Job Details

Lead Teacher

Position Number: 9714214
Location: Boulder, United States
Position Type: Child Care Services

Lead Teacher

Requisition Number: 73637
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 24-Jul-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Children's Center at CU Boulder invites applications for two Lead Teacher positions! These roles will provide childcare for children of families affiliated with the University of Colorado including; residents of Family Housing Apartments, faculty, staff, students, and alumni, in addition to families of the wider Boulder community. The positions are situated in the CU Children's Center and provides a nurturing and safe environment for a diverse population of children ages 6 weeks to age 8.
These positions in collaboration with assistant teacher and the directors, serves by developing and implementing lesson plans, teaching developmentally appropriate curriculum, trains assistant teacher, university student employees and volunteers and directs information for evaluation of students employees, volunteers and children. These positions aid in providing information towards working with families. Additionally they write and implement age appropriate activities and lesson plans for educational and recreational purposes; supervise and interact with infants and children in the assigned classroom using appropriate guidance techniques; ensures a safe environment and safe conditions on the playground; prepares for lunch, snack and nap time; consults with parents regarding the needs of ill children or children with behavioral problems; maintains or exceeds health standards; and completes reports concerning child development and other center needs. This position is responsible for the supervision of classroom staff. Positional duties from the requested class title include writing lesson plans, implementing activities to meet individual needs, leading other staff, and consulting with parents to discuss behavior/development.
The Children's Center is licensed through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood and has a quality rating through Colorado Shines. CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The most important goal of our early childhood curriculum is to help children become enthusiastic learners. This means encouraging children to be active and creative explorers who aren't afraid to try out their ideas and to think their own thoughts. Our goal is to support children in becoming independent, self-confident and inquisitive learners. We do this by allowing them to learn at their own pace and in ways that are best for them. By giving children good habits and attitudes, particularly a positive sense of themselves, we will make a difference throughout their lives. The Children's Center is licensed through the Colorado Department of Social Services.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Professionalism/Classroom QualityPlanning and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum by using available resources, creating activities, meeting individual children's needs, and maintains the classroom areas which include science, math, language, arts, large and small motor, art, multicultural. Is familiar with and follows all ITERS, ECERS and Colorado Shines standards. Is familiar with and consistently adheres to and exceeds all childcare licensing rules and regulations.
Administrative/SupervisionDirectly supervises and trains assistant teacher and provides guidance as needed for students, assistants and volunteers. Responsible for mentoring these positions on meeting and exceeding all childcare licensing rules and regulations. Supervises and interacts with children by planning and implementing age-appropriate activities, with the use of age-appropriate materials. Uses appropriate Guidance Techniques. Keeps clear, comprehensive, and accurate records, (Attendance, Name-to-Face verification, Children's records, all other paperwork).
Communication/Parent ContactProvides Director with regular classroom updates on an ongoing basis. Maintains channels of communication with teaching teams and office in an effective and timely manner. Maintains confidentiality in all communication. Completes written reports as necessary including twice-yearly parent/teacher conferences, weekly newsletters to parents, student file notes, accident reports, etc. Provides information to parents about their child by discussion at arrival and departure time, written communications, and/or telephone calls. Provides positive customer service and information, handles difficult situations with finesse. Helps parents to understand behavior and development.
Health & SafetyRecords the time a child arrives and leaves the Center each day and completes attendance verification (Name-to-Face) throughout the day. Ensuring that each child is under direct, active supervision both indoors and outdoors, including nap time. Maintaining correct staff to child ratio and group sizes at all times. Supports safety of children by monitoring indoor and outdoor equipment, communicating any concerns to the director. Maintains health standards following procedures for food preparation, diapering, medication administration, etc. Remains current on certifications including CPR, First Aid, Child Abuse, Medication Administration.
Professional DevelopmentAssures continual professional growth by attending all staff meetings, staff in-service days, workshops, and conferences. Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling, working with different levels of staff, and handling a variety of situations. Seeks out research on advances in early education and shares information with center staff. Proactively maintains 15 hours of ongoing annual training through PDIS.

What You Should Know

This is a fully onsite position.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary for this full-time position is $49,899 - $53,800.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

An Early Childhood Teacher, assigned responsibility for a single group of children and working under the supervision of a Director, must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and meet at least one (1) of the following qualifications based on the qualifications set out by the Colorado Office of Early Childhood. Three plus years of experience working as a Teacher in a licensed and accredited early childhood center with infants, toddlers and/or preschoolers, or a combination thereof. Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
Must pass Pre-Placement Physical Required background checks include a review with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Central Registry of Child Protection (Trails).

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; (4) Early Childhood Special Education; (5) Educational Leadership and Administration; (6)Elementary Education; (7) Family and Human Development; (8) Family Studies;or, (9) Special Education; or,
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 at Section 7.702.45, A, 1, a, and an additional two (2) three (3)- semester credit hour courses in Early Child Education, with one (1) course as the following: (1)Introduction to Early Childhood Professions; or, (2) Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion; or,
An 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 (2), three (3)-semester credit hour courses in either: (1)Introduction to Early Childhood Professions; or, (2) Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion; or,
A current professional teaching license issued by the Colorado Department of Education with an Endorsement in the area of Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or Early Childhood Special Education Specialist; or,
A current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level II or higher in Version3.0 as determined by the Department; or,
A current certification as a Child Development Associate (CDA) in:Center Based, Preschool; Center-Based, Infant-Toddler; or Family Child Care; or other Department-approved credential; or,
Completion of a course of training approved by the Department and published on the Department's approval list; and nine (9) months (1,365 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; or,
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; and 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; or,
Twenty-one (21) months (3,185 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. Satisfactory experience includes being a licensee of a Colorado Family Child Care Home, a Teacher's Aide or Teacher in a childcare center, preschool, or elementary school. In addition, the individual must either:(1) Possess a current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level I or higher in Version 3.0 as determined by the Department; or, (2) Complete two (2) three (3)semester credit hour courses from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education with one (1) course as either: (a) Introduction To Early Childhood Professions or has been issued the Child Development Associate(CDA) Credential; Or, (b) Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion. 2. All course grades used for the Early Childhood Teacher requirements must be a "C"or better.

What You Will Need

Ability to provide a high quality environment nurturing a diverse population of team members, families, and CUCC children ages 6 weeks through age 8.
Demonstrated skills to lead, develop, supervise, plan and teach a developmentally appropriate curriculum; train and supervise an assistant teacher and university student employees; and implement family programs while modeling appropriate language and behaviors.
Growth mindset, team mentality and willingness to collaborate and be flexible to meet the changing needs of the center.
Competency in computer applications such as Microsoft Suite of programs, parent communication applications (ProCare or similar) and Teams.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Demonstrable understanding of Colorado Child Care Licensing Rules and Regulations

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A current resume.
A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by July 24, 2026 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Lead-Teacher/73637