Teacher Assistant- Apprentice

Plaza Clinic; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation time

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) program with profit-sharing

Job summary

Plaza Clinic in Colorado Springs is hiring an Apprentice Teacher Assistant to support children's learning and development. This role involves assisting teachers in creating safe, engaging educational experiences while complying with Colorado's childhood education standards.

Participation in this apprenticeship program offers a starting salary that progressively increases based on experience and qualifications, with the position starting July 27th.

Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and tuition assistance for further education.

Qualifications

• Must obtain First Aid, CPR, and medication administration certification within 90 days.
• Must be able to lift/carry/manipulate up to 40 pounds.
• Reliable transportation is necessary for job functions.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher in planning and implementing learning experiences.
• Comply with CPCD policies and Colorado Quality Standards.
• Implement group and individualized experiences for children's development.

Skills

Experience with children

Bilingual in English/Spanish

Education

High school diploma or GED

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Job description

Apprentice Teacher Assistant

Give children a head start! Must be taking courses at PPSC or plan to enroll in the coming semester. This position is set to begin on July 27th. Work scheduled for 40 hours a week.

The Early Educator Apprenticeship Program, offered in partnership with CPCD and Pikes Peak State College, offers participants the skills and practice needed to begin a career in early childhood education. This is a competency-based apprenticeship. The term of the apprenticeship is not less than one year (2,000 on‑the‑job learning hours) with an OJL attainment of 44 competencies, supplemented by the minimum required 199 hours of related instruction.

Apprentices shall be paid a progressively increasing schedule of wages based on a dollar amount of the current hourly journey worker wage rate.

Apprentice Teacher Assistant will assist the teacher in the establishment, planning and implementation of safe, healthy, high‑quality learning experiences and environments that advance the development of the whole child in partnership with families. Complies with all CPCD policies and procedures, Head Start Performance Standards, Colorado Department of Human Services licensing requirements, and the Colorado Quality Standards for Early Childhood Care and Education Services. Implements a balance of group and individualized experiences to promote the development of school readiness skills as defined by CPCD’s School Readiness Action Plan.

Pay Scale

• Step 1: High school diploma or equivalent & relevant experience
  • $17.59/hr.
• Step 2: Age appropriate CDA or Level II credential
  • $19.30/hr.
• Step 3: Colorado Department of Human Services Director Qualification (DQ)/ Level 3
  • $20.28/hr.
• Step 4: Colorado Department of Human Services Director Qualification (DQ)/ Level 3 and 12 credit hours in ECE (can include Pyramid Plus and EQIT)
  • $21.28/hr.
• Step 5: Associate Degree in ECE or Related Field (AA + 24 credit hours in ECE)
  • $22.34/hr.

About CPCD

At CPCD, we provide more than 1,100 children living in poverty, or who are challenged by special circumstances, with early childhood education through Head Start, Early Head Start, and the Universal Preschool Program. Our additional health, dental, and family support services ensure that children enrolled in our programs are ready to succeed in school and life. Join our team and help us make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.

Additional Benefits for Eligible Employees (25+ hours per week)

• Paid vacation time, paid sick time, and paid holidays/Breaks
  • Paid Holidays include Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Presidents Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Paid Breaks include 1 week for Spring Break (March), 1 week for Fall Break (November), and 2 weeks for Winter Break (end of December/beginning of January)

Eligible Employees Receive a Competitive Benefits Package Including

• Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, Aflac supplemental insurance, and voluntary life insurance. CPCD also pays for Basic Life, Long Term Disability, and AD&D insurance at no cost to you.
• Our 401(k) program offers traditional and Roth enrollment options with automatic enrollment in our profit‑sharing after 1 year of employment.

Tuition Assistance is available after 60 days of employment

• $4,000 per year for Early Childhood Education Associates/Bachelor’s Degrees.
• $2,500 per year for other degrees related to employment at CPCD.
• Click here to view our Career Mapping page and see the opportunities for growth.

Employee Wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Program provides 6 FREE sessions with a counselor or therapist per year.
• Full well‑being program to encourage and promote your well‑being in the workplace, including 2 hours of paid time per month for wellness activities.

Please Note

The successful completion of a post‑offer, pre‑employment physical examination, TB screen, background screen and drug test (including marijuana) is required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Early Childhood Professional Credential Level II (PDIS) required. Candidates who do not currently hold the required credential must be willing to obtain it within two (2) years of hire.
• Must obtain First Aid, CPR, and medication administration certification within 90 days of employment and maintain as required.
• Must be able to lift/carry/manipulate up to 40 pounds.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to perform functions of the job including being able to go to another location during the work day if necessary.
• Successful completion of a pre‑employment physical examination, TB test, drug test (including marijuana), and background check in accordance with the Office of Head Start Performance Standards and Childcare Licensing. (Physical examination and TB test thereafter as required).
• Must have access to reliable transportation and if using a personal vehicle must maintain minimum liability insurance as determined by the State of Colorado.

Preferred

• At least one year of successful work experience with children birth to age three and/or to age five.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CPCD is committed to fostering an inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.