Preschool Lead Teacher

Job Summary

Fun Nest is seeking a passionate, experienced, and dedicated Preschool & Pre-K Lead Teacher to join our early childhood education team in Erie, Colorado.

We are a licensed, home-based early childhood education program that combines the warmth of a nurturing, family-like environment with the structure, professionalism, and educational expectations of a private preschool.

Our small class sizes allow teachers to build meaningful relationships with children, provide individualized instruction, and make a lasting impact on each child's development.

We are looking for an educator who is confident in leading a classroom, passionate about early childhood education, and committed to helping children develop the academic, social-emotional, and independence skills needed for a successful transition to Kindergarten.

Our educational philosophy emphasizes developmentally appropriate, play-based learning, the HighScope curriculum, and Christian values.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Instruction

• Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate weekly lesson plans using the HighScope curriculum.
• Incorporate active learning, hands-on exploration, creative projects, and the Plan-Do-Review approach.
• Promote early literacy, math readiness, language development, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Design activities that support each child's individual developmental stage, interests, and learning needs.
• Prepare children for Kindergarten through intentional teaching, independence-building, and school-readiness experiences.

Classroom Leadership & Management

• Independently lead and manage a small Preschool/Pre-K classroom with up to six children.
• Establish consistent daily routines and maintain a safe, positive, organized, and engaging learning environment.
• Use positive guidance and age-appropriate behavior management strategies.
• Support children's emotional regulation, social skills, conflict resolution, confidence, and independence.
• Create an inclusive classroom where every child feels respected, valued, and supported.
• Maintain organized learning materials, classroom displays, and developmentally appropriate activity areas.

Child Development & Assessment

• Observe, assess, and document children's developmental progress.
• Maintain accurate developmental records and learning observations using the school's assessment and documentation practices.
• Identify individual learning needs and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.
• Collaborate with the Director to establish developmental goals and support each child's continued growth.

Family Communication & Professionalism

• Build positive, respectful, and professional relationships with children and families.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding classroom activities, developmental milestones, and concerns.
• Share classroom photos and learning updates through the school's communication platform.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Work collaboratively with the Director and other team members to maintain a consistent, supportive school environment.

Health, Safety & Licensing

• Maintain active supervision of children and follow all applicable Colorado childcare licensing requirements.
• Follow established health, sanitation, emergency preparedness, and child safety procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom.
• Complete required documentation, training, and professional development.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, accountability, and reliability in daily classroom operations.

Christian Values & School Culture

• Support the school's Christian mission by modeling kindness, compassion, honesty, gratitude, respect, and integrity.
• Incorporate age-appropriate Christian values into everyday classroom interactions and learning experiences.
• Help create a welcoming, respectful, and nurturing environment for children and families.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in early childhood education, preferably working with children ages 3–5.
• Ability to meet applicable Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) licensing qualifications for the assigned teaching role.
• Strong knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
• Demonstrated classroom management, lesson planning, and organizational skills.
• Ability to independently lead a Preschool/Pre-K classroom.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of positive behavior guidance and social-emotional development.
• Ability to complete all required background checks, fingerprinting, and licensing-related training.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain it before beginning work.
• Dependability, punctuality, professionalism, and a strong commitment to children's safety and well-being.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay: $20–$23 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Dental insurance assistance.
• Employee childcare discounts.
• Professional development opportunities and support.
• Monday – Friday schedule with no weekend work.
• Small classroom sizes that allow for meaningful, individualized teaching.
• Supportive, collaborative work environment.
• Opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of Fun Nest.

Who We're Looking For

Our ideal candidate is more than an educator who enjoys working with children. We are looking for a committed professional who takes ownership of the classroom and finds purpose in helping young learners reach their full potential.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Love teaching and understand the importance of early childhood education.
• Are organized, creative, proactive, and dependable.
• Can confidently lead a classroom while remaining patient, warm, and nurturing.
• Value consistency, accountability, and open communication.
• Enjoy working in a small school environment where your contributions truly matter.
• Are committed to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Respect and support the Christian values and educational mission of our academy.

Join Our Team

At Fun Nest Christian Academy, we believe the early years lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

We are looking for a teacher who shares our commitment to providing exceptional early childhood education in a safe, nurturing, and purposeful environment.

If you are passionate about teaching, value meaningful connections with children, and are excited to help prepare young learners for their next educational journey, we would love to hear from you!

Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person