Title: Head Teacher - Alamosa

Position Type: OJC CDS Full Time

College: Otero College

Division: OC Child Development Services

Department: OC Migrant

Campus: Otero College Child Development Services

Location: Alamosa

Salary Range: $36,000-$50,000

Who We Are:

Otero College Child Development Services provides comprehensive services, including full-day early childhood education, for children and their families through home-based and center-based services located throughout southern Colorado. It is the mission of Otero College Child Development Services to provide high quality, comprehensive early childhood education programs for children from birth to compulsory school age; to provide parent education programs that strengthen the family, develop basic literacy, encourage job training and personal development; and to develop community partnerships and coordination of community-based services.

Job Summary:

Provide support and guidance to education staff in day-to-day procedures and monitors health, safety, emotional support, classroom organization and education practices.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Adhere to Otero College Child Development Services policies and procedures.
2. Comply with Head Start Performance Standards and State of Colorado Rules and Regulations for Child Care Centers.
3. Support and implement the mission and goals of Otero College Child Development Services.
4. Encourage and support family engagement in all aspects of the Head Start program.
5. Participate in all required in-service training and applicable workshops.
6. Work as part of a team providing a welcoming environment for families and visitors.
7. Be an effective problem solver.
8. Report and document any suspected child abuse and neglect in compliance with Colorado law and agency policies and procedures.
9. Understand and implement Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act, and Child Policies and Procedures as they apply to program management and supervision.
10. Be familiar with the Creative Curriculum,TSGold, ChildPlus, Colorado Childcare Regulations, Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework Essential Domains, and any other guidelines or regulations required.
11. Support teachers and document weekly observations in each assigned classroom to assure compliance with program guidelines in classroom organization, emotional support and education practices.
12. Assist Center Manager to ensure compliance with program guidelines in health and safety to include all environments.
13. Monitor completion and implementation of lesson plans.
14. Support teaching staff in implementing training received.
15. Complete proper care of center property, equipment and supplies.
16. Complete the annual classroom and/or center inventory and submit it to Education Manager.
17. Participate in family night activities and facilitate parent education items as requested.
18. Will coach and support teachers in the implementation of the Pyramid Plus.
19. Monitor and assist in home visits and parent teacher conferences to ensure that program guidelines are met.
20. Submit required paperwork and documentation to Education Manager, Disabilities/Mental Health Manager, Behavioral/Mental Health Manager in a timely manner.
21. Certify and conduct CLASS and/or other observations as directed and provide feedback.
22. Support teacher performance reviews in conjunction with Education Manager, Disabilities/Mental Health Manager, Behavioral/Mental Health Manager and Center Manager.
23. Provide training as identified in conjunction with program managers.
24. Assist and monitor with the transition processes for children leaving Otero College CDS to other programs and schools.
25. Work in collaboration and have regular communication with the Early Learning Mentor Coach, Education Manager, Disabilities/Mental Health Manager, Behavioral/Mental Health Manager and Center Manager and other program service area managers.
26. Establish and maintain a positive, trusting, supportive relationship with teaching staff.
27. Facilitate effective communication, problem solving, planning, cooperation, and follow-through among teaching staff, between classrooms and other center staff through periodic meetings, written or oral communication.
28. Assure that developmental screenings/rescreen and assessments are completed according to determined schedule and in a timely manner and properly documented. Record screening results in Child Plus.
29. Guide teaching staff in identifying the different learning needs in children, addressing any challenges and following the in-house request for referral process and completion of referral packet as assigned.
30. Fill in and function as classroom teacher when assigned/needed.
a. Impart knowledge and skills through instruction and monitoring of children using appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth.
b. Implement evident based developmentally appropriate practice when interacting with children.
c. Observe developmental skill progress of children and document observations in TSGold as required.
d. Administer child development screenings in a timely manner.
e. Document child’s pertinent information into Child Plus and the Education Tracking in a timely manner.
f. Develop and implement the Individual Learning Plan for each child, based on screening, observation and parent input.
g. Develop weekly lesson plans in conjunction with individualized Learning plan.
h. Keep daily records on CACFP guidelines for family style dining.
i. Submit accurate attendance records, in-kind, and any other required reports by the due date.
j. Collaborate with all content area managers, specialists, ELMC, Head Teacher, center managers, co-workers and center staff to provide a quality education for children.
k. Ensure that health, nutrition and safety are taught and practiced in the classroom, center environment, and outdoor areas.
l. Eat meals with children, using mealtimes as a learning and social experience and not allowing food to be used for either punishment or reward.
m. Build and sustain relationships with migrant and seasonal parents.
n. Send home appropriate education activities on a regular basis to foster parent/child engagement.
o. Complete regular home visits and Parent/Teacher conferences for each child by due dates.
p. Attend and assist with family nights at your center when requested.
q. Encourage, supervise and guide parents and community volunteers in the classroom.
r. Identify the different learning needs in children, addressing any challenges and following in-house request for referral process and referral process.
s. Including children with disabilities in regular classroom activities.
t. Provide training, encouragement and supervision for center aides and staff assigned to your classroom.
u. Submit requests for supplies in a timely manner and maintain an updated inventory.
v. Other program related duties assigned by supervisory personnel and/or director.
w. Set up classrooms and assist with the preparation and closedown of the center.
x. Assists teaching staff in individualizing curriculum for all children setting realistic SMART goals.
31. Monitor for accurate and timely teacher completion of inhouse referrals, referrals, TSGOLD documentation and Child Plus tracking records.
32. Guide and direct center aides when working in classrooms.
33. Provide pre-inservice training for teachers, bus monitors and centers aides in classroom support.
34. Complete regular file reviews to ensure screenings, ongoing assessments, outcome checkpoints, and required education tracking is completed correctly and on schedule with Disabilities Education Monitoring Form.
35. Compile education supplies for teachers to implement lesson plan and provide rich learning environments.
36. Other related duties assigned by supervisory personnel and/or Executive Director.

Competencies/KSAs:

Two years of experience in Head Start or similar early childhood organization.
Ability to lift children up to 50 lbs.
Have physical ability to provide direct care to preschoolers. Be able to physically keep a child safe and be able get to child level. This would include squatting, sitting on toddler/preschool chairs or floor, and kneeling.

Strong supervisory experience. Ability to follow professional standards in the workplace, acting as a role model in areas of attendance, punctuality, work ethic and relationships with co-workers.
Become CLASS certified and maintain certification.
Able to communicate expectations and recommendations clearly and positively to education staff.
Be computer literate with knowledge for Microsoft office programs as it pertains to your position.
Be eligible to work in a childcare setting.
Have valid First Aid and Infant/Child CPR card and keep current or obtain within 30 days of employment if applicable to position.
Positive role models for children; language, dress, and behavior must be appropriate to a childcare setting.
Be able to establish an atmosphere of trust and respect with HS families, children and staff.
Able to adhere to strict standards of confidentiality.
Must submit regular ongoing medical statements signed and dated by a licensed physician or other health care professional and self-reported annual health history, verifying that they are in good mental, physical and emotional health appropriate for the position hired for. Pursuant to State of Colorado Rules Regulating Child Care Centers and HS Performance Standards.
Demonstrate the highest standard of integrity, truthfulness, honesty and ethics.

Minimum Qualifications:

Two-year degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent degree.

Application Instructions: 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: Open until filled with first review October 1, 2026
Inquiries May Be Directed To Candi Miell (719) 384-3103
Applicants must submit to and pass a background check before an offer of employment can be extended.

Additional Information/Benefits:

PERA, health, vision, dental, life insurance benefits, paid sick leave