Preschool Co-teacher

Summary

Timberline Learning Center seeks a caring, growth-minded educator to join its early childhood team as a co-teacher. In partnership with a mentor teacher, the co-teacher builds community and encourages children to play, investigate, problem-solve, and construct new understandings in a welcoming, joyful environment. Co-teachers support the lead teacher in planning for children’s growth and development by observing, evaluating, and knowing children well.

This role offers the opportunity to grow as an educator while making a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners and their families. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, our staff believe in an image of the child as capable, curious, and eager to learn and make sense of the world. Co-teachers serve as positive role models and guides for children, facilitate healthy and productive relationships, and implement student-centered curriculum and responsive classroom routines.

They help to create a safe and nurturing environment that fosters collaboration, cultivates wonder, inspires playful learning and connection. Co-teachers prepare materials and the environment to build upon children’s interests, motivations and investigations.

Learning Environment & Curriculum

• Collaborate with Mentor Teacher to design engaging learning experiences
• Facilitate ongoing project work and child-led investigations
• Make children’s learning visible through journals and documentation displays.
• Prepare materials and environments that respond to children s interests and developmental needs
• Maintain aesthetically rich, organized, and safe learning spaces throughout the school

Child Guidance & Development

• Provide intentional, attuned supervision that honors each child s unique journey
• Use positive, developmentally appropriate guidance strategies
• Model effective learning and behavioral approaches
• Document and assess children s growth with care and insight
• Conduct quarterly child assessments using the TS Gold system

Collaboration & Communication

• Engage in daily communication with the teaching team to share observations and ideas
• Build authentic, supportive partnerships with families
• Participate in reflective practice and collaborative professional learning
• Set professional learning goals and work collaboratively with Education Director and Mentor
• Contribute positively to a respectful, inclusive workplace culture

First-Year Requirements:

• Achieve Colorado Shines Level 2 Credential minimum
• Complete ECE 1011 and ECE 1031 coursework
• Develop working knowledge of Reggio Emilia principles and implement key tenets

Ongoing Expectations:

• Attend orientation, training sessions, monthly staff meetings, and parent-teacher conferences
• Complete 1 hour of annual volunteer work for TLC fundraising events
• Maintain compliance with all state licensing standards (DHHS, Public Health, Environmental Health, Fire, Police)
• Immediately report any safety concerns or facility damage to supervisors
• Adhere to all TLC Employee Handbook policies and procedures
• Fulfill essential expectations and responsibilities of role
• Additional duties as directed.

• Lift and carry up to 45 lbs occasionally (supplies, equipment, assisting children)
• Regularly sit, kneel, and work at floor level or on child-sized furniture
• Actively supervise children throughout all facility areas (classrooms, playgrounds, common spaces)
• Work indoors in climate-controlled settings and outdoors in variable weather conditions
• Potential exposure to common childhood illnesses

• Associate s degree or higher in education or an education-related field
• Minimum one year of experience working with children ages 0-6
• Full-time, year-round availability
• Stable housing in Summit County or surrounding areas
• Ability to pass comprehensive background check (fingerprinting and child abuse registry)
• Growth mindset with commitment to ongoing professional development
• Strong communication skills (oral, written, and digital)
• Demonstrated flexibility, problem-solving abilities, and organizational skills

• Coursework in Early Childhood Education
• Colorado Shines PDIS Level 2 Credential or above
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days)
• Familiarity with Reggio Emilia Approach, Project Approach, or play-based learning philosophies

• Eight paid holidays which include:
  New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day (and the Friday following), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and a Floating Holiday. Compensation will be based on education, experience, and performance.
• EPIC ski pass
• Wellness benefit
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Vacation time
• Sick time
• Vision
• Dental
• Childcare Discount