Early Childhood Teacher

POSITION TITLE: Early Childhood Teacher (Part-Time Regular) (Classified)

REQUISITION #: req8552

DEPARTMENT: Recreation

LOCATION: NORTHSIDE AZTLAN CTR

BENEFIT CATEGORY: Classified (Non-CBU) Classified Employee Benefit Highlights

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Part-Time Regular

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $36,981.00 - 55,472.00 (Salaries are paid biweekly)

ANNUAL ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $39,750.00 - 48,750.00 (Salaries are paid biweekly)

SELECTION PROCESS: Application deadline is 11:59 p.m. MT on 9/16/2026. At the City, we are focused on finding the strongest candidate for the role, and we recognize that excellence can come from a wide variety of experiences and paths. When reviewing applications, we consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and lived experiences that align with the minimum qualifications. If you are interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to view your background broadly and highlight the skills and experiences that best prepare you for the role.

The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that you please avoid the use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application for employment. You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application. Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or interviews. Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile.

Post-Offer Requirements

• Background check (Background checks are considered in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position)
• Clearance from state and federal fingerprinting, and child abuse reporting background check.
• Motor vehicle report

While the City of Fort Collins offers many remote and/or hybrid positions, all remote or hybrid work must be performed in the state of Colorado.

Why Work For the City of Fort Collins?

• Medical, dental, vision (for self, spouse, domestic partner, children) - eligible on the 1st of the month following date of hire
• Paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional one-time bank of 40 PTO hours for new, full-time, Classified and Unclassified Management hires
• Retirement + company contributions - after 6 month probation period and immediate vesting
• Flexible spending: Medical expenses FSA, dependent FSA or both
• Employee Assistance Program: counseling, legal, financial assistance
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
• Wellness program, workout facilities
• Employee/family onsite health clinic
• Learning and development opportunities at all levels in the organization with opportunities for career mobility
• Collaborative work environment

To learn more about The City of Fort Collins and Our Community, please read Our Community and Our Organization Brochure

Job Summary

Are you a certified early childhood educator who is looking for a fresh, new opportunity? The City of Fort Collins is looking for an Early Childhood Teacher to lead our state-licensed preschool program for children ages three to five at the Northside Aztlan Community Center. This is a 30-hour per week with benefits position that is supported by fellow early childhood teachers, a Program Director and a Program Supervisor who is close by and ready to help.

In-class teaching days are Monday - Friday with scheduled shifts that could range within the program hours of 7:30am - 5:30pm. Curriculum resources and guidelines are provided by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. While most work falls during Monday - Friday business hours, there will occasionally be evening or weekend family engagement activities.

What are we looking for in our Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)? Candidates will be required to be ECT certified with documentation from the PDIS system showing they have a PDIS credential 3.0 level 2 or higher with at least 1-2 years of similar lead teaching experience. Our ideal candidate would be ready to start on August 31, 2026 to attend our Teacher Orientation & Training.

This position will find encouragement and connection with the Recreation Department and the community of the City of Fort Collins. We would love for you to apply!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Active supervision of children including regular participation and attendance counts.
• Act as the Lead Teacher in the Funtime PreK and/or Preschool Classes during the school year and in Funtime Adventures during the Summer.
• Act as the Lead Teacher in the preschool readiness and enrichment activities classes as assigned.
• Greet children and parents in a friendly manner; conduct daily health screens and electronic check-in/out process.
• Plan and instruct daily developmentally appropriate lesson plans utilizing the Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines which include but are not not limited to science, math, reading, indoor/outdoor games, crafts, dramatic play, music, and cooking.
• Prepare for and clean up following class/camp activities.
• Treat all children with care and respect in all interactions, including behavior guidance and classroom management strategies.
• Responsible for general maintenance of classroom/camp space and informing supervisors of missing and/or damaged equipment.
• Plans safe, fun walking field trips during summer camp seasons.
• Responsible for class/camp supply and equipment inventory, and requesting materials based on available budgets as needed.
• May be required to drive 15 passenger vans to transport children.
• Attend regular staff and department meetings as needed.
• Represent the City with a positive, professional, and healthy demeanor at all times.

Management Responsibilities

No

City Competencies

• Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.
• A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.
• A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to handle sensitive or stressful situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to contribute effectively and creatively in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive effective working relationships with employees and management.
• Teaching and leading skills for working with participants and other part-time staff.
• Attention to detail and ability to handle multi-tasking effectively.
• Strong customer services skills to build relationships with families.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to use Microsoft programs, Recreation Software, phone, copier, fax and may need to use publishing, graphics, or spreadsheet software.
• Ability to satisfactorily complete training for driving 15-passenger vans.

Required Qualifications

MinimumPreferredCollege degree or equivalent work experience. Some positions may require functionally related certification or advanced degrees Bachelor''s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in child development, child psychology, early childhood education, educational leadership and administration, elementary education, family and human development, family studies, or special education; ORCollege degree or equivalent work experience. Some positions may require functionally related certification or advanced degrees Bachelor''s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in any area other than those listed above AND an additional two, three-semester credit hour courses in Early Child Education, with one course being either Introduction to Early Childhood Professions or Early Childhood guidance Strategies for children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model training certificate of completion; ORAssociates / Bachelor''s degree or other specialized skill training / certification may be required in some positions Juris Doctorate required Associate''s degree (60 semester credit hours) from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, which must include at least two, three-semester credit hour courses in either Introduction to Early childhood Professions or Early Childhood guidance Strategies for children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model training certificate of completion; ORHigh School Diploma or GED Three months (455 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four or more children less than eight years of age who are not related to the individual; AND the completion of eighteen (18) semester credit hours from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education with one 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; ORHigh School Diploma or GED Current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level II or higher in Version 3.0.

Experience Requirements

• 1-2 years'' teaching experience preferred.

Certifications/Licenses/Specialized Training

• CPR and First Aid Certification must be current or acquired within one month of hire.
• Must receive clearance from state and federal fingerprinting, and child abuse reporting background check.
• Must complete 15 hours of required pre-service trainings and courses before working with children.
• Valid driver''s license with "clean" driving record.

The content in this posting was created for recruitment purposes. To view the full job description click the link below.

Early Childhood Teacher

The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970) 221-6535 for assistance.

Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use

Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy.

The City is committed to equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Employment decisions will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. The City does not tolerate behavior that results in the terms and conditions of employment being adversely impacted based on an employee's protected status, or any behavior that violates this policy.

Consistent with the City's respect for the rights and dignity of each employee, the City is committed to providing a work environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. The City prohibits discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, military, veteran status or uniformed service member status, genetic information, marital status or any other status protected under federal, state or local law.

The City is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment. In addition to the City's commitment to equal opportunity employment, the City strictly prohibits discrimination or retaliation against an employee who raises any reasonable concern about workplace violations of government health or safety rules or a significant threat to the health or safety of City employees or the public, if the City controls the workplace conditions giving rise to the threat or violation.

Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.