Early Childhood Educator

JOB LOCATION

City of Aurora, Colorado

It 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 day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Every 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.

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 & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, prepare, and implement lesson plans and supply lists utilizing all assigned curriculum standards
• Lead class activities
• Maintain confidential records of children’s personal information and progress reports
• Record and monitor daily attendance
• Provide 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 speakers
• Create 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 Supervisor
• Routine cleaning/sanitizing/disinfecting of classroom and materials
• Fulfill all assigned training hours/required by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, city of Aurora
• Occasional virtual teaching
• Maintain Colorado Shines rating standards
• Maintain PDIS credential
• Market 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 assigned

This 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 CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education:

• High School Diploma/GED

Experience: 

• 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 E

Preferred 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 2.214

Knowledge:

• Child development and administration of appropriate practices
• Preschool curriculum and implementation
• Business administration
• Effective classroom management and positive guidance techniques
• Computer operation with related word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, virtual meeting and registration software applications
• FERPA & HIPPA guidelines
• Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines
• Governing rules and regulations (Office of Early Childhood, local health department, Colorado Shines, etc)

Skills: 

• Strong organization, management, and communication skills
• Strong customer service skills
• Strong crisis management & communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills for all age groups
• Strong planning skills
• Proficient windows-based computer skills

Abilities: 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, city of Aurora employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials
• Handle sensitive and/or stressful situations with tact and diplomacy
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Effectively manage classroom environments
• Demonstrate positive guidance techniques in a preschool environment
• Creatively solve problems, negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner
• Assist with motivating staff, creating a positive work environment, and holding staff accountable for achieving measurable goals and developing their skills
• Ensure accuracy in information and correct errors as needed
• Complete tasks and respond to inquiries in a timely manner

Licenses 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 checks
  • Child Abuse and Neglect (TRAILS) check
  • Current PDIS credential and Director Qualifications letter if appropriate (Level II & III)
  • Multi-hazard Planning for Childcare Disaster Preparedness Training through FEMA
  • Pre-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 Childhood
  • Maintain PDIS profile and current Credential Level
  • Any additional training as assigned by Preschool Supervisor

WORKING 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 walking
• May require bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and climbing
• Hand/eye coordination for operation of computer
• Vision to facilitate preschool curriculum, read books, reports and other written material
• Frequent 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 systems
• This 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.