POSITION SUMMARY

Cotopaxi School District is seeking a dynamic early childhood educator to serve as PreK Program Director, a dual-role position combining instructional leadership with direct classroom teaching. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the district's Universal Preschool (UPK) program in compliance with Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) requirements while providing high-quality instruction to young learners.

Think of this role as being both the architect and builder of our early childhood program—you'll design the systems and structures while also working directly with children and families in the classroom.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Administration & Leadership (50%)

UPK Program Management

• Oversee all aspects of the district's Universal Preschool program, ensuring compliance with Colorado UPK requirements, CDEC and CDPHE regulations, and quality standards
• Manage UPK enrollment, eligibility determination, and family application processes
• Maintain accurate records and data systems required for UPK funding and reporting
• Prepare and submit required reports, documentation, and grant applications to CDEC and other agencies
• Monitor program budget and expenditures related to UPK funding

Curriculum & Instructional Leadership

• Develop, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines
• Lead assessment practices using approved early childhood assessment tools
• Provide instructional coaching and professional development to PreK staff
• Ensure integration of social-emotional learning, literacy, and school readiness skills

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with families, serving as primary contact for PreK program questions and concerns
• Coordinate family engagement activities, parent education opportunities, and transition-to-kindergarten programming
• Collaborate with community partners, including local childcare providers and early childhood councils
• Represent the district in regional early childhood networks and UPK provider meetings

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Maintain licensing requirements and health/safety standards for early childhood programs
• Coordinate required background checks, health screenings, and enrollment documentation
• Ensure compliance with special education requirements (Child Find, IEP implementation) for preschool-aged students
• Track and report on program outcomes and continuous improvement goals

Direct Instruction 

• Provide high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction to PreK students
• Create engaging, play-based learning environments that support cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development
• Implement differentiated instruction to meet diverse learner needs
• Conduct ongoing student assessment and progress monitoring
• Maintain positive classroom management and nurturing relationships with young learners
• Communicate regularly with families about student progress and development

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Valid Colorado teaching license OR eligibility for alternative licensure pathway (district will support)
• Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood development, best practices, and developmentally appropriate practice
• Ability to meet Colorado UPK provider qualifications and CDEC requirements
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for program compliance and reporting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with young children, families, and staff

 

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education with Early Childhood endorsement, or related field
• Experience with Universal Preschool (UPK) program administration or early childhood program management
• Knowledge of Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines and Colorado Academic Standards
• Coordinate with Colorado Shines Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) for program quality assessment in order to be a quality rated program
• Experience with early childhood assessment tools (e.g., Teaching Strategies GOLD, TS GOLD)
• Experience in rural or small school district settings
• Knowledge of special education processes for preschool-aged children

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at child's level (sitting on floor, bending, kneeling, standing for extended periods)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds
• Visual and auditory acuity to monitor classroom activities and student safety

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Standard school calendar with additional days for program planning and professional development
• Rural school setting with small class sizes and close-knit community
• Collaboration with District Principal and district leadership team
• Some evening/weekend commitments for family engagement events
• Travel to regional UPK meetings and professional development opportunities