Early Childhood Educator

JOB LOCATION1300 S Chambers Cir Aurora, Colorado 80012-4729City of Aurora, ColoradoIt is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.Why Work for Aurora?Make a difference in the lives of real people every dayDiverse communityCompetitive total compensation packageWell-Funded General Employees Retirement PlanLight rail station minutes awayOn-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancementAccess to innovation workspacesPRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESEvery interaction reflects a deep commitment to integrity, respect, and professionalism within our community. Young hearts and minds thrive in an integrated, inclusive preschool environment catering to children ages two through six. Educators utilize positive guidance techniques and effective working relationships to build a supportive foundation for every child. Discovery happens daily across indoor and outdoor settings that inspire joy and exploration. Leadership champions a positive work culture where staff feel motivated to develop their professional skills. Purpose-driven professionals live our core values daily to provide excellent service to local families and citizens.This job announcement is for collecting candidate applications for current and future Early Childhood Teachers. Applicants will be contacted only when a position need is identified, and qualifications match the needs of the position. **The Hiring Range Is As Follows: $17.00/hour - Level I license$20.00/hour - Level II license$23.85/hour - Level III licenseEstimated average hours per week: 10-30Hours vary by location, ranging from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.This is classified as VHNE (Variable Hour Non-Benefit Employee). This position does not provide medical benefits. This position earns sick leave in accordance with the Healthy Families and Workplace Act.Teachers with an age-appropriate child may enroll their child for free if space is available.Position Overview: The Early Childhood Educator plans and implements developmentally appropriate preschool programs for licensed year-round programming that ensures quality programming and customer service. This role is responsible for facilitating learning and teaching in integrated, inclusive preschool classrooms (ages 2½ to 6).PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESPlan, prepare, and implement lesson plans and supply lists utilizing all assigned curriculum standardsLead class activitiesMaintain confidential records of children’s personal information and progress reportsRecord and monitor daily attendanceProvide a safe classroom environment, including inspecting all equipment/materials for safety Maintain classroom management/discipline according to policies and safety codes Provide regular communication with parents, utilizing all approved communication tools as assigned by the Preschool Supervisor Recruit parent helpers and guest speakersCreate Individual Learning Plans, twice a year, for all children, including all assessments assigned.Conduct 2 annual parent/teacher conferences, as well as any other conferences as needed Set up/clean up classroom as designated by Preschool SupervisorRoutine cleaning/sanitizing/disinfecting of classroom and materialsFulfill all assigned training hours/required by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, city of AuroraOccasional virtual teachingMaintain Colorado Shines rating standardsMaintain PDIS credentialMarket and recruit new students to fill classroom(s)Follow all rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and best practices developed by governing bodies. IE Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), Aurora Fire Department, Nurse, city of Aurora, Colorado Shines (QRIS), etc.Performs other related duties as assignedThis job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONSAn equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.Education: High School Diploma/GEDExperience: Must meet the experience guidelines for an Assistant Early Childhood Teacher as outlined in the Colorado Department of Early Childhood rules and regulations 2.216 EPreferred Qualifications: At least two years of experience working directly with children in a licensed child development program, including at least one year of supervisory experience.Early Childhood Teacher or Large Center Director qualifications as outlined in the Colorado Department of Early Childhood rules and regulations 2.216 A or 2.214Knowledge:Child development and administration of appropriate practicesPreschool curriculum and implementationBusiness administrationEffective classroom management and positive guidance techniquesComputer operation with related word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, virtual meeting and registration software applicationsFERPA & HIPPA guidelinesColorado Early Learning and Development GuidelinesGoverning rules and regulations (Office of Early Childhood, local health department, Colorado Shines, etc)Skills: Strong organization, management, and communication skillsStrong customer service skillsStrong crisis management & communication skillsStrong interpersonal skills for all age groupsStrong planning skillsProficient windows-based computer skillsAbilities: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, city of Aurora employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officialsHandle sensitive and/or stressful situations with tact and diplomacyCommunicate effectively both orally and in writingEffectively manage classroom environmentsDemonstrate positive guidance techniques in a preschool environmentCreatively solve problems, negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive mannerAssist with motivating staff, creating a positive work environment, and holding staff accountable for achieving measurable goals and developing their skillsEnsure accuracy in information and correct errors as neededComplete tasks and respond to inquiries in a timely mannerLicenses And Certifications Required: Must meet appropriate requirements/qualifications and provide all documentation as required by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood upon hire which includes:CBI & FBI Criminal Background checksChild Abuse and Neglect (TRAILS) checkCurrent PDIS credential and Director Qualifications letter if appropriate (Level II & III)Multi-hazard Planning for Childcare Disaster Preparedness Training through FEMAPre-Service Building and Physical Premises Safety training (within 30 days)Introduction to the Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs (within 90 days)Recognizing the Impact of Bias on Early Childhood Professionals (within 90 days)Working with an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant (within 90 days)Introduction to Child Care Health Consultation (within 90 days)Maintain all necessary requirements/trainings which include:Current First Aid/CPR/AED certificate or 1 hr First Aid certification through PDIS (every 2 years)OSHA approved Standard Precautions (Annually)Recognition and Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect (Annually)Prevention of Shaken Baby/Abusive Head Trauma Training (every 2 years)Complete fifteen (15) hours training annually as specified by the Office of Early ChildhoodMaintain PDIS profile and current Credential LevelAny additional training as assigned by Preschool SupervisorWORKING CONDITIONS Physical Demands:Moderate physical work; may require ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without assistance; some lifting and carrying objects.Regular standing and walkingMay require bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and climbingHand/eye coordination for operation of computerVision to facilitate preschool curriculum, read books, reports and other written materialFrequent speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with students, families, COA employees and citizens. Work Environment:Works primarily in clean, comfortable environment; requires work both indoors and outdoors with exposure to dust, sun, odors and noise.Equipment Used:Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel, WebEx, PowerPoint and menu driven databases as a part of the automated systemsThis job may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, And Employment References:As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check.Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.