Assistant Teacher, Early Childhood

Job Title

Foster a welcoming, nurturing, and developmentally supportive environment for young children enrolled in Little Links (fka-Discovery Link ECE) before, after, and camp care by building strong relationships with families, maintaining a safe and organized setting in collaboration with the site's Early Childhood Teacher, and ensuring alignment with Denver Public Schools' philosophy and all licensing regulations. This role also serves as a key representative of all licensed programming within the Department of Extended Learning and Community Schools.

Foster a welcoming, nurturing, and developmentally supportive environment for young children enrolled in Little Links (fka-Discovery Link ECE) before, after, and camp care by building strong relationships with families, maintaining a safe and organized setting in collaboration with the site's Early Childhood Teacher, and ensuring alignment with Denver Public Schools' philosophy and all licensing regulations. This role also serves as a key representative of all licensed programming within the Department of Extended Learning and Community Schools.

Applications will be received until May 25, 2026 or until filled. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board.

About this job:

Foster a welcoming, nurturing, and developmentally supportive environment for young children enrolled in Little Links (fka-Discovery Link ECE) before, after, and camp care by building strong relationships with families, maintaining a safe and organized setting in collaboration with the site's Early Childhood Teacher, and ensuring alignment with Denver Public Schools' philosophy and all licensing regulations. This role also serves as a key representative of all licensed programming within the Department of Extended Learning and Community Schools.

What DPS Offers You:

• A culture that values equity, accountability, integrity, collaboration and fun with a shared vision that every learner thrives.
• Salary range: $21.50 hourly.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other total reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA retirement.

What You'll Do:

• Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to DPS early childhood education policies, Department of Extended Learning and Community Schools guidelines, and Colorado state child care regulations.
• Promote a cooperative, team-oriented environment with Little Links and Discovery Link staff, as well as school based personnel.
• Maintain a punctual and reliable presence during scheduled program hours.
• Follow the program's daily schedule and assist in lesson planning and delivery of age-appropriate educational activities.
• Adhere to staff conduct expectations outlined in DPS and Extended Learning and Community Schools handbooks.
• Support positive behavior management practices for children ages 2.5 to 8, using developmentally appropriate guidance strategies.
• Ensure compliance with required staff to child ratios and provide active supervision to maintain a safe environment in all program areas.
• Independently supervise students during opening and closing hours and provide coverage for the Early Childhood Teacher as needed.
• Participate in required orientations, meetings, and complete all mandated training. Complete and document at least 15 hours of annual professional development.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You'll Need:

• Minimum high school diploma/ GED.
• Must meet following requirements:
  Completion of one (1) of the Early Childhood Education courses in rule Section 2.214.B.2, with a course grade of "C" or better; and a minimum of nine (9) months (1,365 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual. Assistant Early Childhood Teachers must be enrolled in and attending the second (2nd) Early Childhood Education course, which will be used as the basis for their qualification for the position of Early Childhood Teacher, or Completion of two (2) of the Early Childhood…