You understand that consistency builds trust, routine creates safety, and relationships are the foundation of all learning. You believe that caregiving is not separate from teaching — caregiving is the teaching. And you're passionate about doing that work with the youngest children.
- You are drawn to working with infants and toddlers (ages 0–2)
- You believe early attachment and secure relationships shape everything that follows
- You value consistency, predictability, and calm intentionality
- You see every diaper change, feeding, and nap as an opportunity for connection
- You want to be truly known by the families and children in your care
- You are looking for a school that takes this work as seriously as you do
If so, The Acorn School may be the right place for you.
ABOUT THE ACORN SCHOOL
Where the first years of life are taken seriously.
The Acorn School is a relationship-centered, play-based early childhood program in Boulder, CO, serving children from 6 months to 5 years old. We are committed to setting the benchmark for excellence in early childhood education. Our work begins with our youngest learners — creating environments where infants feel safe, known, and deeply connected.
We prioritize predictable routines and responsive relationships as the foundation for healthy development. At Acorn, teachers are respected as professionals and supported in building meaningful, lasting connections with the children and families in their care.
THE ROLE
What you'll do every day.
- Provide consistent, responsive caregiving that builds trust and emotional security
- Establish and maintain predictable daily routines tailored to each child's individual needs
- Develop strong, ongoing relationships with families through open communication
- Observe and respond to infants' cues with intention and care
- Collaborate with your teaching team to ensure continuity and consistency of care
- Create a calm, nurturing environment that supports early development across all domains
This is a full-time, 40-hour/week position.
Who You Are
- Calm, present, and deeply intentional.
- Understands the critical importance of attachment in the first years of life
- Values consistency, reliability, and calm presence
- Highly responsive and attuned to infants' cues and needs
- Communicates thoughtfully with families and team members
- Finds meaning in the daily rhythms and routines of infant care
Minimum Qualifications
- Meets Colorado ECT licensing requirements
- Experience working with infants or in early childhood education
- Understanding of developmentally appropriate practice for infants
- Day shift; ability to commute to Boulder, CO 80301
What we offer
- Competitive hourly pay (based on ECT qualifications and experience)
- Low teacher-to-child ratios that allow for meaningful engagement:
- Our infant program is intentionally small so every child is truly known and every cue is truly heard.
- Teachers to Children Ratio 3 : 7–8
- 25 paid closure days annually + paid sick leave (56 hours in year one)
- 30-minute paid lunch breaks
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, Employee Child Discount
- Opportunity to eat with the children for breakfast and lunch
- Ongoing professional development
- A collaborative, respectful culture where teachers help shape the school
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to obtain an Early Childhood Teaching Certification within 6 Months?
Experience:
- Teaching: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- Early Childhood Teaching Certification (Preferred)
Shift availability:
Ability to Commute:
- Boulder, CO 80301 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Boulder, CO 80301: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
