course of training approved by the Department and published on the Department's approval list; and nine months (1,365 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four or more children less than eight years of age who are not related to the individual.

• Three months (455 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four or more children less than eight years of age who are not related to the individual; and the completion of 18-semester credit hours from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, with one course as: Introduction to Early Childhood Professions; or Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children, OR has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion.

• Twenty-one months (3,185 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four or more children less than eight years of age who are not related to the individual. Satisfactory experience includes being a licensee of a Colorado Family Child Care Home, a Teacher's Aide or Teacher in a childcare center, preschool, or elementary school.
  
  In addition, the individual must either: Possess a current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level I or higher in Version 3.0 as determined by the Department; or, Complete two (2) three-semester credit hour courses from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education with one course as: Introduction To Early Childhood Professions or Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children, has been issued the Child Development Associate(CDA) Credential, or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion.

NOTE: All course grades used for the Early Childhood Teacher requirements must be a "C" or better.

What You Will Need

• Ability to provide a high-quality environment nurturing a diverse population of team members, families, and CUCC children ages 6 weeks through age 8.

• Demonstrated skills to lead, develop, supervise, plan and teach a developmentally appropriate curriculum; train and supervise an assistant teacher and university student employees; and implement family programs while modeling appropriate language and behaviors.

• Growth mindset, team mentality and willingness to collaborate and be flexible to meet the changing needs of the center.

• Competency in computer applications such as Microsoft Suite of programs, parent communication applications and Teams.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

What We Would Like You to Have

• 3+ years of experience working in a licensed early childhood center with infants, toddlers and/or preschoolers, or a combination thereof.
• 2+ years of experience in a pre-K or elementary education setting.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials online:

• A current resume.

• Optional: A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

• Optional: Education verification copy of degree or transcripts.

We may request additional materials at a later time.

Please apply by July 8, 2024 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu