Infant Lead Teacher - INS Qualified Required

Location: Novastar Kids Co.C1\ Employment Type: Full-Time\ FLSA Status: Non-Exempt\ Reports To: School Director\ Compensation: $20.00-$27.00 per hour (based on qualifications and experience)\ Schedule: Monday–Friday, with shifts scheduled between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM

About Novastar Kids Co.

Novastar Kids Co. is an innovative school serving children from infancy through 8th grade. Our educational approach emphasizes STEAM, world languages, project-based learning, and whole-child development. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children, families, and educators thrive.

Position Summary

Novastar Kids Co. is seeking an experienced, dependable, and nurturing Infant Lead Teacher who is Infant Nursery Supervisor (INS) qualified.

The Infant Lead Teacher is responsible for providing high-quality infant care, supporting early development, leading classroom operations, and ensuring compliance with Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) licensing regulations.

Candidates must currently meet Colorado INS qualifications and hold a Colorado Shines PDIS Early Childhood Professional Credential 3.0 Level II (2) or higher. Both are required.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide safe, nurturing, and responsive care to infants.

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities supporting infants' cognitive, social, emotional, language, and physical development.

• Maintain individualized feeding, sleeping, diapering, and daily care routines.

• Support developmental milestones through sensory activities, tummy time, music, and age-appropriate play.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment.

• Maintain active supervision and required staff-to-child ratios at all times.

• Follow all applicable CDEC licensing regulations and Novastar Kids Co. health and safety policies.

• Implement safe sleep practices and appropriate infant feeding, bottle storage, diapering, and sanitation procedures.

• Maintain accurate attendance, feeding, diapering, sleeping, and developmental records.

• Promptly report safety concerns, incidents, and licensing concerns to the School Director.

• Lead daily classroom operations and provide guidance to assistant teachers.

• Support staff in following classroom procedures, safety practices, and licensing requirements.

• Collaborate with the School Director regarding classroom needs and compliance.

• Build positive relationships with families and provide regular updates regarding infant care and development.

• Maintain professional communication and confidentiality.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must meet ALL of the following requirements:

• Infant Nursery Supervisor (INS) Qualified — REQUIRED. Must currently meet CDEC qualifications to serve as an Infant Nursery Supervisor/Infant Program Supervisor.

• Colorado Shines PDIS 3.0 Level II (2) or higher — REQUIRED. Must hold a current, verifiable Early Childhood Professional Credential.

• Infant/Toddler Training — REQUIRED. Completion of ECE 111, Expanding Quality in Infant Toddler Care (EQIT), or another CDEC-approved equivalent satisfying the applicable INS qualification pathway.

• Infant/Toddler Experience — REQUIRED. Must meet the documented experience requirements established by CDEC for the applicable INS qualification pathway.

• Must provide documentation verifying INS qualifications, PDIS credential level, required training, and qualifying experience.

• Must demonstrate knowledge of infant development, safe sleep, feeding procedures, active supervision, and child care licensing requirements.

• Must hold or obtain required infant CPR and First Aid certification before independently assuming applicable duties.

• Must complete all required CDEC health, safety, and professional development training.

• Strong classroom leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

Important: PDIS Level II alone does not establish INS qualification. Candidates must meet the applicable infant/toddler training and experience requirements in addition to holding the required credential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience working with infants in a licensed child care setting.

• Previous experience as an Infant Lead Teacher or Infant Nursery Supervisor.

• Colorado Shines PDIS Level III or higher.

• Experience using Brightwheel or similar child care management systems.**

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry infants and classroom materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to bend, kneel, sit on the floor, stand, and respond to infant care and safety needs.

• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required Colorado and federal background checks, fingerprinting, verification of employment eligibility, verification of INS and PDIS qualifications, and all applicable CDEC licensing requirements.**

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay

• 401(k) employer matching

• Health insurance

• Dental insurance

• Paid sick time

• Professional development opportunities

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable plan terms.

Novastar Kids Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, Colorado, or local law.

This job description outlines the general responsibilities and qualifications of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties.