Assistant Director of Early Learning/Lead Teacher
Powerhouse Science Center, Durango, CO, United States
Overview
The Powerhouse is Southwest Colorado’s STEAM engine, empowering curious young learners through interactive experiences, discovery, and play. Launched as the Children’s Museum of Durango in 1994 in a small attic space above the Durango Arts Center, the museum expanded to its current riverfront location and has welcomed 300,000 visitors since its opening in 2011. The Powerhouse has expanded to include a licensed, large child care center for approximately 40 toddler- and preschool-aged children.
Full job description
Job Title: Assistant Director/Lead Teacher
Reports To: Director of Education/Center Director
Hours and Term: Full-time, non-exempt, could be part time to start
Start Date: April 6th, 2026, flexible start date
Compensation: $24-27 an hour, salary equivalent $50,000-54,000
Travel: Less than 10%
Benefits: Flexible PTO, ICHRA health plan insurance plan, SIMPLE IRA with 3% employer match
Responsibilities
The Assistant Director/Lead Teacher acts as a key leader, splitting time between mentoring staff, managing classroom compliance, and providing high-quality care to children. This role supports the Director in daily operations, parent communication, and curriculum implementation, ensuring all Colorado licensing standards are met.
Leadership & Administration: Assist with staff scheduling, training, and supervision. Act as Director when needed. Maintain accurate child/staff records for licensing and Colorado Shines. Assist with staff development and mentorship, and provide support for challenging child behaviors that may arise.
Classroom Management & Curriculum: Lead high-quality classroom instruction, implementing and evaluating center curriculum and assessment tools.
Safety & Compliance: Ensure compliance with CDHS licensing and safety standards (e.g., fire drills, health protocols).
Family & Community Engagement: Greet families, handle tours/enrollment, and conduct parent-teacher conferences. Assist with tuition collection and assisting families with funding and scholarship needs.
Assist during transition periods throughout the day as needed.
Help develop and implement procedures for disaster and emergency situations and act as the point of contact as needed.
Coordinate with the Center Director regarding facility maintenance needs
Assist the Center Director with facilitating visits with San Juan BOCES and Durango School District CHILD FIND for special needs referrals and services
Report suspected abuse and/or neglect to the appropriate agency
Maintain at least 15 hours of professional development annually
Assist with other administrative and teaching duties as needed
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree or associate degree in early childhood or related field. A CDA will also be considered, along with other educational credentials alongside significant relevant experience
Minimum of a Level 3 Colorado Shines Early Childhood Credential 3.0 or the ability to demonstrate equivalency while obtaining credential, and credential should be obtained within the first 6 months of hire
Obtain all required Colorado Large Child Care Center PDIS training within 30 days of hiring.
Minimum of three years’ experience working in toddler and/or preschool-age classrooms preferred
Minimum of one year of supervisory/administrative experience preferred
Spanish speaking preferred
Ability to pass a background check, have a clean driving record, and be able to drive a 12-passenger van if needed.
First Aid/CPR certified, or the ability to obtain prior to program opening
Excellent presentation, writing, computer, interpersonal, & organizational skills
Ability to multitask with ease on a variety of projects
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, walk, bend, stand, squat or sit on the floor (with children) throughout an 8-hour day, and physically respond quickly in an emergency
How to apply Email resume and cover letter to elanor@powsci.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Full job description
Job Title: Assistant Director/Lead Teacher
Reports To: Director of Education/Center Director
Hours and Term: Full-time, non-exempt, could be part time to start
Start Date: April 6th, 2026, flexible start date
Compensation: $24-27 an hour, salary equivalent $50,000-54,000
Travel: Less than 10%
Benefits: Flexible PTO, ICHRA health plan insurance plan, SIMPLE IRA with 3% employer match
Responsibilities
The Assistant Director/Lead Teacher acts as a key leader, splitting time between mentoring staff, managing classroom compliance, and providing high-quality care to children. This role supports the Director in daily operations, parent communication, and curriculum implementation, ensuring all Colorado licensing standards are met.
Leadership & Administration: Assist with staff scheduling, training, and supervision. Act as Director when needed. Maintain accurate child/staff records for licensing and Colorado Shines. Assist with staff development and mentorship, and provide support for challenging child behaviors that may arise.
Classroom Management & Curriculum: Lead high-quality classroom instruction, implementing and evaluating center curriculum and assessment tools.
Safety & Compliance: Ensure compliance with CDHS licensing and safety standards (e.g., fire drills, health protocols).
Family & Community Engagement: Greet families, handle tours/enrollment, and conduct parent-teacher conferences. Assist with tuition collection and assisting families with funding and scholarship needs.
Assist during transition periods throughout the day as needed.
Help develop and implement procedures for disaster and emergency situations and act as the point of contact as needed.
Coordinate with the Center Director regarding facility maintenance needs
Assist the Center Director with facilitating visits with San Juan BOCES and Durango School District CHILD FIND for special needs referrals and services
Report suspected abuse and/or neglect to the appropriate agency
Maintain at least 15 hours of professional development annually
Assist with other administrative and teaching duties as needed
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree or associate degree in early childhood or related field. A CDA will also be considered, along with other educational credentials alongside significant relevant experience
Minimum of a Level 3 Colorado Shines Early Childhood Credential 3.0 or the ability to demonstrate equivalency while obtaining credential, and credential should be obtained within the first 6 months of hire
Obtain all required Colorado Large Child Care Center PDIS training within 30 days of hiring.
Minimum of three years’ experience working in toddler and/or preschool-age classrooms preferred
Minimum of one year of supervisory/administrative experience preferred
Spanish speaking preferred
Ability to pass a background check, have a clean driving record, and be able to drive a 12-passenger van if needed.
First Aid/CPR certified, or the ability to obtain prior to program opening
Excellent presentation, writing, computer, interpersonal, & organizational skills
Ability to multitask with ease on a variety of projects
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, walk, bend, stand, squat or sit on the floor (with children) throughout an 8-hour day, and physically respond quickly in an emergency
How to apply Email resume and cover letter to elanor@powsci.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr