Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Position: Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) Co-Lead Teacher
Job Type: Full-Time
Age Group: Pre-K / UPK
Little Eagles Child Development Center is seeking a dependable, energetic, and nurturing Colorado UPK Co-Lead Teacher to join our Universal Preschool classroom team.
We are looking for an educator who understands that a successful UPK classroom is built through teamwork, consistency, active supervision, intentional teaching, and positive relationships with children and families. This is a co-lead position, meaning you will work collaboratively with other qualified teachers rather than being solely responsible for managing the classroom.
About Little Eagles
Little Eagles Child Development Center provides a safe, nurturing, structured, and engaging environment where children learn through purposeful play, exploration, relationships, and developmentally appropriate instruction.
Our UPK program focuses on preparing children socially, emotionally, academically, and physically for kindergarten while meeting the expectations of Colorado Universal Preschool, Colorado child care licensing, and our quality-improvement standards.
Position Responsibilities
The UPK Co-Lead Teacher will:
- Work collaboratively with the UPK teaching team to plan and maintain a high-quality preschool classroom.
- Provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children approximately 4–6 years of age.
- Implement daily curriculum and intentional learning activities that support kindergarten readiness.
- Support children's social-emotional development, communication, independence, problem-solving, and self-regulation.
- Maintain active supervision and appropriate teacher-to-child ratios at all times.
- Conduct and document child observations, assessments, developmental progress, and portfolio work as required.
- Assist with lesson planning, classroom preparation, learning centers, and classroom organization.
- Participate in parent-teacher conferences and communicate professionally with families.
- Support children during meals, rest time, outdoor play, bathroom routines, transitions, and other daily activities.
- Follow all health, sanitation, safety, emergency, and supervision procedures.
- Maintain accurate classroom documentation and attendance records.
- Work cooperatively with co-teachers, administration, support staff, and outside professionals serving children.
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development, coaching, and required UPK training.
- Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Follow all Little Eagles policies and procedures as well as applicable Colorado child care and UPK requirements.
Qualifications
Applicants must be able to meet the current Colorado qualification requirements applicable to their assigned UPK teaching position.
Preferred candidates will have:
- Previous experience working in preschool, Pre-K, UPK, early childhood education, or a similar setting.
- Early childhood education coursework, credentials, or a degree related to Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
- Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice for preschool-aged children.
- Experience with observations, assessments, portfolios, lesson planning, and kindergarten-readiness instruction.
- Understanding of positive guidance and social-emotional learning.
- Strong classroom-management and active-supervision skills.
- Current or ability to obtain required CPR/First Aid and other mandatory training.
- Ability to complete all required background checks and employment requirements.
Colorado UPK experience is strongly preferred but not required for the right qualified candidate.
Who We Are Looking For
Our ideal candidate is someone who:
- Shows up consistently and on time.
- Enjoys being actively engaged with children rather than simply supervising from the sidelines.
- Understands that teaching preschool requires getting on the floor, playing, talking, reading, creating, exploring, and learning alongside children.
- Communicates openly and respectfully with co-workers and administration.
- Can receive coaching and constructive feedback professionally.
- Takes initiative without needing to be reminded of routine classroom responsibilities.
- Values teamwork and understands that a co-lead classroom requires shared responsibility.
- Maintains patience and professionalism during challenging behaviors or stressful moments.
- Creates positive relationships with children and families.
- Wants to be part of a program that takes school readiness and early childhood education seriously.
Physical Requirements
Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of an early childhood classroom, including sitting on the floor, standing for extended periods, bending, reaching, walking, participating in indoor and outdoor activities, and assisting children with routine care and classroom activities, with reasonable accommodation as applicable.
Why Join Little Eagles?
At Little Eagles, you are joining a team that believes early childhood educators do much more than provide child care. We are helping children build the foundation they will carry into kindergarten and beyond.
Our UPK classroom provides opportunities for teachers to collaborate as a team, participate in professional development, strengthen their early childhood skills, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
Schedule
Full-Time, Monday–Friday
Specific hours will be discussed during the interview and will be based on the needs of the UPK classroom and program.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume through Indeed.
Qualified applicants may be contacted to schedule an interview. During the interview process, we will discuss your education, early childhood experience, Colorado qualification status, UPK experience, availability, and how you approach teamwork in a co-lead classroom.
Little Eagles Child Development Center
Learning Through Play, Growing Every Day!
Pay: $15.16 - $16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
