Early Childhood Educator

City of Aurora; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 23,419 - 32,855; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan

On-site fitness center

Access to innovation workspaces

Job summary

The City of Aurora is seeking an Early Childhood Educator to develop and implement preschool programs for children ages 2½ to 6. The role focuses on ensuring quality education and fostering an inclusive classroom environment.

Applicants should have a minimum of a high school diploma and meet specific experience criteria as set by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. Competitive wages are offered, including benefits like retirement plans and wellness programs.

Qualifications

• Must meet experience guidelines for an Assistant Early Childhood Teacher as outlined by Colorado regulations.
• At least two years of experience working directly with children preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement lesson plans and activities.
• Maintain records of children's progress and attendance.

Skills

Child development knowledge

Classroom management

Communication skills

Crisis management

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Location 1300 S Chambers Cir Aurora, Colorado 80012-4729

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we’re growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.

Benefits

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well‑Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On‑site fitness center and overall employee well‑being programs internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

Position Overview

The Early Childhood Educator plans and implements developmentally appropriate preschool programs for licensed year‑round programming that ensures quality programming and customer service. This role is responsible for facilitating learning and teaching in integrated, inclusive preschool classrooms (ages 2½ to 6).

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and implement lesson plans and supply lists utilizing all assigned curriculum standards
• Lead class activities
• Maintain confidential records of children’s personal information and progress reports
• Record and monitor daily attendance
• Provide a safe classroom environment, including inspecting all equipment/materials for safety
• Maintain classroom management/discipline according to policies and safety codes
• Provide regular communication with parents, utilizing all approved communication tools as assigned by the Preschool Supervisor
• Recruit parent helpers and guest speakers
• Create Individual Learning Plans, twice a year, for all children, including all assessments assigned
• Conduct 2 annual parent/teacher conferences, and any other conferences as needed
• Set up/clean up classroom as designated by Preschool Supervisor
• Routine cleaning/sanitizing/disinfecting of classroom and materials
• Fulfill all assigned training hours/required by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, city of Aurora
• Occasional virtual teaching
• Maintain Colorado Shines rating standards
• Maintain PDIS credential
• Market and recruit new students to fill classroom(s)
• Follow all rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and best practices developed by governing bodies. IE Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), Aurora Fire Department, Nurse, city of Aurora, Colorado Shines (QRIS), etc.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Hiring Range & Work Hours

Hiring Range: $17.00/hour – Level I license; $20.00/hour – Level II license; $23.85/hour – Level III license

Estimated average hours per week: 10–30. Hours vary by location, ranging from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma/GED

Experience

• Must meet the experience guidelines for an Assistant Early Childhood Teacher as outlined in the Colorado Department of Early Childhood rules and regulations 2.216 E

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of experience working directly with children in a licensed child development program, including at least one year of supervisory experience
• Early Childhood Teacher or Large Center Director qualifications as outlined in the Colorado Department of Early Childhood rules and regulations 2.216 A or 2.214

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge

• Child development and administration of appropriate practices
• Preschool curriculum and implementation
• Business administration
• Effective classroom management and positive guidance techniques
• Computer operation with related word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, virtual meeting and registration software applications
• FERPA & HIPAA guidelines
• Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines
• Governing rules and regulations (Office of Early Childhood, local health department, Colorado Shines, etc.)

Skills

• Strong organization, management, and communication skills
• Strong customer service skills
• Strong crisis management & communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills for all age groups
• Strong planning skills
• Proficient windows‑based computer skills

Abilities

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, city of Aurora employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials
• Handle sensitive and/or stressful situations with tact and diplomacy
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Effectively manage classroom environments
• Demonstrate positive guidance techniques in a preschool environment
• Creatively solve problems, negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner
• Assist with motivating staff, creating a positive work environment, and holding staff accountable for achieving measurable goals and developing their skills
• Ensure accuracy in information and correct errors as needed
• Complete tasks and respond to inquiries in a timely manner

Licenses & Certifications

Must meet appropriate requirements/qualifications and provide all documentation as required by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood upon hire including:

• CBI & FBI Criminal Background checks
• Child Abuse and Neglect (TRAILS) check
• Current PDIS credential and Director Qualifications letter if appropriate (Level II & III)
• Multi‑hazard Planning for Childcare Disaster Preparedness Training through FEMA
• Pre‑Service Building and Physical Premises Safety training (within 30 days)
• Introduction to the Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs (within 90 days)
• Recognizing the Impact of Bias on Early Childhood Professionals (within 90 days)
• Working with an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant (within 90 days)
• Introduction to Child Care Health Consultation (within 90 days)

Maintain all necessary requirements/trainings which include:

• Current First Aid/CPR/AED certificate or 1 hr First Aid certification through PDIS (every 2 years)
• OSHA approved Standard Precautions (Annually)
• Recognition and Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect (Annually)
• Prevention of Shaken Baby/Abusive Head Trauma Training (every 2 years)
• Complete fifteen (15) hours training annually as specified by the Office of Early Childhood
• Maintain PDIS profile and current Credential Level
• Any additional training as assigned by Preschool Supervisor

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

• Moderate physical work; may require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Regular standing and walking
• May require bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and climbing
• Hand/eye coordination for operation of computer
• Vision to facilitate preschool curriculum, read books, reports and other written material
• Frequent speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with students, families, COA employees and citizens

Work Environment

• Works primarily in a clean, comfortable environment; requires work both indoors and outdoors with exposure to dust, sun, odors and noise

Equipment Used

• Standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel, WebEx, PowerPoint and menu‑driven databases
• Incumbent may need to use personal equipment (e.g., vehicle, cell phone, tools) in the course of employment

Veteran Preference

Please include all employment history, military service, and related documentation (DD214) on the application.

Equal Opportunity & Drug Testing

The City of Aurora is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. These records will not be used to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona‑fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission.

Despite changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug‑free workplace. A positive marijuana test is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.

As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. Applicants selected for safety‐sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening. Safety‑sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where responsibilities directly and substantially impact the health and safety of others. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.