Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Jobs in Colorado

Applications for this position must be submitted by June 15, 2026 to ensure full consideration. If a candidate is not identified through our initial review process, we will continue to review applications received after this date. Even if this specific position is filled, we may consider your application for other exciting opportunities with DPS. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting our job board at careers.dpsk12.org.

About this job:

Responsible for creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for young children. This position involves developing and implementing age-appropriate curriculum, providing individualized instruction, assessing student progress, and fostering social, emotional, and cognitive development. The teacher will work collaboratively with parents, colleagues, and administrators to ensure the well-being and educational success of each child. Implement the District’s ECE program at the local school level under the direction of the school principal and the Instructional Support staff.

What DPS Offers You:

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Salary: Click here for the DCTA Teacher and SSP Hourly Schedule. Click here for more information on compensation for these roles. The salary listed reflects the 2025–2026 school year. Salaries for the 2026–2027 school year are typically finalized and released mid-summer, with an effective date of August 1. If any updates or adjustments are made once the new salary schedule is finalized, all impacted individuals will receive the updated salary.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits - English Version or Health and Wellness Benefits - Spanish Version, and PERA Retirement. For additional information visit our New Employee Resources page. This position is represented by an employee association (bargaining unit). Please see the Employee Associations Page for the current master agreement and important documents associated with your bargaining unit.

What You'll Do:

• Administer, score, and interpret required screening instruments. Counsel students to encourage and support student achievement.
• Monitor, supervise, coordinate and enforce rule of conduct and behavior assigned students; and reinforces positive student behaviors in accordance with school and District policy.
• Observe, evaluate, report and record students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health. Prepare educational course outlines, objectives and materials according to curriculum guidelines or state and local requirements.
• Present subject matter to students, using various teaching methods and technology, adjusting teaching style and method to meet student learning style.
• Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods (e.g., lectures, technology, discussions).
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects to students. Prepare, administer, assign and grade tests and assignments to evaluate student progress, reporting grades using District software.
• Prepare student, attendance and activity reports as required by administrators.
• Communicate with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems; and coordinate instructional efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned. May participate in extra-duty activities such as coaching, tutoring, or summer programs, as outlined in the Teachers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement and in accordance with Department of Labor regulations.

What You’ll Need:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field required.
• A Master's Degree is only required for Concurrent Enrollment positions.
• Have a valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) teaching license with endorsement in ECE or ECE State Certification, OR qualify for Alternative License and passing score on the PLACE or Praxis II. Click here for additional information regarding specific requirements and qualifications for the various subject areas (DPS does accept a CDE Application Receipt for 90 days).
• Must comply with ECE program rules, regulations and State of Colorado licensing requirements for Child Care Centers, including re-fingerprinting, a child abuse and neglect background check, and annual training.
• ELA-S (English Language Acquisition - Spanish) ONLY
• Teaching in both Spanish and English positions, candidates are required to take the Spanish language proficiency (SLP) exam, proctored by Berlitz Testing. Click here for more information. Additionally, if a teacher has taken, or chooses to take, the Praxis II - Spanish: World Language 5195 exam, it will also work at DPS as an appropriate SLP exam, as long as the candidate scores 163 or higher on the Praxis II (#5195) exam.
• ELA-S ONLY: Must be Bilingual in Spanish and English, required.
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us. Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun.