Specialized Youth Instructor (Early Childhood Assistant Teacher - Licensed Funti
City of Fort Collins, Fort Collins, CO, United States
Position Title
Specialized Youth Instructor (Early Childhood Assistant Teacher – Licensed Funtime Preschool). (Hourly)
Requisition #:
req8429
Department:
Recreation
Location:
Northside Aztlan CTR
Benefit Category:
Variable Hourly
Employment Type:
Part-Time Hourly
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Hourly Rate:
$16.00 – $21.00 per hour (based on relevant experience)
Selection Process:
Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT on 7/5/2026.
Post-Offer Requirements
Background check.
Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) certification including fingerprinting/background check.
Overview
Funtime Preschool is a state‑licensed program that operates during the school year from September to May for children ages 3‑5. During summer it becomes Funtime Adventures for a summer camp experience for 4‑5‑year‑olds. The program focuses on the development of readiness skills through child‑directed discovery and teacher‑led activities. The curriculum includes fine motor, cognitive, gross motor, social‑emotional, and early literacy skills. The play‑based, intentional approach encourages self‑regulation, critical thinking, and problem‑solving. The program is in its third year of being a UPK provider.
We are searching for enthusiastic, dedicated professionals who are passionate about working with preschool‑aged children. Ideal candidates genuinely enjoy the learning that takes place through play and are comfortable spending their days on a child’s level. Assistant teachers will assist in program coordination and class management alongside lead teachers in licensed classrooms.
Work Schedule
Funtime Preschool generally follows the Poudre School District Calendar with classes running from September through mid‑May. Summer Funtime Adventure Camps begin in early June and run through mid‑August. Required pre‑service trainings must be completed prior to working with children. Summer hours may vary with up to 8‑hour shifts between 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
School‑year schedules will be consistent with exceptions for staff meetings or seasonal family engagement events that may take place outside of regularly scheduled shifts.
School‑year schedule options are as follows:
10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Monday – Friday (17.5 hours per week) – 2 positions available
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday (17.5 hours per week) – 2 positions available
Additional hours may be possible to sub as needed.
Positions may work a maximum of 29 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during the summer. Emphasis is placed on candidates who are available year‑round, but optional school‑year‑only (September – May) positions may be available.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Active supervision of children including regular participation and attendance counts.
Greet children and parents in a friendly manner; conduct daily health screens and electronic check‑in/out process.
Assist in the planning and instruction of daily developmentally appropriate activities, including but not limited to science, math, reading, indoor/outdoor games, crafts, dramatic play, music, and cooking.
Prepare for and clean up following class/camp activities.
Treat all children with care and respect in all interactions, including behavior guidance and classroom management strategies.
Responsible for general maintenance of classroom/camp space and informing supervisors of missing and/or damaged equipment.
Assist in the planning of safe and fun walking field trips when available.
Responsible for class/camp supply and equipment inventory, and requesting materials based on available budgets as needed.
Attend regular staff and department meetings as needed.
Represent the City with a positive, professional, and healthy demeanor at all times.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position is not responsible for the direct supervision of any City employees.
City Competencies
Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.
Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.
A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.
A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.
Early Childhood Assistant Teacher
Licensing Requirements:
Must have one of the following:
Completion of one of the following early childhood education courses with a course grade of “C” or better: Introduction to Early Childhood Professions, Introduction to Early Childhood Techniques, Guidance Strategies for Young Children, or have been issued the Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion; ECE Health, Nutrition, and Safety; Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education programs; Administration: Human Relations for Early Childhood Professions or Introduction to Business; Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques; ECE Child Growth and Development; The Exceptional Child; and Infant/Toddler Theory and Practice or have been issued the Expanding Quality Infant/Toddler Training certificate of completion; AND a minimum of nine months (1,365 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four or more children less than eight years of age who are not related to the individual; OR Completion of two (2) of the early childhood education courses referenced above with a course grade of “C” or better and no experience; OR A current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level I or higher in Version 3.0.
General Requirements:
Course work and/or work experience in working with children with disabilities highly preferred.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Must pass City background check.
Must receive clearance from state and federal fingerprinting, and child abuse reporting background check.
Must possess a current CPR and First Aid Certification or attend a City provided CPR and First Aid course within one month of hire.
Must complete 15 hours of required pre‑service trainings and courses before working with children.
Language Skills
Must be able to communicate effectively with children, parents, co‑workers, supervisors, and the general public. Must be able to effectively give developmentally appropriate verbal guidance to children between the ages of 1‑5 years.
Reasoning Ability
Must possess the ability to solve and implement practical solutions to problems, to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form, and to foresee and initiate proactive measures to ensure program quality, customer service, and participant safety.
Physical Demands
The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to crawl, kneel, jump, run, stoop, crouch, reach with hands and arms. The employee must have the ability to lift up to 40 lbs., lead children in extended periods of exercise and movement, must be able to control children in both an indoor and outdoor environment.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to various weather conditions including rain, snow, wind, hail and heat. The employee may be exposed to allergy‑causing conditions (i.e., cottonwood, dust, animals, etc.). The employee may be exposed to a variety of childhood illnesses. The noise level in the work environment can be high extremes at times.
The employee must be able to work effectively in an environment of noisy, happy, and sometimes distraught children. The employee must possess high tolerance for the characteristic behavior of children in indoor and outdoor recreation settings and work effectively in high‑stress situations. The employee should be flexible with the demands and interests of children.
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970)‑221‑6535 for assistance.
Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use
Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug‑free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City is committed to equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Employment decisions will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. The City does not tolerate behavior that results in the terms and conditions of employment being adversely impacted based on an employee’s protected status, or any behavior that violates this policy.
Consistent with the City’s respect for the rights and dignity of each employee, the City is committed to providing a work environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. The City prohibits discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, military, veteran status or uniformed service member status, genetic information, marital status or any other status protected under federal, state or local law.
The City is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment. In addition to the City’s commitment to equal opportunity employment, the City strictly prohibits discrimination or retaliation against an employee who raises any reasonable concern about workplace violations of government health or safety rules or a significant threat to the health or safety of City employees or the public, if the City controls the workplace conditions giving rise to the threat or violation.
Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.
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Specialized Youth Instructor (Early Childhood Assistant Teacher – Licensed Funtime Preschool). (Hourly)
Requisition #:
req8429
Department:
Recreation
Location:
Northside Aztlan CTR
Benefit Category:
Variable Hourly
Employment Type:
Part-Time Hourly
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Hourly Rate:
$16.00 – $21.00 per hour (based on relevant experience)
Selection Process:
Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT on 7/5/2026.
Post-Offer Requirements
Background check.
Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) certification including fingerprinting/background check.
Overview
Funtime Preschool is a state‑licensed program that operates during the school year from September to May for children ages 3‑5. During summer it becomes Funtime Adventures for a summer camp experience for 4‑5‑year‑olds. The program focuses on the development of readiness skills through child‑directed discovery and teacher‑led activities. The curriculum includes fine motor, cognitive, gross motor, social‑emotional, and early literacy skills. The play‑based, intentional approach encourages self‑regulation, critical thinking, and problem‑solving. The program is in its third year of being a UPK provider.
We are searching for enthusiastic, dedicated professionals who are passionate about working with preschool‑aged children. Ideal candidates genuinely enjoy the learning that takes place through play and are comfortable spending their days on a child’s level. Assistant teachers will assist in program coordination and class management alongside lead teachers in licensed classrooms.
Work Schedule
Funtime Preschool generally follows the Poudre School District Calendar with classes running from September through mid‑May. Summer Funtime Adventure Camps begin in early June and run through mid‑August. Required pre‑service trainings must be completed prior to working with children. Summer hours may vary with up to 8‑hour shifts between 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
School‑year schedules will be consistent with exceptions for staff meetings or seasonal family engagement events that may take place outside of regularly scheduled shifts.
School‑year schedule options are as follows:
10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Monday – Friday (17.5 hours per week) – 2 positions available
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday (17.5 hours per week) – 2 positions available
Additional hours may be possible to sub as needed.
Positions may work a maximum of 29 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during the summer. Emphasis is placed on candidates who are available year‑round, but optional school‑year‑only (September – May) positions may be available.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Active supervision of children including regular participation and attendance counts.
Greet children and parents in a friendly manner; conduct daily health screens and electronic check‑in/out process.
Assist in the planning and instruction of daily developmentally appropriate activities, including but not limited to science, math, reading, indoor/outdoor games, crafts, dramatic play, music, and cooking.
Prepare for and clean up following class/camp activities.
Treat all children with care and respect in all interactions, including behavior guidance and classroom management strategies.
Responsible for general maintenance of classroom/camp space and informing supervisors of missing and/or damaged equipment.
Assist in the planning of safe and fun walking field trips when available.
Responsible for class/camp supply and equipment inventory, and requesting materials based on available budgets as needed.
Attend regular staff and department meetings as needed.
Represent the City with a positive, professional, and healthy demeanor at all times.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position is not responsible for the direct supervision of any City employees.
City Competencies
Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.
Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.
A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.
A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.
Early Childhood Assistant Teacher
Licensing Requirements:
Must have one of the following:
Completion of one of the following early childhood education courses with a course grade of “C” or better: Introduction to Early Childhood Professions, Introduction to Early Childhood Techniques, Guidance Strategies for Young Children, or have been issued the Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion; ECE Health, Nutrition, and Safety; Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education programs; Administration: Human Relations for Early Childhood Professions or Introduction to Business; Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques; ECE Child Growth and Development; The Exceptional Child; and Infant/Toddler Theory and Practice or have been issued the Expanding Quality Infant/Toddler Training certificate of completion; AND a minimum of nine months (1,365 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four or more children less than eight years of age who are not related to the individual; OR Completion of two (2) of the early childhood education courses referenced above with a course grade of “C” or better and no experience; OR A current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level I or higher in Version 3.0.
General Requirements:
Course work and/or work experience in working with children with disabilities highly preferred.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Must pass City background check.
Must receive clearance from state and federal fingerprinting, and child abuse reporting background check.
Must possess a current CPR and First Aid Certification or attend a City provided CPR and First Aid course within one month of hire.
Must complete 15 hours of required pre‑service trainings and courses before working with children.
Language Skills
Must be able to communicate effectively with children, parents, co‑workers, supervisors, and the general public. Must be able to effectively give developmentally appropriate verbal guidance to children between the ages of 1‑5 years.
Reasoning Ability
Must possess the ability to solve and implement practical solutions to problems, to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form, and to foresee and initiate proactive measures to ensure program quality, customer service, and participant safety.
Physical Demands
The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to crawl, kneel, jump, run, stoop, crouch, reach with hands and arms. The employee must have the ability to lift up to 40 lbs., lead children in extended periods of exercise and movement, must be able to control children in both an indoor and outdoor environment.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to various weather conditions including rain, snow, wind, hail and heat. The employee may be exposed to allergy‑causing conditions (i.e., cottonwood, dust, animals, etc.). The employee may be exposed to a variety of childhood illnesses. The noise level in the work environment can be high extremes at times.
The employee must be able to work effectively in an environment of noisy, happy, and sometimes distraught children. The employee must possess high tolerance for the characteristic behavior of children in indoor and outdoor recreation settings and work effectively in high‑stress situations. The employee should be flexible with the demands and interests of children.
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970)‑221‑6535 for assistance.
Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use
Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug‑free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City is committed to equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Employment decisions will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. The City does not tolerate behavior that results in the terms and conditions of employment being adversely impacted based on an employee’s protected status, or any behavior that violates this policy.
Consistent with the City’s respect for the rights and dignity of each employee, the City is committed to providing a work environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. The City prohibits discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, military, veteran status or uniformed service member status, genetic information, marital status or any other status protected under federal, state or local law.
The City is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment. In addition to the City’s commitment to equal opportunity employment, the City strictly prohibits discrimination or retaliation against an employee who raises any reasonable concern about workplace violations of government health or safety rules or a significant threat to the health or safety of City employees or the public, if the City controls the workplace conditions giving rise to the threat or violation.
Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.
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