Teacher, Early Childhood (Lic)

Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is located in Jefferson County, Colorado. It is the second largest school district in Colorado serving 69,000 students across 155 schools. With 14,000 employees, the district is the largest employer in Jefferson County and has provided educational excellence for more than 70 years.

Jeffco embraces the spirit of the West and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain region with the county spanning more than 770 square miles running the length of the western edge of the Denver metropolitan area. The district is diverse in both population and geography, from urban to rural, including the mountain communities in the foothills west of Denver.

Overall, Jeffco has 31% of students that qualify for free and reduced lunch, an indicator of poverty, and 34% minority (25% Hispanic) student population. The district is implementing a new strategic plan, Jeffco Thrives 2025 that is focused on providing a world-class education that prepares all Jeffco students for bright and successful futures as local and global citizens. Come join us!

Jeffco Public Schools is a Single-State Employer. All candidates hired by Jeffco Public Schools must reside within the state of Colorado.

Based on our belief that all students can achieve limitless outcomes, we provide a foundation where learners are empowered to:

• Learn at their own pace and to their full potential;
• Advocate for themselves and others;
• Develop as collaborators, risk takers, and problem solvers;
• Foster joy and empathy; and
• Engage in intellectual challenge and imaginative thinking.

Quality early childhood education is much more than just childcare. It is an academically and developmentally focused experience that provides students with early literacy and numeracy skills, as well as other academic experiences, so they come to school ready to learn. Expanding Early Childhood Education is a focus of the Jeffco Public Schools vision and aligned strategic plan. It is important to increase the quality and quantity of academically and developmentally focused opportunities for Pre-K students so that those students will enter kindergarten ready and will sustain academic proficiency.

Desired Start Date: 08/11/2025

Teacher, Early Childhood (Lic)
Annual Position
FLSA: Exempt
FTE: 1.00000 , Hours/Day: 8.000 , Days/Year: 185
Salary Plan, Grade, Step: JCE - Professional - 185 days , L01, 1
Min-Mid Annual Salary Range: $55,256.00 - $74,031.50 Effective as of: 08-16-2024

Compensation schedules for Jeffco Schools can be found here. Starting salary for non-licensed roles is based on the candidate's relevant work experience and education. Additional considerations may be given for job-specific certifications and skills. Applicants should submit all relevant and verifiable education, training and work experiences at the time of application. Starting Salary for licensed educators is based on the step and lane schedule found here.

The successful new hire or rehired candidate will be responsible to complete one set of CDEC fingerprints, required by licensing, through an appropriate fingerprinting vendor and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, within 48 hours of offer acceptance. To be in compliance with licensing requirements, new preschool hires must also complete a CDEC Background Check request (Trails Review). Out-of-state backgrounds checks may also be requested, if applicable.

SUMMARY: Responsible for the instruction of preschool learners. The teacher will utilize evidence-based data, best practices and frequent monitoring to plan instruction and create a well-rounded comprehensive classroom supportive of all learners. The teacher will lead the classroom in ensuring District initiatives are implemented and that licensing regulations are followed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Plan, prepare and deliver lesson plans and learning activities for students.

Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.

Demonstrate knowledge of Pre-K and Kindergarten Colorado State Standards, as well as instructional and developmental practices for early learners.

Establish a safe climate for learning through positive classroom management techniques, utilizing routines and structures to model and communicate appropriate behavioral expectations.

Manage student behavior and build culturally responsive relationships with students and families.

Meet District and school-wide student performance goals.

Employ current best practices and research-based instructional strategies.

Analyze student data to implement appropriate instructional strategies for differentiated instruction.

Administer school, district, and state assessments, utilizing district approved record keeping systems.

Guide and direct the work of the Early Childhood Instruction Partner (ECIP) who supports in the classroom. Provide training as needed to support the role of the ECIP in the classroom.

Collaboratively plan with grade level and other team members such as Instructional Partner, Program Specialists, TOSA, Instructional Coaches, Special Education Staff, ESL Teacher, and Digital Teacher Librarians utilizing student data, district curriculum and instructional resources.

Collaborate with all stakeholders (students, parents, teachers, instructional coaches, and administration at school and district level) to support student achievement.

Communicate consistently and effectively with parents through both oral and written communication.

Conduct parent and community engagement activities.

Demonstrate flexible thinking and exhibit a growth mindset.

Utilize various support resources and technologies to enhance student learning.

Participate in school and district professional development.

Participate in continuous improvement; cooperate in implementation of school-wide and district-wide goals.

Stay current on licensing and health regulations, and ensure staff files and classroom documentation are up-to-date as per district and CDHS requirements.

Perform administrative duties as needed.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS Must hold a valid Colorado Teaching License In-Field qualifications for Early Childhood Education via endorsement, Praxis or Degree, and Department Human Services qualifications, which include a CDE endorsement in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Special Education/Specialist. Physical examination required by CDHS to be completed within first 30 days of employment.

EXPERIENCE Minimum one year successful teaching experience, preferably in preschool. Experience with curriculum, instruction and assessment preferred.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EQUIPMENT Excellent communication skills and positive interpersonal skills. Demonstrated expertise in specific content area and best practices for all students ranging in abilities from special needs to accelerated learners. Highly determined and driven to succeed.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, and feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. May also involve above-average levels of activity intermittently that cannot always be anticipated. Ability to meet physical needs of students.

Important Notice Regarding Licensed Positions

Job Status: Ongoing
A successful external applicant will be issued a probationary contract. A successful internal applicant that currently holds a probationary or non-probationary contract with Jeffco Public Schools will maintain that contract status.

Jeffco Salary Schedules

Jeffco Benefits

The Jefferson County School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, pregnancy, or gender.