Early Childhood Teacher in Colby, KS

Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center/USD 602
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The preschool in the Colby elementary building is seeking a lead teacher. The teacher is responsible for planning, implementing and supervising a high‑quality education program for approximately 15 children ages 3‑5 that supports school readiness across all development domains. The teacher creates a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment; builds strong partnerships with families and ensures compliance with performance standards and program policies.

There are two support staff available to work with the classroom teacher.

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, research‑based curriculum
• Provide a nurturing, inclusive classroom environment that supports children's social‑emotional, cognitive, language, physical and creative development
• Use ongoing observation and assessment tools to individualize instruction and support each child's learning needs
• Support positive behavior through guidance strategies that promote self‑regulation, independence and respect
• Ensure daily routines, transitions and classroom management practices support children's engagement and well‑being

• Maintain a safe, healthy and clean classroom environment
• Follow procedures related to supervision, attendance, meal service, tooth brushing and daily health checks
• Participate in health and safety screenings and collaborate with health and mental health staff as needed

• Build respectful, collaborative relationships with families, recognizing parents as their child's first and most important teachers
• Conduct home visits and parent‑teacher conferences
• Encourage family participation in classroom and program events

• Work collaboratively with support staff, special education staff and other program team members
• Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings as required
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities
• Accept coaching and feedback to support continuous improvement

Benefits information is available upon request.

• Starting pay with BS (initial license) = $46,160
• Starting pay with BS (professional license) = $50,660
• Starting pay with MS (professional license) = $54,419

NKESC is dedicated to assisting our member schools in providing quality services for children. The primary focus of the Service Center is to provide students with special needs specialized services that will allow them to have an effective and meaningful school experience. If you peruse our site, you will see we offer many other services including Head Start, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Administration Services, and many other Regular Education Services.

The mission of the Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center is to serve its member districts by working as a partner to develop, implement, and manage a wide range of services that will enable the districts to reach their educational objectives more efficiently and effectively.