Preschool Teacher

Cortez, CO

Full Time

Student (College)

Preschool Teacher

Tri-County Head Start

Schedule: Full-Time, Part-Year | August–May
Pay: $17.92 - $26.29, based on education and experience
Summers Off!

Inspire Young Minds. Lead a Classroom. Make a Difference.

Are you passionate about early childhood education and creating a classroom where every child feels valued, supported, and excited to learn?

Tri-County Head Start is looking for a caring, creative, and dedicated Preschool Teacher to join our team!

As a Preschool Teacher, you'll play a key role in shaping children's earliest learning experiences. You'll create a nurturing, engaging classroom where children build confidence, develop important skills, and discover the joy of learning.

You'll also be part of a collaborative team that values your ideas, supports your professional growth, and shares your commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families.

What You'll Do

Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support children's growth and school readiness.
Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom where every child feels a sense of belonging.
Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through play-based learning and intentional teaching.
Observe and assess children's progress, using what you learn to individualize instruction and support each child's needs.
Build strong, positive partnerships with families and communicate regularly about their child's development.
Provide guidance and leadership to classroom aides and support staff, fostering a collaborative teaching environment.
Maintain a safe, organized classroom that meets Head Start Program Performance Standards and Colorado child care licensing requirements.

Why You'll Love Working With Us

At Tri-County Head Start, we believe that supporting our teachers is one of the best ways to support the children and families we serve. We value teamwork, professional growth, and a healthy work-life balance.

Our benefits for eligible employees include:

Work-Life Balance: Over four weeks of paid time off, including holiday breaks and personal days, plus paid sick leave according to policy.
Summers Off: Enjoy a part-year schedule from August through May.
Health & Wellness: Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement Savings: Opportunity to contribute to a 403(b) retirement savings plan.
Professional Growth: Paid professional development, training, and opportunities to advance your career.
Supportive Team Environment: Work alongside dedicated colleagues who value collaboration, communication, and helping each other succeed.

What We're Looking For

An associate or bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with qualifying early childhood coursework, consistent with Head Start teacher qualification requirements.
Experience working with preschool-aged children, preferably in a classroom setting.
Knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practices, and early childhood curriculum.
Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.
A genuine passion for helping young children learn, grow, and thrive.

Schedule

Full-Time, Part-Year | August–May

Enjoy a rewarding career that makes a difference during the school year, with summers off!

Join Our Team!

If you're ready to inspire young learners, build meaningful relationships, and grow your career in early childhood education, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply online at tchs4c.org/careers

Durango 4C Council/Tri-County Head Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Background Check Requirement Notice

Durango 4-C Council/Tri-County Head Start is an equal opportunity employer and is required per Head Start Performance Standards 45 CFR 1302.90 and Colorado State Childcare Licensing to conduct a comprehensive background check that includes but is not limited to: 1) criminal history with a national electronic check, 2) sex offender registry check, 3) child abuse and neglect state registry check, and 4) criminal history with a fingerprint check (FBI/CBI/state/tribal). We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. TCHS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to federal and state regulations. Background checks will be completed following the extension of a conditional offer of employment, and adverse findings will require an individual assessment for consideration in relation to the safety and well-being of the children we serve. Are you willing to undergo a background check in accordance with TCHS policy, pursuant to childcare care regulations?*

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I understand that this application or subsequent employment does not create a contract of employment nor guarantee employment for any definite period of time. If employed, I understand that I have been hired at-will according to Colorado state law, and my employment may be terminated by Durango 4-C Council, Inc/Tri-County Head Start or by myself at any time, with or without cause or with or without prior notice.

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