Head Start Lead Teacher

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:

09/30/25

Division:

Head Start Division

Management Level:

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility:

This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Description:

 Do you want a career that fulfills your passions and purpose to make a difference in the lives of not only your students, but their families? 

• Do you get excited thinking about working in an all-inclusive preschool program that provides an opportunity for a greater impact working with vulnerable children and families?  
• Are you passionate about providing extra support to allow students with challenging behaviors to achieve their goals and be successful?  
• Are you looking for professional development and individualized coaching to progress your career?  
• Are you interested in being part of a supportive team to help you learn and grow? 

If you answered ”yes” to these questions, Jefferson County Head Start's Lead Teacher position may be what you've been searching for!  

 
The Lead Teacher role is a great opportunity if you are:  

• A recent graduate looking to start your career in early childhood education  
• A seasoned professional or current substitute teacher seeking a full-time, benefited role  

Check out this video to hear from two of our Teachers!   
 
Head Start is a no cost, all-inclusive, child-focused and family-centered preschool program for children ages 3-5. A range of individualized services in the areas of education, early childhood development, medical, dental, mental health, nutrition, family support, and parent education. We strive to provide equitable and inclusive services and support to the diverse community we serve. 

The Lead Teacher will be responsible for implementing curriculum in a classroom of 17-20 children, maintaining compliance with Head Start Performance standards, and partnering with a multi-disciplinary team to provide the best service to our Head Start Families.  
 
Head Start offers opportunity for on-site professional development scheduled during work hours, a team-oriented program that assists with providing the best service for our families, and individualized coaching.  

• COMPENSATION: 
• Hiring Range: $53,082-$55,000 for ten months of work, to be paid over 12 months 

Staff that are fluent in a language other than English may be eligible for additional compensation of $1,500 annually for use of bi-lingual skills. 

Note: This will be a ten-month working position (stretch) that will be paid for twelve months. Comprehensive benefits include paid time off for vacation and sick time, 12 paid holidays off, medical/dental/vision insurance, retirement, and $2,000 annual tuition reimbursement.  

BENEFITS: Total rewards include dental, medical, vision, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, flexible schedules, and more. Click here for benefit’s summary. 

Essential Duties:

The Lead Teacher is responsible for:  

• Partnering with a multi-disciplinary team including mental health specialists, special education professionals, and family support workers to provide the best service for our families including home visits, family conferences, and implementation of Individual Education Plans   
• Delivering Creative Curriculum that are developmentally appropriate lesson plans, including activities geared toward social-emotional development and utilizing trauma informed care practices   
• Working with your Co-Teacher / Teacher Associate to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards within the classroom including education, disabilities, parent involvement, nutrition, health and mental health, etc.   
• Conducting observations, administering development, social, and emotional screenings, and maintaining clear and complete documentation    

• Actively Supervising Children

• Supporting peers by collaborating and sharing experiences to finding solutions together  

Qualifications:

To qualify, a candidate must meet one of the three bullets listed below:  

• Experience: a minimum of two years’ work-related experience teaching preschool age children.  
• Education: a bachelor’s degree in child development or early childhood education (ECE) 
• Equivalency Rule: Those with an associate degree in child development or early childhood education (ECE) AND a minimum of three years work related experience, OR a high school diploma or GED AND a minimum of five years of work-related experience teaching preschool age children.  
• Please note:  All Head Start staff will be required to be fully vaccinated based on the Centers for Disease Control recommended vaccination schedule and for COVID-19. 

Additional Job Information:

• Offer of employment contingent on review of child abuse neglect database, fingerprint results, criminal background, sex offender registry, motor vehicle record check, and education verification.   
• Must have a valid driver's license, if you are from out of state, you must obtain a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days of hire date and you must not have any major violations, nor more than one DUI, DWI, DWAI conviction in the past three years.   
• Must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends, and willingness to occasionally travel to assigned Head Start Sites (Arvada or Wheat Ridge).  

Perjury Statement: Any applicant who knowingly or willfully makes a false statement of any material fact or thing in the application is guilty of perjury in the second degree as defined in Section 18-8-503, C.R.S., and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished accordingly. 

How To Apply:

Applications will be accepted electronically at Jefferson County Colorado Career Opportunities.   

Applicants complete an online form and have the option to provide a resume and detailed cover letter that describes why you are the best candidate for the position. Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications listed in the qualifications section of the job bulletin, and applicants are contacted directly by the hiring team regarding next steps. To view the status of your application or direct communication from the hiring team, please log into your candidate portal.    

For more details on the recruitment process, please visit https://www.jeffco.us/1860/FAQs 

Questions:

• County Recruitment Team: 303-271-8400 or careertalent@jeffco.us  

Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Experience:

Work Experience: Minimum two years

Certifications:

CPR/First Aid/AED - State of Colorado

Languages:

Category:

Health & Human Services