GENERAL PURPOSE: Preschool program is a part-time, quality-rated licensed early education program. Work alongside professional teaching staff to plan & provide quality instruction to children 3-5 years. Program dates generally follow the Thompson School District calendar, however workdays may be required on school days out and holiday breaks. Days and hours of work will vary, with 4-8 hour daily shifts Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and/or weekend shifts may be required for annual training hours or program events. The salary range for this position is $16.68- $22.52 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. Position will remain open until filled. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Classroom Environment: * Prepare classroom daily. * Perform environmental safety checks. * Implement and adhere to all state licensing and health department regulations. * Report damaged, missing, or negligent items to supervisors. * Evaluate the classroom environment and create and modify learning centers based on assessment tools including the Quality Rating & Improvement System (QRIS) resource and Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scales. Materials, Equipment, Curriculum & Program Development: Has a general knowledge of program budget and provides recommendations for purchase of program supplies and equipment. Develops and implements age-appropriate lesson plans, linking activities to Colorado Early Learning & Developmental Guidelines (ELDG). Develops long-term, quality enrichment programming by collaborating with inter-departmental and outside agencies to bring additional opportunities or community resources to enrolled children and families. Child Interactions & Assessments: * Engage all children in appropriate conversation, scaffold learning concepts and provide developmentally appropriate conflict resolution & problem solving techniques. * Utilize positive guidance strategies based on individualized behavior plans and inclusion of at-home behavior management practices. * Assesses each child's development skill levels through a variety of observational and data collection methods. * Links observations to goals set in lesson plans using the Colorado ELDG Observation Tool. * Discusses assessment objectives with families, including at annual parent-teacher conferences. Parent & Family Engagement: * Initiates frequent and ongoing communication with families regarding their child's experience and solicits feedback. * Encourages and implements inclusion of family diversity and participation in the classroom. * Assists with planning and implementation of family engagement and program promotional events. Administrative Duties & Professional Development: * Demonstrate solid knowledge of program policies including enrollment and registration procedures. * Maintain completed child files and accurate attendance records. * Maintain working knowledge of Colorado state childcare licensing regulations, developmentally appropriate curriculum standards, play-based teaching philosophies, and the QRIS resource tool. * Maintain online Professional Development Information System (PDIS) account and uphold credential level required for position. * Completes required training and attends continuing education workshops to stay current on teaching methods. Seeks out networking opportunities to stay current on changes to licensing requirements or trends in Early Childhood Education. Assists with miscellaneous classroom and program administrative tasks as assigned. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: Works as the lead teacher in the Early Childhood Preschool Prep Series program as scheduled. Other duties as assigned. SUPERVISORY DUTIES: Works alongside a co-teacher to share classroom management duties. . Assists in recruiting and training , delegates task and gives daily direction to staff, volunteers and visitors. JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge, skills and abilities: * Strong verbal and written communication, planning, and organizational skills are essential. * Working knowledge of current Colorado state licensing childcare regulations, developmentally appropriate curriculum standards, and play-based teaching philosophies. * Work independently, alongside a co-teacher, and as part of a team. * Work effectively and diplomatically with students, parents, facility staff, and the general public * Demonstrate sound judgment, decision making, exercise conflict resolution, and exhibit patience and creativity when dealing with stressful and challenging situations. * Must be at least 18 years of age at time of hire. Core Competencies: Accountability, Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness Education and/or experience: Must meet Colorado state licensing requirements for an Early Childhood Teacher in one of the following ways: * A Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with a major area of study in one (1) of the following areas: Child Development, Child Psychology, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Educational Leadership and Administration, Elementary Education, Family and Human Development, Family Studies, Special Education * A Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with a major area of study in any area other than those listed above and an additional two (2), three (3)-semester credit hour courses in Early Child Education with one (1) course as the following: * Introduction to Early Childhood Education; or, * Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children or has ben issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training Certificate * An Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or Child Development which must include: * Two (2) three (3) semester credit hour courses in Early Childhood Education. One (1) of the courses must be either Intro to ECE, Guidance Strategies or the Department approved Pyramid Plus training. * Three (3) months (455 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual. Plus the completion of eighteen (18) semester credit hours from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, with one (1) course as: * Introduction to Early Childhood Professions or * Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion. * A current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level II or higher in Version 3.0 as determined by the department Additional pathways to meet this requirement are available and can be found at: https://www.lovgov.org/home/showdocument?id=58928&t=638237256432333746 Licenses and/or Certifications: Must complete provided CPR, First Aid, Standard Precautions, and Medication Administration trainings prior to working with children. Per state licensing requirements candidate must submit a medical statement signed and dated by a licensed physician or other health care professional, verifying good mental, physical, and emotional health appropriate for the position, dated no more than 6 months prior to employment or within thirty (30) calendar days after the date of employment. Material and equipment directly used: Indoor and outdoor play equipment; various early childhood learning materials; audio-visual and stereo equipment; telephone and voicemail systems; photocopier/scanner/printer, computer and general computer software including Microsoft programs. Working conditions and physical requirements: The duties of this position are routinely performed in different locations including indoors and outdoors. May be exposed to differing weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, sun, rain, and snow. Requires regular bending, pushing, pulling, stooping, and kneeling with an ability to lift up to 40 lbs. on a repeated basis. This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. With over 300 days of sunshine, and just 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park in the heart of northern Colorado, Loveland is an ideal community for anyone to call home. Known as the Sweetheart City, this vibrant cultural hub is home to nearly 500 sculptures and public art installations, the world-famous Valentine Remail Program, and picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains. The community is bustling with a thriving arts, brewery, foodie and shopping scene. Enjoy headliner concert and theatre productions, professional hockey events, endless community recreation and open space opportunities, art and sculpture shows, and several local festivals. Loveland also boasts an award-winning golf course and an inclusive library and community center. Loveland, Colorado has EVERYTHING YOU LOVE! In 2020, Loveland was the only Colorado City to win the Governor's Award for Downtown Excellence, is the top residential recycling City in the state for 4 consecutive years and has been ranked as one of the top places to live, work and raise a family in the U.S. and as one of the Most Idyllic Picturesque towns in America. Apply today to join more than 800 employees who work to meet the core values of: Accountability & Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness. The City of Loveland is a diverse and welcoming community organization and our employees enjoy a competitive benefits program, various opportunities for growth and development, and an exceptional work-life balance. A vibrant community, surrounded by natural beauty, where you belong! Non Benefit Eligible Benefits Package Includes: * Retirement - 457 employee funded plan * Medical Leave - Up to 48 hours accrued. Accrue 1 hour of leave per 30 hours worked * Per the ACA, employees working 30 Plus hours per week are eligible to enroll in one of the two 2 medical plan options - HRA & ACO Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. The City of Loveland participates in E-Verify. In accordance with E-Verify requirements, upon your date of hire the City of Loveland will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. E-Verify Notice of Participation. Learn more about your right to work. Visit E-Verify.gov for more information. The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. A comprehensive pre-employment criminal history background check, including criminal sex offender search and state and federal fingerprint check will be obtained in order to clear for initial and ongoing employment, including the State Department's automated registry for child abuse and neglect.