Head Start Lead Teacher

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 all-inclusive preschool program that provides an opportunity for greater 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 for professional development and individualized coaching to 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 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 preschool program for children ages 3-5. A range of individualized services in the areas of education, early childhood development, medical, dental, mental health, nutrition, family support, and parent education support equitable and inclusive services to the diverse community we serve.

Hiring Range: $53,082–$55,000 for ten months of work, paid over 12 months.

Staff fluent in a language other than English may be eligible for an additional $1,500 annually for bilingual skills.

Note: This will be a ten-month working position (stretch) paid for twelve months. Comprehensive benefits include paid vacation and sick time, 12 paid holidays, medical/dental/vision insurance, retirement, and $2,000 annual tuition reimbursement.

• Dental, medical, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement matching
• Wellness programs
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible schedules

• Partner with a multi-disciplinary team (mental health specialists, special education professionals, family support workers) to provide the best service, including home visits, family conferences, and implementation of Individual Learning Plans.
• Deliver creative, developmentally appropriate lesson plans, social‑emotional activities, and trauma‑informed care practices.
• Work with your co‑teacher/teacher associate to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards in education, disabilities, parent involvement, nutrition, health, and mental health.
• Conduct observations, administer developmental, social, and emotional screenings, and maintain complete documentation.
• Actively supervise children.
• Support peers by collaborating, sharing experiences, and finding solutions together.

• Experience: Minimum two years of work‑related experience teaching preschool‑age children.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in child development or early childhood education (ECE).
• Equivalency Rule: Associate degree in child development or ECE AND minimum three years of related experience, OR high school diploma/GED AND minimum five years of related experience teaching preschool age.
• Full vaccination based on the Centers for Disease Control recommended schedule, including COVID‑19.

Offer of employment contingent on child‑abuse/neglect database review, fingerprint results, criminal background check, sex offender registry, motor vehicle record check, and education verification.

Must have a valid driver’s license. If from out of state, obtain a valid Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of hire. No major violations or more than one DUI/DWI/DWAI conviction in the past three years.

Must be available for occasional evenings, weekends, and willingness to travel to assigned 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 shall be punished accordingly.

Applications are accepted electronically at Jefferson County Colorado Career Opportunities. Complete the online form and provide a resume and cover letter describing why you are the best candidate. Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications; contacts are made directly by the hiring team. Log into your candidate portal to view status or receive communication.