Title: Preschool Teacher - La Junta

Position Type: OJC CDS Full Time

College: Otero College

Division: OC Child Development Services

Department: OC Head Start

Campus: Otero College Child Development Services

Location: La Junta

Salary Range: $27,363 - $43,416

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:

To provide implementation and supervision of curriculum at the classroom level that enables children to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

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 inservice 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. Be knowledgeable regarding program policies and safety procedures.
9. Report and document any suspected child abuse and neglect in compliance with Colorado law and agency policies and procedures.
10. Become familiar with the Child Development Services Work plan.
11. 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.
12. Screen developmental level of children during the first six weeks in program, using specified instrument as necessary.
13. Develop goals for children based on classroom observation, assessment information and input from the child’s parents as well as from other appropriate content area staff.
14. Complete Child Assessments and document ongoing observations of children’s development with curriculum objectives in mind.
15. Prepare weekly lesson plans and have posted and available for review.
16. Prepare curriculum to meet the needs of children.
17. Submit all required reports and required papers by the due date.
18. Send home appropriate educational activities for parents and children monthly.
19. Ensure health, nutrition, and safety education are properly taught, practiced, and documented on the lesson plan.
20. Share mealtime experiences with the children. Make meals/snacks a learning and social experience, using child-sized portions and not letting food be used for punishment or reward.
21. Use sound educational theory in arranging an inviting classroom and organizing the learning environment.
22. Conduct two Parent Teacher Conferences per child per/year.
23. Make required home visits (2 per year minimum).
24. Arrange field trips.
25. Attend staffings as required.
26. Teach, monitor and model proper hygiene.
27. Participate in all applicable workshops or inservice training and share training with other staff when appropriate.
28. Follow in-house process for Request for Referrals as needed.
29. Provide constructive comments about co-teachers and/or teacher aides classroom performance prior to evaluation.
30. Attend scheduled educational and staff meetings.
31. Cooperate at center-level to facilitate center activities and to ensure smooth operation of the center.
32. Classroom janitorial duties as necessary.
33. Consult with Family/Health Service Worker on an ongoing basis regarding appropriate family issues.
34. Assist in identifying illnesses to be brought to the attention of the Supervisor.
35. Submit In-Kind sheets and attendance sheets to the Center Manager on a timely basis.
36. Keep daily records on attendance and meal count.
37. Share responsibility within the Center of ensuring addresses, phone numbers and releases are current.
38. Provide on-the-job training for volunteers who help in the classroom.
39. Have things prepared for volunteers to do in the classroom.
40. Secure parent participation in lesson planning activities.
41. Ensure that children are supervised during all activities.
42. Monitor and report health and safety concerns in the classroom/center/playground.
43. Monitor health and safety of children.
44. Respect fellow co-workers.
45. Interact positively and appropriately with children.
46. Complete job duties in a timely manner.
47. Report any absences you will have to Center Manager in a timely manner.
48. Manage planning time efficiently.
49. Perform other program related duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Competencies/KSAs:

• Must be computer literate with knowledge for Microsoft office programs.
• Must be eligible to work in a childcare setting.
• Must have valid First Aid and Infant /Child CPR card and keep current or obtain within 30 days of employment if applicable to position.
• Be a positive role model for children; language, dress and behavior must be appropriate to a childcare setting.
• Must be able to establish an atmosphere of trust and respect with families, children and staff.
• Adhere to strict standards of confidentiality.
• Demonstrate the highest standard of integrity, truthfulness, honesty and ethics.
• Must be able to work effectively as a member as a team.
• Must submit regular on-going 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.
• Must be interested in continued training and education.

Minimum Qualifications:

Two-year degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, family studies, or equivalent degree. (Applicants currently enrolled in classes to obtain two-year degree may be considered upon review of transcripts).

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Family Studies, or equivalent degree.

Application Instructions: 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: Open until filled, first review October 19, 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