Early Childhood Lead Teacher - Full Time

Roaring Fork School District; Carbondale (CO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

District health benefits

Vision and dental coverage

RETIREMENT PLAN (PERA)

Wellness program

Discounted ski passes

Job summary

Roaring Fork School District is seeking an Early Childhood Lead Teacher for Crystal River Elementary School. The role emphasizes a safe, nurturing environment and development across social, emotional, language, literacy, math, physical, and cognitive domains.

Qualifications include an ECT credential or Early Childhood Level Credential 2 and a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education or CDA. The position requires collaboration with staff and ongoing family engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience in a licensed preschool/child care setting required.
• Bachelor's or higher in Early Childhood Education or CDA credential accepted.
• Must meet Early Childhood Teacher credentialing requirements and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children in on- and off-campus settings per district policies.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons using the curriculum.
• Maintain attendance records and assist with meals and health/safety rules.
• Communicate with families and conduct family‑teacher conferences.
• Provide first aid and health-related services as needed.

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Early Childhood Education

CDA Credential accepted by licensing

Job description

Early Childhood Lead Teacher - Full Time JobID: 3491

• Position Type: Early Childhood Education/ Lead Teacher
• Date Posted: 10/27/2026
• Location: Crystal River Elementary School
• Date Available:

DEFINITION

Under the direct supervision of the Early Childhood Program Director, the person in this position will provide a safe, nurturing environment that is stimulating,for a designated group of children, utilizing developmentally appropriate practices that encourages children's growth and development in the social/emotional, mathematical, language and literacy, physical, and cognitive developmental domains.

PRIMARY DUTIES

– The following are examples of primary duties assigned to the Early Childhood Teacher. Other related primary duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

Provide for careful and effective supervision of individual and groups of children, on and off campus, in accordance with District established policies and procedures and Colorado's Office of Early Childhood Child Care Licensing Rules.

Maintain and oversee a clean, healthy, organized, developmentally appropriate, positive, and creative learning environment.

Implement the program's curriculum and create quality developmentally appropriate lessons for individual and small groups of children.

Encourage proper behavior and maintain children's safety and learning, through the implementation of the approved behavior guidance plan.

Work cooperatively with the classroom co-teacher or assistant, Early Childhood Coach, and the Early Childhood Special Educator.

Provide coaching and job-embedded training to the classroom assistant teacher as needed.

Maintain accurate attendance and other class related records. Perform routine clerical tasks as needed or assigned.

Assist with snacks and other meals while strictly adhering to health, safety, and food handling rules.

Attend to the physical needs of the children (i.e., feeding, toileting, resting, etc.) while employing all child care and health and safety rules.

Communicate positively and appropriately with parents regarding their child in relationship to the early childhood program. Conduct family-teacher conferences.

Maintain a cooperative relationship with program and building staff.

Provide first aid and health-related services as needed.

Plan for, collect, and input data for the Teaching Strategies GOLD® assessment program for all classroom children of record. Utilize Data to monitor child progress and inform lesson design and classroom activities.

Attend required meetings and continuing education sessions and complete Colorado's Office of Early Childhood Child Care Licensing's required trainings and meet the required professional development hours.

Maintain an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) credential level and an up-to-date Professional Development Information System (PDIS) account.

Implementing Creative Curriculum, Second Step, and Pre-K Kickstart in to you daily lessonsplans daily.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Developmental stages and behaviors of preschool age students

Preschool developmentally appropriate instructional practices and strategies

State and local rules pertaining to childcare programs

Curriculum implementation and developmentally appropriate quality lesson planning

Developmental and behavioral characteristics of young children with special needs

Positive guidance and classroom management techniques

English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

CPR / First Aid/ Universal Precautions/ Medication Administration training

State and local health, safety, and food handling rules

Ability to:

Pass Child Care Licensing background check and CBI fingerprint check

Supervise a large group of children in a variety of settings

Interact with children in a way that is both nurturing and respectful

Create and implement quality developmentally appropriate lessons utilizing the program's curriculum

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with collegues in the course of work

Communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally both orally and in writing

Use a computer and operate modern office equipment

Work independently and with a minimum of direction

Maintain a professional appearance

EXPERIENCE & TRAINING GUIDELINES

Experience: Previous experience in a licensed preschool / child care setting is required.

Training/ Education: A Master's, Bachelor's, or Associates degree in Early Childhood Education or degree accepted by Child Care Licensing or Child Development Associate(CDA) Credential™ is desired.

Desired Proficiency: A Spanish language C1 level of conversational oral language communication or a C2 level having complete speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in the Spanish language.

Certificate or Credential: Must be qualified as an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) according to the requirements of the Colorado's Office of Early Childhood Child Care Licensing or have an Early Childhood Level Credential 2.

Current, or willing to update, on First Aid/ CPR/ Universal Precautions/ Medication Administration training and certifications

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Conditions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work both inside and outside and will frequently be required to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time. The employee m ust be able to assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with children, see and hear well enough to keep children safe, and engage in physical activity with children. The employee m ust be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds. The noise level is usually moderate.

SALARY RANGE AND DAYS WORKED

Hourly range: $24.36 - $30.71/hour, depending on qualified experience

Days worked: Monday - Friday / 185 days/year

Benefits: The Roaring Fork School District offers full district paid employee health benefits as well as voluntary vision, dental, and dependent coverage. Other benefits include: paid personal and sick leave, paid parental leave for mothers and fathers, a robust retirement plan under Colorado PERA with a district contribution of over 20% of an employee's wages each month, Employee Assistance programs, a district wellness program, and access to discounted ski passes and other community benefits.

With 14schools and 5,600 students, the Roaring Fork School District is located in the culturally vibrant and naturally stunning Roaring Fork Valley serving the communities of Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, and Basalt. Ahighly competitive and progressive salary schedule; access to our affordable housing program; and a culture of self-care and well-being. We believe diversity is a strength, and our staff makes a real difference for ourstudents who come from different ethnicities, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds.