Early Head Start Lead Teacher (Year-Round)

Jefferson County, Colorado; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement matching

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Jefferson County Early Head Start in Colorado is seeking an experienced Lead Teacher to implement curriculum in an infant (0-18 months) or toddler (18-36 months) classroom of 8 children, serving low-income families and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

This on-site, year-round role requires a Bachelor's degree in child development or ECE (or related field), at least two years of preschool teaching experience, and a valid Colorado driver’s license; bilingual skills may contribute to

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of preschool teaching experience.
• Bachelor's degree in child development, ECE, or related field.
• Equivalency: associate degree plus three years of experience.
• Valid driver’s license and Colorado residency requirements.
• Pre-employment screening and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Partner with a multidisciplinary team to support families including home visits and IEP implementation.
• Create and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans using Creative Curriculum.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards across education, disabilities, parent involvement, nutrition and health.
• Conduct observations and screenings; maintain documentation.
• Supervise children and collaborate with peers to find solutions.

Education

Bachelor's degree in child development, early childhood education (ECE), or related field

Job description

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:

10/25/26

Division

Head Start Division

Management Level

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Description

Do you want a career that fulfills your passions and purpose to make a difference in the lives of not only your students, but their families?

• Do you get excited thinking about working in an –inclusive preschool program that provides an opportunity for agreater impact working with vulnerable children and families?
• Are you passionate about providing extra support to allow students with challenging behaviors to achieve their goals and be successful?
• Are you looking forprofessional developmentandindividualized coachingto progress your career?
• Are you interested in being part of a supportive team to help you learn and grow?

If you answered ”yes” to these questions, Jefferson County Early Head Start's Lead Teacher position may be what you've been searching for!

The Lead Teacher role is a great opportunity if you are:

• A recent graduate looking to start your career in early childhood education
• A seasoned professional or current substitute teacher seeking a full-time, benefited role

Head Start is a no cost, all-inclusive, child-focused and family-centered early-childhood program for children ages 0-5. A range of individualized services in the areas of education, early childhood development, medical, dental, mental health, nutrition, family support, and parent education. We strive to provide equitable and inclusive services and support to the diverse community we serve.

The Early Head Start Lead Teacher will be responsible for implementing curriculum in an infant (0-18 months) or toddler(18-36 months) classroom of 8 children, maintaining compliance with Head Start Performance standards, and partnering with a multi-disciplinary team to provide the best service to our Head Start Families.

The Early Head Start Lead Teacher is responsible for maintaining the Head Start educational program by working with low-income families using a two-generation trauma informed approach. Build family well-being by intentionally and simultaneously working with children and the adults in their lives.

Head Start offers opportunities for on-site professional development scheduled during work hours, a team-oriented program that assists with providing the best service for our families, and individualized coaching.

Schedule

This position requires work to be completed on site and is year-round.

Compensation

Hiring Range: $65,000.00 - $69,000.00 USD Annual

Compensation will be determined based on education, experience, and skills.

Staff that are fluent in a language other than English may be eligible for additional compensation of $1,500 annually for use of bi-lingual skills.

Benefits

Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and holidays, including a starting bank of 40 hours of PTO for new hires; retirement matching; wellness programs; tuition reimbursement and more. For more information, click here for our Total Rewards summary.

Essential Duties

• Partnering with a multi-disciplinary team including mental health specialists, special education professionals, and family support workers to provide the best service for our families including home visits, family conferences, and implementation of Individual Education Plans.
• Creating and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans, including activities geared toward social-emotional development and utilizing trauma informed care practicesbased in Creative Curriculum.
• Working with your teaching team to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards within the classroom including education, disabilities, parent involvement, nutrition, health and mental health, etc.
• Conducting observations, administering development, social, and emotional screenings, and maintaining clear and complete documentation.
• Actively supervising children.
• Supporting peers by collaborating and sharing experiences to finding solutions together.

Qualifications

• Experience: a minimum of two (2) years’ work-related experience teaching preschool age children.
• Education: a bachelor’s degree in child development, early childhood education (ECE), or related field

Equivalency Rule: Those with an associate degree in child development or early childhood education (ECE) AND a minimum of three (3) years’ work-related experience.

Additional Requirements

• Driver’s License: Must have a valid driver's license, if you are from out of state, you must obtain a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days of hire date and you must not have any major violations, nor more than one DUI, DWI,DWAIconviction in the past three years.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Offer of employment contingent on review of child abuse neglect database, fingerprint results, criminal background, sex offender registry, motor vehicle record check, and education verification.
• Accommodations Statement: We encourage people with disabilities to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout our hiring process. For assistance with applications, interviews, or other hiring-related accommodations, contact [e-mail]. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot provide application status updates.
• Must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends, and willingness to occasionally travel to assigned Head Start Sites (Arvada or Wheat Ridge).

Perjury Statement

Any applicant who knowingly or willfully makes a false statement of any material fact or thing in the application is guilty of perjury in the second degree as defined in Section 18-8-503, C.R.S., and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished accordingly.

Experience:

Work Experience: Minimum two years

Certifications

CPR/First Aid/AED - State of Colorado

Category

Health & Human Services