Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is located in Jefferson County, Colorado. It is the second largest school district in Colorado serving 69,000 students across 155 schools. With 14,000 employees, the district is the largest employer in Jefferson County and has provided educational excellence for more than 70 years.

Jeffco embraces the spirit of the West and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain region with the county spanning more than 770 square miles running the length of the western edge of the Denver metropolitan area. The district is diverse in both population and geography, from urban to rural, including the mountain communities in the foothills west of Denver.

Overall, Jeffco has 31% of students that qualify for free and reduced lunch, an indicator of poverty, and 34% minority (25% Hispanic) student population. The district is implementing a new strategic plan, Jeffco Thrives 2025 that is focused on providing a world-class education that prepares all Jeffco students for bright and successful futures as local and global citizens. Come join us!

Jeffco Public Schools is a Single-State Employer. All candidates hired by Jeffco Public Schools must reside within the state of Colorado.

Based on our belief that all students can achieve limitless outcomes, we provide a foundation where learners are empowered to:

• Learn at their own pace and to their full potential;
• Advocate for themselves and others;
• Develop as collaborators, risk takers, and problem solvers;
• Foster joy and empathy; and
• Engage in intellectual challenge and imaginative thinking.

Quality early childhood education is much more than just childcare. It is an academically and developmentally focused experience that provides students with early literacy and numeracy skills, as well as other academic experiences, so they come to school ready to learn. Expanding Early Childhood Education is a focus of the Jeffco Public Schools vision and aligned strategic plan. It is important to increase the quality and quantity of academically and developmentally focused opportunities for Pre-K students so that those students will enter kindergarten ready and will sustain academic proficiency.

Desired Start Date: 03/17/2026

EarlyChildInstrPartner-Hrly
Hourly Position
FLSA: Nonexempt
FTE: .62500 , Hours/Day: 5.000 , Days/Year: 185
Salary Plan, Grade, Step: Preschool hourly 185 days , IH3, 1
Pay Range: $20.11 Effective as of: 08-16-2025

Hourly rate may vary based on education and prior early childhood work experience.

Compensation schedules for Jeffco Schools can be found here. Starting salary for non-licensed roles is based on the candidate's relevant work experience and education. Additional considerations may be given for job-specific certifications and skills. Applicants should submit all relevant and verifiable education, training and work experiences at the time of application. Starting Salary for licensed educators is based on the step and lane schedule found here.

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Teacher-Early Childhood (Licensed), the Early Childhood Instructional Partner (ECIP) assists with the delivery of a high quality instructional program. The ECIP performs classroom duties which may include preparing instructional materials; assisting with instruction and assessment; and collaborating in the care and positive behavior support for preschool students, along with other duties such as keeping the classroom clean and well- organized. The ECIP supports the implementation of the preschool program at the school level and reports directly to the school principal. In a preschool setting, the ECE teacher and the ECIP are a team, supporting students with a high quality education and learning experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Share in classroom responsibilities such as preparing instructional materials, student supervision, and meeting health and safety needs of children.

Assist the lead teacher in implementing instruction, assessment, and behavior support using positive reinforcement and age-appropriate guidance strategies.

Interact, converse, and play with preschool children to support their development of academic skills, social-emotional skills and positive peer interactions.

Adapt to the individual needs of children, including those with special needs or language barriers.

Assist children with diapering, toileting, handwashing, and other self-care routines as needed. Promote independence in hygiene habits while providing appropriate support.

Monitor and ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times, both inside the classroom and during outdoor activities. Assist with Attendance Verification (sign in, sign out, Name to Face), and maintain CDEC staff to student ratio throughout the day.

Assist in maintaining accurate records related to attendance, incidents, and student progress as directed by the lead teacher.

Observe and report developmental progress or concerns to the lead teacher.

Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment, including sanitizing toys and materials regularly, to meet Health Department and CDEC guidelines for health and safety.

Help prepare and set up materials and learning centers to support instructional activities. Ensure supplies and equipment are stocked and properly stored.

Collaborate with the teacher, special education staff, instructional coach, principal, and other school employees to support the physical, emotional, and academic needs of students.

As a team, ensure the classroom is in compliance with rules and regulations from both the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) and Jefferson County Public Health.

Engage in mandatory professional learning to support school-wide and departmental objectives and fulfill PD requirements. Complete ongoing tasks and training to remain up to date with CDEC standards.

Other duties as assigned

EXPERIENCE: Two years of experience working in a licensed childcare facility or at an elementary school providing instructional support to students 3rd grade or younger. Candidates with less experience may be required to do more steps to complete required ECT qualifications.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: High School diploma. Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualifications successfully obtained within 12 months, which may require completing specific college courses or online trainings, depending on individual qualifications and pathway. Department tuition reimbursement may be available.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, OR REGISTRATIONS: Must obtain CDEC ECT qualification within 12 months of hire and maintain an active certification. This qualification is most commonly obtained with a current Early Childhood Professional Credential (ECPC) Level 2 or higher, the completion of two 3-semester credit hour courses in Early Childhood Education (One of the courses must be either Introduction to Early Childhood ECE 1011 or Guidance Strategies ECE 1031) along with 21 months of verified experience, or an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Additional ways to obtain this qualification can be found on ECT Qualification Pathway Chart hosted on the CDE Must successfully complete required CDEC Background Checks and TRAILS report before first day of employment and pass the physical examination required by CDEC to be completed within the first 30 days of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Understanding of early childhood development principles and best practices. Knowledge of health, safety, sanitation, first aid, and emergency regulations applicable to preschool settings. Understanding of positive behavior reinforcement techniques. Strong communication skills to interact effectively with children, parents, and colleagues. Ability to support classroom activities and provide individual attention to students. Organizational skills to assist with material preparation and classroom setup. Observation skills to monitor children's behavior and development. Teamwork and collaboration to support the lead teacher in implementing instructional plans. Adaptability to meet the changing needs of young children and classroom dynamics. Ability to build positive relationships with young children and create a nurturing environment. Capacity to remain patient and calm in challenging situations. Physical stamina to engage in activities such as bending, lifting, and standing for extended periods. Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to work with diverse families. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding student information. Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and training.

The physical requirements, mental requirements and work environment factors described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Regularly required to use hands to handle and feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear (with corrective device). Must be able to access shelving and storage areas. Must be able to lift 25 pounds unassisted. Must be able to kneel or crouch to student level for instructional purposes. Should be able to sit and stand from floor. Specific vision requirements include close and distance vision (with corrective lenses) to supervise students. Must be able to direct or lead students to safety in the event of an emergency or drill.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to read and comprehend curriculum as designated by primary classroom teacher, policies and procedures, behavior plans, and implementation strategies. Ability to make sound decisions on a day-to-day basis on appropriate communication with students and families/caregivers and appropriate classroom management. Ability to read, interpret, follow, and instruct others on safety rules. Ability to follow modification of instruction for the needs of individual students. Demonstrate mature judgement in exercising appropriate supervision and expectations of students.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Primarily working inside in an elementary school classroom, that may or may not have a self-contained student bathroom. Typical elementary school building may also contain libraries, computer labs, and kitchens. Higher than average risk of exposure to childhood illnesses and bodily fluids. Will be required to escort children to toileting facilities. Will be exposed to outside elements during activities such as bus duty, recess duty, drills, or field trips.

Jeffco Salary Schedules

Jeffco Benefits

The Jefferson County School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, pregnancy, or gender.