Early Educator; Ages 3-5

Early Childhood Teacher

Hagen Early Education Center is seeking a passionate, dedicated, and Colorado-qualified Early Childhood Teacher to join our team in guiding a classroom of children aged 3 to 5 years old. In this role, you will foster the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of preschoolers through a safe, nurturing, and emotionally supportive environment. You will be responsible for implementing our established center curriculum, aligning daily activities with state licensing guidelines and Colorado Shines quality standards.

Additionally, you will support an inclusive environment that welcomes all learners, working closely with families and specialists to implement accommodations for children with diverse learning needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Implementation:
  Deliver and execute our center's specific curriculum with fidelity, ensuring daily activities promote literacy, math, and science concepts to foster kindergarten readiness.
• Child Assessment:
  Monitor, assess, and document individual child milestones and track developmental progress within the curriculum framework.
• Inclusive Education & IEP Support:
  Demonstrate a strong knowledge of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Collaborate closely with school district specialists, speech therapists, and special education teachers to implement required accommodations and goals within the natural classroom environment.
• Classroom Management:
  Maintain a clean, organized, safe, trauma-informed, and engaging learning space aligned with Colorado Shines quality metrics.
• Family Engagement:
  Hold regular parent-teacher conferences and build respectful, transparent relationships with families. Partner with parents to align home and school goals, particularly for children navigating the IEP process.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  Adhere strictly to Colorado Child Care Licensing Rules (Section 7.702) and health protocols.
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Supervise and mentor assistant teachers, aides, and volunteers within the preschool classroom.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Maintain current licensure
• Participate in ongoing professional development
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and IDEA
• Support district early childhood initiatives

Required Qualifications &

Certifications:

• Colorado ECT
  
  Qualification:
  
  Must meet the Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) criteria defined by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), verified through the Colorado Shines PDIS.
• Special Education Familiarity:
  Proven experience or strong knowledge of working with children with special needs, interpreting IEP documentation, and supporting diverse learning goals.
• Age Requirement:
  Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Background Clearance:
  Ability to pass a mandatory federal background check, including fingerprinting through the CBI and FBI.
• Safety Training:
  Current certifications in standard universal precautions (or willingness to obtain them upon hire).
  
  Note:
  
  CPR and First Aid training will be provided by the center upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working within a structured early childhood curriculum.
• Prior experience or formal training in utilizing Teaching Strategies GOLD (TS GOLD) for checkpoint documentation is highly preferred.
• Experience in preschool or early childhood education
• Experience with inclusive classrooms
• Knowledge of the Colorado Preschool Program (CPP)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Passion for early childhood education
• Patience, compassion, and flexibility
• Strong classroom management
• Effective communication with young children and adults
• Organizational skills
• Ability to work as part of a collaborative team
• Commitment to continuous improvement
• Cultural responsiveness
• Professionalism and integrity

Physical Requirements &

Working Conditions:

• Lifts up to 40 pounds
• Sits, kneels, bends, crouches, and reaches
• Assists children with daily routines
• Works indoors and outdoors
• Supervises active young children throughout the day
• Uses classroom technology and educational materials
• Preschool classroom environment
• Frequent interaction with young children and families
• Moderate noise level
• Indoor and outdoor supervision
• Occasional evening family events or professional meetings

Evaluation:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with district policy.

Application and Selection Procedure:

Candidates:
Apply online at Completed and submitted online application. A current cover letter or letter of interest detailing information about the candidate and their interest in the position. A current, professional resume. Three current professional letters of reference. If you do not have internet access, a computer is available in the Human Resources Division, Hagen Education Center, 301 Hagen, Sterling, Colorado.

Applications are reviewed to match candidates with position qualifications, and a limited number of candidates are selected for interviews. For the final selection, employment is contingent upon completing the post-offer screening process, including a background check and…