Lead Teacher- Preschool

About the role:

At Clayton Early Learning, we are dedicated to fostering a dynamic environment that supports the growth and development of young children. As a Lead Teacher, you will play a vital role in planning, organizing, implementing, and delivering an infant, toddler or preschool program based on the enrolled children's individual and group's educational, intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs. While also managing the classroom environment and working with the parents directly and as a member of an interdisciplinary team. You'll have the opportunity to provide direct supervision for the classroom including all areas of personnel actions and management of teachers in your room. We are looking for a Lead Teacher- Head Start who enjoys and has experience of ages 3 years to 5 years.

If you are passionate about early childhood education and want to be part of a team that's making a difference, we encourage you to apply today!

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:

• Develop written plans, with classroom team, for daily activities based on children's needs and interests which stimulate learning in all developmental areas (physical, social, emotional, and intellectual) for a class of 8 to16 children which may involve some children with disabilities.

• Organize classroom materials and equipment to provide a safe, supportive age-appropriate environment for children.

• Conduct an annual inventory of existing classroom materials and equipment and future needs.

• Scheduling and facilitating team and classroom meetings.

• Identification of team resource needs.

• Ensuring planning and accurate completion of program projects.

• Audits files, portfolios, lesson plans, etc.

• Provides supervision to the classroom teachers.

• Staying abreast of current issues and theories within the field, and other related matters.

• Provides direct educational services to children and families as a contributing member of the classroom team.

• Plans and participates in the preparation, setup, and clean-up of meals and snacks.

• Prepares, submits, monitors and tracks internal and external reports/documents which includes but is not limited to screenings, assessments, enrollment, attendance, etc.

• Administers first aid and prepares and submits accident reports.

• Works effectively with the management team to ensure smooth program operations.

What we are looking for:

Education: 

• Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited college or university; AND

• A valid teaching license for children ages 0–8, including a Professional, Alternative, or Initial license.

Candidates without a teaching license:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development, or a related field from an accredited college or university; AND

• Applicable Early Childhood Education coursework or an approved equivalent pathway, such as a passing score on Praxis 5024.

Experience:

• 2-3 years of previous experience working with children ages 0-3 and at least 1 year of leadership experience.

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:

• $58,000-$60,000 annually

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