Preschool Lead Teacher / Summer Camp Lead Teacher

Colorado Mesa University; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a passionate Preschool Lead Teacher to create a nurturing learning environment for young children. This role involves developing a cohesive teaching team, coordinating engaging curriculum, and ensuring a safe and stimulating classroom atmosphere. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and leadership skills, with a deep understanding of child development. Join a vibrant educational community that values diversity and fosters growth, while enjoying the beautiful outdoor recreational opportunities in Grand Junction. If you are dedicated to making a difference in children's lives, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of child care experience or desire to work in child care.
• Strong understanding of child development and ability to foster a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement educational curriculum for preschool children.
• Lead and supervise teacher assistants and classroom volunteers.

Skills

Child Care Experience

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Child Development Certification

CPR and First Aid Certification

Job description

ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY Preschool Lead Teacher / Summer Camp Lead Teacher
ABOUT THIS POSITION
Summary: The Teacher is responsible for developing a cohesive teaching team, coordinating the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom. Teachers must understand children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development in order to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. The Teacher must be skilled in communicating with both children and adults in order to meet the needs of the children, effectively guide teacher assistants, and resolve parental concerns.
Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and implement educational curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards.
• Lead by example; encourage teaching team success through modeling and coaching.
• Plan individual and group age-appropriate activities to actively engage children and encourage social, cognitive and emotional growth.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Ensure all center policies and state regulations are met.
• Ensure a healthy classroom environment – including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children.
• Supervise teacher assistants and classroom volunteers to ensure they are following planned activities, hygiene and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate records, forms and files.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:

• Minimum of 2 years of child care experience, or a desire to work in the child care industry.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification. Or the ability to obtain a CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.

Hourly Rate: $16.00 - 19.00 per hour.
Department: Colorado Mesa University
Employment Type: Professional Staff
HOW TO APPLY Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be received by 5/25/2025.
How to Apply: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a: • Cover letter • Resume • Include the name, phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying for. Professional references should include at least one current or former supervisor. Professional reference may also include current or former employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge and can recommend you for employment. • Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
Direct Inquiries Contact: Jeff Piper, [e-mail]
ABOUT COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus located in Grand Junction. As western Colorado’s largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its community college, Western Colorado Community College and via online offerings. Founded in 1925, it’s a dynamic university enrolling more than 11,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate and graduate levels.
At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they’ll encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that support students' interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce demands.
The Grand Valley is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you won’t have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting. In addition to a mountain resort that’s less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one of Colorado’s best kept secrets.
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed.