Toddler Afternoon Assistant

Our Philosophy:

At Explorers Early Childhood Education, Inc. we believe that education should be as multifaceted as the children we serve. Our blended model avoids the limitations of a single pedagogy, instead weaving together the world’s most effective educational traditions to create a holistic, foundational experience.

The Five Roots of the Explorers Educational Model:

• The Independence of Montessori: We utilize the "Prepared Environment" and self-correcting materials to foster deep concentration, autonomy, and a sense of order. Children are empowered to follow their own rhythms of discovery.
• The Inquiry of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics are not subjects—they are lenses. We encourage children to ask "Why?" and "How?", using trial and error to solve real-world problems.
• The Expression of Reggio Emilia: Our classrooms are filled with natural light and "provocations." We view the child as a strong, capable protagonist, and we use the "Hundred Languages of Children"—from clay to coding—to make their thinking visible.
• The Resilience of Outdoor Education: Nature is our co-teacher. Whether rain, snow, or shine, we spend significant time in the Colorado landscape, building physical grit, ecological literacy, and a profound respect for the Earth.
• The Heart of Civic Engagement: We believe children are citizens of today, not just tomorrow. We engage with our local community through service projects, visits to local landmarks, and practicing the democratic process within the classroom.

Infant Program Afternoon Teacher (Part Time)

Position Summary

The Infant Program Afternoon Teacher supports the supervisor and morning staff in the daily care and rhythmic flow of the infant classroom. You will focus on building high-trust relationships with children (6 weeks to 18 months), maintaining a beautiful and functional environment, and capturing the "small-but-mighty" moments of learning that happen every day.

Location: Durango, Colorado

Salary: $21 - $24 per hour

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsive Caregiving: Provide gentle, individualized care including feeding, diapering, and soothing, following each child’s unique natural rhythm.
• Classroom Management: Maintain a high-quality learning environment that meets Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) licensing standards and safety regulations.
• Outdoor Engagement: Embrace our outdoor education philosophy by assisting with daily outdoor time, ensuring infants have meaningful, safe daily interactions with the natural world regardless of the season.
• Observation & Documentation: Help track developmental milestones and progress through anecdotal records.
• Family Engagement: Maintain daily communication with families regarding their child’s milestones and needs.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to health and safety protocols, including sanitization, emergency preparedness, and mandated reporting.
• Bilingual Environment: Maintain a language-rich environment where Spanish and English are used interchangeably to support cognitive flexibility and cultural appreciation.

Technical Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Developmental Knowledge: Deep understanding of child growth and development stages and "Developmentally Appropriate Practice" (DAP).
• Pedagogical Fluency: Ability to explain the "why" behind our blended model to parents and stakeholders.
• Colorado Shines PDIS: Ability to navigate and maintain professional records within the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System.
• Technology Proficiency: Experience with classroom management software, digital portfolios, and basic office tools (e.g., Email, Google Applications, Brightwheel).
• Behavioral Guidance: Skilled in positive redirection and conflict resolution strategies tailored to young children.
• Risk Management: Knowledge of safety protocols for off-site excursions and outdoor play.

Qualifications & Experience

• Age: Must be 19 years of age
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required (required); Courses in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a related field (strongly preferred).
• Credentialing: Must meet Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualifications. This typically includes: Colorado Early Childhood Professional Credential 3.0 (Level 2 or higher).
• Experience: Minimum of three (3) months (455 hours) of verifiable experience in the group care of infants or toddlers (required). One (1) year of experience in a licensed infant program preferred.
• Clearance: Must pass a comprehensive background check, including Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprinting.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary: $21 - $24 per hour (depending on education and experience).
• Professional Growth: Great entry point for those looking to build hours toward Lead Teacher certification.
• Eligible for Retirement Plan (upon completion of required service period):SimpleIRA program with employer matching contributions.
• Health & Wellness: Eligible for Monthly Health Stipend after 6 months to assist with medical, dental, or vision premiums.
• Tax Incentives: Assistance in applying for the Colorado Early Childhood Educator Income Tax Credit (up to $1,700 annually for qualified levels).

Schedule

• Shift: Monday – Friday, (e.g., 2:00 PM - 5:15 PM)

Ready to lead the next generation of Explorers? Submit your resume and a brief cover letter sharing your personal "teaching philosophy" to durangoexplorers@gmail.com.

Explorers is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and families.

Pay: From $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person