Posted: 06-Feb-26
Location: Denver, Colorado
Type: Full Time
Salary: 58,000 - 83,500
Required Education:
Position Overview
Graland Country Day School seeks an intelligent, energetic, flexible and dedicated educator who is interested in working as a lead childcare teacher to create a nurturing, engaging and organized classroom environment with ages ranging from three years old to five years old. The lead teacher will have the responsibility of leading the core curriculum. The person must be cognizant of the variation of students’ cognitive, social and emotional needs and capable of responding appropriately to each student as an individual within Graland’s Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) team.
Reports to: Associate Head of Lower School and ECLC Director
Terms: Full-time, exempt, 7:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. including some after school meetings; school year, starts August 2026
Job Responsibilities
The following list is not comprehensive of all tasks of the position, but serves as a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities.
Planning and Preparation:
- Responsible for leading the core curriculum.
- Plan, develop, and implement developmentally appropriate lessons.
- Demonstrate knowledge of content and pedagogy.
- Develop meaningful relationships with each student and honor individual differences.
- Assess and keep records on the progress of individual students as well as the class as a whole and select instructional goals for students.
- Employ Teaching Strategies Gold assessment tool for monitoring student growth and development.
- Maintain frequent communication with the support teacher.
- Regularly communicates with parents.
The Classroom Environment:
- Maintain high expectations for student learning and interactions among individuals.
- Establish clear standards for student conduct.
- Manage classroom procedures.
- Organize activities, snacks, restroom routine, playground supervision and restime.
- Manage student behavior consistent with research-based practice.
- Organize physical space in accordance with Colorado state licensing standards.
- Understand and apply current technological skills.
Instruction:
- Understands explicit instruction as it relates to phonological/phonemic awareness, hand writing, and math (Graland utilizes the Creative Curriculum, Building Blocks, Heggerty, and Really Great Reading).
- Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness.
- Adjust instruction on the basis of observation and knowledge of students’ interest, abilities, and background knowledge.
- Use open-ended questioning and discussion techniques.
- Engage students in learning that applies to a variety of learning styles.
- Provide productive feedback to students.
- Encourage children to positively interact with each other to develop social skills.
- Model problem-solving solving skills and pro-social behavior that aligns with best practices.
Professional Responsibility:
- Maintain accurate records.
- Strong communication including writing cohesive, concise progress reports, as well as tracking childrens’ progress through anecdotal notes, informal observations, photographs, work samples, and developmentally appropriate assessments for Preschool students. Ability to clearly explain student performance to students, parents, and administrators through progress reports, conferences, and other classroom communications.
- Active participant supporting the admission team during enrollment season.
- Contribute to the school by participating in school activities beyond the classroom.
- Collaborate with colleagues.
- Show professionalism and serve as a role model for students. Adhere to school rules and regulations as outlined in the employee handbook and ECLC handbook. Adhere to school’s practices and procedures. Exhibit high standards of ethical conduct.
- Attend division, curriculum and all-school meetings as required.
- Fulfill planning and other duties, even when occurring outside of school hours.
Professional and Personal Qualities
A collaborative and supportive member of the Graland Community who…
? Models caring, respect, patience and appreciation of differences.
? Provides a safe environment for students.
? Recognizes the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI) work and continues growth as a culturally responsive educator.
? Represents the school in position and in community.
? Participates in effective communication that is open, responsible and descriptive.
? Demonstrates a growth mindset, open to feedback and new learning.
? Supports collective efforts of the school, in addition to team responsibilities.
- Believes in an educational approach that is aligned with the Graland mission and philosophy.
- Builds positive relationships with students by demonstrating respect and care, while creating a safe environment that promotes intellectual risk-taking.
- Fosters a learning environment that inspires active student participation, curiosity, and initiative.
- Strong interpersonal skills and collaboration with colleagues. Has the ability to motivate, support and lead others.
- Utilizes a variety of instructional approaches to engage students.
- Approaches situations with flexibility and creative thinking to identify solutions.
- Upholds school, employee and family confidentiality.
Qualifications & Requirements
Must be willing to meet appropriate age requirements/qualifications for children 3 years to 5 years old and provide all documentation as required by the State of Colorado Department of Human Services upon hire.
Background and Training:
- Must be twenty-one (21) years of age.
- Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Psychology, Special Education OR an Associate’s degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education and six (6) months of verified experience working with children in a child development program.
- Early Childhood Teacher as defined by the State of Colorado.
- Experience in an Early Childhood classroom setting is strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of child development.
Licenses, Certificates and Other Requirements:
- Submit and pass a criminal background check including Colorado Bureau of Investigations and TRAILS/Central Registry criminal record review as required by the Colorado Department of Social Services within five (5) working days of employment.
- Provide all documentation as required by the State of Colorado Child Care Licensing Division upon hire.
- Must be able to fulfill the role as a mandated reporter.
- Grow and develop professionally by completing 15 hours of professional development annually and participate in professional development opportunities to ensure continued professional growth and to forward the school’s mission.
Materials and Equipment:
- Knowledge of office procedures, methods and general office equipment (computer, copier, iPad, phone, etc.).
- Proficiency with computer software.
- Knowledge of multiple manuals such as Colorado Health Department Guidelines, Graland Employee Handbook, Graland Family/Student Handbook, General Rules and Regulations for Child Care Services and the Colorado Department of Human Services Division of Child Care Rules and Regulations.
Working Environment:
- Most of the work is performed indoors, approximately 70%, with normal noise and frequent interruptions.
- Balance of the workday, approximately 30%, will be outdoors, possible exposure to extreme temperatures, sun, rain, snow, wind, humidity or icy conditions and frequent exposure to grasses, molds, fertilizers, dust, and pesticides.
Physical Requirements:
- Must have the ability to supervise the children visually and audibly in a variety of situations.
- Requires the ability to stand for various periods of time (15-30 minutes), bend or kneel to communicate with children, engage in activities with children and distribute supplies or materials.
- Must be able to push, pull and balance and any other activities.
- Must be able to lift/move a maximum of 30 pounds unassisted, and lift/more a maximum of 100 pounds with assistance.
- Requires sense of smell and touch.
About Graland
A great school never sits still. It keeps going, growing and evolving. ?Graland Country Day School is an independent school in Denver that serves students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Since the school’s founding in 1924, Graland has delivered an intellectually robust, character-based educational experience derived from current research about how children learn.
While so much in the world is changing, the school’s focus remains the same: Graland is faithful to the enduring aspects of its mission while seeking new ways to promote character and intellectual excellence. We inspire students to pursue excellence with passion and intent - academically, creatively and in their personal growth as engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our program and keep it relevant for the next generation of students. Guided by our mission, values, and strategic plan, we go to extraordinary lengths to give children the best education possible.
Our current enrollment totals 700, and we have just over 100 faculty members, 70 percent of whom have advanced degrees. Graland’s faculty and staff enjoy a collaborative, supportive environment where each member is encouraged to be a lifelong learner. Professional development, onsite childcare, a desirable location in the heart of Denver and other benefits make Graland a dynamic, inclusive and innovative workplace.
Our Mission
Achieve intellectual excellence,
build strong character,
enrich learning through the arts and athletics,
and prepare our students to be
engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders.
Our Motto: ?Ascende Omnem Montem - Climb Every Mountain
Compensation and Benefits
The annual salary is $58,000 - $83,500 annually depending upon years of experience and education. Benefits will include professional development, employer-paid health, vision, dental and life insurance, paid time off for school holidays and school vacations, as well as participation in a retirement plan. Daily free lunch, access to an on-campus workout facility and opportunities based on availability for subsidized on-site childcare.
Graland Country Day School is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Graland Country Day School to comply fully with all laws barring discrimination against employees, or applicants, for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, military discharge status or physical or mental handicap, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, discipline, demotion, rates of pay or other compensation, employee benefits, tuition assistance programs and termination of employment.
(revised 01/20/2026)