Teacher- Head Start

Job Description

Job Description

$1,000 sign-on bonus after the first 90 days! About the role:

The Preschool Teacher is responsible for collaborating with a team and implementing a high-quality early childhood program that supports the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children aged 3 years to 5 years. This position ensures a safe, inclusive, and enriching learning environment, maintains strong communication with families, and adheres to all licensing and program standards.

Who we are:

Clayton Early Learning is a leading nonprofit dedicated to providing children from birth to five with an exceptional start and empowering families for lifelong success. We directly serve approximately 500 children annually through our school, home-based programs, and community partnership sites. As a proud member of the Educare Learning Network and the Head Start community, we are deeply committed to providing high quality early childhood education through a whole-child, whole-family approach. Our unique location on a 20-acre historic campus in Denver is the foundation for our strategic vision to become a thriving neighborhood center to serve the community more fully, addressing needs including food security and health care access. Our team of over 125 dedicated professionals works in a supportive environment of collaboration, innovation, and personal growth.

What this role involves: 

• Maintain a safe, warm, and stimulating classroom environment.

• Develop individualized care routines that support physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

• Collaborate with co-teachers to implement developmentally appropriate activities.

• Support strong family partnerships through daily communication and relationship-building.

• Maintain accurate documentation of feeding, diapering, sleeping, and developmental milestones.

• Adhere to all licensing and program standards, including Head Start/Early Head Start and Educare.

• Sanitize toys, materials, and classroom spaces according to health and safety protocols.

• Support Conscious Discipline practices in age-appropriate ways.

• Follow lessons plan using the Creative Curriculum.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field; OR

• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential for Preschool (Birth–5); OR

• At least 12 college credits in related Early Childhood Education coursework; OR

• A valid teaching license or other applicable early childhood teaching credential.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with preschoolers in a licensed early childhood setting.

• Experience with Head Start or Early Head Start programs preferred.

Clayton Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, including CBI/FBI fingerprinting. Child abuse and neglect state registry, MVR and a national sex offender registry check every 5 years.

• Must have a valid license driver's license with evidence of active vehicle insurance.

• Pediatric first aid and CPR certification.

• Current PPD-TB testing, standard immunizations, and annual health statement, or willingness to obtain as required.

• Participate in training programs, workshops, and meetings related to the role.

• Maintains strong technology proficiency and quickly adapts to new systems, applications, and digital solutions.

Skills, Competencies & Behavioral Expectations:

• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the organization's mission and values.

• Exhibits accountability and ownership by taking responsibility for commitments, actions, and results.

• Creates a safe, respectful, and collaborative environment for children, families, and employees.

• Communicates clearly and professionally, verbally and in writing, while building strong relationships and influencing employees at all levels.

• Build strong relationships through teamwork that prioritizes safety and well-being.

• Problem-solving with resilience, emotional intelligence, and a solution-oriented mindset.

• Strong compassion for children with the ability to interact with children and families in a positive manner.

• Experience with and/or knowledge of different cultures and demonstrated ability to adapt to a variety of diverse audiences.

• Ability to identify and resolve conflict; ability to remain calm and to calm others in stressful or confrontational situations.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to be patient and supportive with the approach on the learning process.

• Planning and time management skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines.

Work Environment, Schedule & Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work flexible hours outside of normal business hours as required.

• Ability to lift to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk and move throughout the workday as required to perform job duties or with reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to travel as needed.

• Valid Driver's License, car, and car insurance.

What we offer: 

• $1,000 sign-on bonus after 90 days

• 16+ paid company holidays

• Spring Break and Winter Break – up to 10 paid days off

• Accrued vacation time (starting at 10 days/year, up to 30 with tenure)

• Paid sick time

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance coverage

• Life and AD&D insurance

• Mental health support through our medical plan and EAP

• Long-term disability coverage

• 401(k) with 5% employer match after 1 year

• FSA plans

• College 529 investment options

• Identity theft protection and more

Compensation

$22 to $24 an hour

Clayton's Core Values

At Clayton Early Learning, we believe that our core values help to drive actions and create habits that allow our belief in the unlimited potential of young children to become a reality. We seek candidates who demonstrate our core values and are motivated by a values-driven environment.

• Collaboration builds trust and relationships and brings new ideas, skills, and knowledge to help us do better work.

• Community fosters resiliency, stability, and strength.

• Fun reduces stress, keeps us motivated, builds connections, and models joy for our children.

• Growth allows us to develop as professionals and provide the best service.

• Stewardship enables us to have the greatest impact with the resources we have.

Clayton Early Learning is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create an inclusive work place that embraces life experiences, and perspectives. We prohibit discrimination of employees or applicants on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual identity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification considered discriminatory under applicable law

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