Preschool Lead Teacher

HIGH ROCKIES COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Teacher — Preschool Reports to:

Executive Director Hours:

Full-time, exempt

Start Date:

August 2026

Compensation:

$39,381-$55,093 annually, based on experience and qualifications

Benefits:

PERA Retirement, paid days off, ICHRA reimbursement up to $530/month for health insurance; most Fridays off Teach with wonder. Lead with roots. Grow something lasting. High Rockies Community School is building something rare: a nature-integrated preschool rooted in the mountain communities of Park County, designed from the ground up to honor the way young children actually learn — outside, in relationship, through play and wonder. The Preschool Teacher shares that work fully. This is not a supporting role in name only — you will teach every day, alongside our Program Director / Lead Teacher, as a genuine instructional partner. Together, the two of you are the classroom. You will help deliver a nature-integrated curriculum for our youngest learners, build real relationships with children and families, and bring your own knowledge, creativity, and care to a program that believes the outdoors is the best classroom there is. What You'll Do Teaching & Curriculum Teach daily alongside the Program Director / Lead Teacher, co-delivering hands-on, nature-integrated instruction aligned with Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines (ELDGs) Bring the outdoor classroom to life — planning and leading learning experiences that are rooted in place, grounded in developmentally appropriate practice, and shaped by the distinct rhythms of mountain life Help implement the school year-long curriculum, contributing your own observations and ideas to the ongoing design of the program Assist with developmental screenings and use daily observation to track student growth and flag students who may benefit from additional support Support timely referrals to the Student Services Coordinator for any student suspected of having a developmental delay or disability, consistent with IDEA Child Find obligations for ages 3-5 Contribute to student portfolios and participate in family conferences that celebrate learning and growth Help maintain a daily schedule and physical learning environment that reflects HRCS's commitment to outdoor learning, safety, and developmentally appropriate practice Family Engagement Build genuine, ongoing relationships with preschool families through daily communication, warmth, and consistency Serve as a familiar and trusted face for children and families from their first day through their last Partner with the Program Director / Lead Teacher on family orientation, helping families understand outdoor learning routines, daily expectations, and communication norms Communicate regularly with families about student experiences, classroom highlights, and individual growth Program Support Support the Program Director / Lead Teacher in maintaining a classroom environment that meets CDEC health, safety, and environmental standards at all times Maintain required records and documentation as delegated by the Program Director / Lead Teacher, including attendance and incident reports Complete required CDEC training hours, CPR/First Aid certification, and mandatory reporter training before working with students, and maintain those requirements on an ongoing basis Participate in school-wide professional development alongside the K-8 instructional team Contribute preschool perspective to program conversations, community events, and recruitment efforts in partnership with the Program Director / Lead Teacher and Growth Director What We're Looking For Required Early Childhood educator credential — Child Development Associate (CDA), ECE certificate, or ECE degree, or active enrollment in a program to obtain one Experience working with young children (ages 3-5) in an early childhood, preschool, or childcare setting Commitment to outdoor, nature-based, and place-based learning Strong communication and relationship-building skills with children and families Ability to pass a criminal background check (CBI fingerprinting) consistent with C.R.S. § 22-32-109.7 18 years of age or older; high school diploma or GED required Preferred CDEC Director credential meeting ONBP model standards (or ability to obtain before start date) — your credential will be placed on the HRCS preschool license Experience in a nature-based, outdoor, or forest school preschool program CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain before start) Familiarity with Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines (ELDGs) and the Colorado Shines quality rating system Experience with developmental screening tools (ASQ-3 or similar) Connection to or experience in mountain, rural, or small-school communities You'll Be a Great Fit If You… Love teaching young children and believe the best classroom is outside Are a genuine instructional partner — collaborative, reflective, and ready to share ownership of a program with a small team Thrive in a small school where everybody plays multiple roles and nobody waits to be asked Believe that early childhood is the foundation for everything — and that mountain kids deserve a preschool as extraordinary as the place they live Are ready to help build something from the ground up and take real ownership of the children and community in your care To Apply Send a letter of interest and résumé to laurel.dumas@highrockiescommunityschool.org with the subject line "Preschool Teacher Application - [Your Name]." You don't need to check every box to apply. If this mission speaks to you and you believe in building something great for young children in the mountains, we want to hear from you.

Pay:

$39,381.00 - $55,093.00 per year

Benefits:

Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person