Alaya Preschool is a nonprofit, play-based preschool in Boulder, Colorado, serving children ages 2–5. Rooted in contemplative education, we nurture curiosity, confidence, and kindness through genuine relationships, creative play, and outdoor exploration.

Our continuity-of-care model allows children to grow with the same teachers and classmates over three years, building trust and a strong sense of belonging. We value the presence of the teacher as deeply as the learning environment, supporting a reflective, collaborative teaching community where children, families, and educators feel known and respected.

Alaya Preschool Substitute Teacher

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Status: On-call / As Needed

Compensation: $18.00 per hour

Benefits: Mental health benefits available to substitute teachers

Reports to: Executive Director and Classroom Lead Teacher

About Alaya

Alaya Preschool is a play-based, child-centered early childhood community rooted in genuine relationships, kindness, presence, and respect for the inherent wisdom and dignity of every child.

Our teachers create environments where children feel safe to explore, make mistakes, develop friendships, and delight in learning. Substitute teachers are valued members of our community who help maintain that security and continuity when a child’s regular teacher is unavailable.

About the Position

Substitute teachers work alongside Lead and Assistant Teachers to provide safe, joyful, grounded, and responsive care for children ages 2–5.

At Alaya, we believe that discipline and delight go hand in hand. We welcome substitutes who enjoy being with young children and bring warmth, flexibility, humor, and attentiveness to the classroom. You will support the routines and practices established by the teaching team and may work in different classrooms depending on the school’s needs.

Schedule and Availability

Substitute teachers provide coverage as needed. You may share which shifts you are generally available to cover and are not expected to be available every time you are contacted.

Typical shifts include:

• Morning: 8:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Full Day: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Half Day/Afternoon: 11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Additional or slightly adjusted hours may occasionally be available depending on classroom and staffing needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide attentive care and supervision for children ages 2–5 in classrooms, on the playground, and throughout the school day.
• Maintain children’s safety and well-being at all times.
• Treat every child with dignity, kindness, and respect, responding thoughtfully to individual developmental, cultural, social, and emotional needs.
• Support the classroom’s daily routines, activities, transitions, and expectations under the guidance of the Lead Teacher.
• Engage actively with children through play, conversation, stories, art, outdoor exploration, meals, and rest.
• Support children’s developing social and emotional skills and help them navigate conflict with care and respect.
• Follow the teaching team’s guidance regarding classroom practices, behavior support, and individual children’s needs.
• Help maintain an orderly, beautiful, and welcoming classroom, sharing responsibility for cleaning, organizing materials, and meal and snack routines.
• Communicate respectfully and professionally with children, families, teachers, and administrators.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
• Follow Alaya policies and applicable Colorado child care licensing requirements.
• Complete required training and professional development.
• Perform other duties related to classroom care and operation as needed.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience caring for or working with young children.
• Ability to build warm, respectful relationships with children.
• Dependability, flexibility, and comfort working in different classroom environments.
• Ability to receive direction and collaborate with a teaching team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Emotional maturity, self-awareness, and the ability to remain grounded and responsive in a busy early childhood environment.
• Commitment to welcoming and respecting children and families of different identities, cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and family structures.

Licensing and Training

Substitute teachers must meet applicable Colorado child care licensing requirements. Alaya will provide guidance in completing required documentation and training.

Requirements may include:

• CPR and First Aid certification.
• CBI and FBI fingerprint-based background checks.
• Child abuse and neglect registry checks and applicable out-of-state background checks.
• Required early childhood health, safety, and child protection training.
• Mandatory reporter training.
• Standard precautions training.
• Emergency and disaster preparedness training.
• Other training required by Colorado child care licensing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a licensed early childhood education setting.
• Early childhood coursework, credentials, or professional development.
• Two or more years of experience working with young children.
• Familiarity with play-based, relationship-based, nature-based, or contemplative approaches to early childhood education.

Compensation and Benefits

• $18.00 per hour.
• Mental health benefits offered to substitute teachers.
• Morning, full-day, and afternoon coverage opportunities based on your availability and the school’s needs.
• A collaborative teaching community grounded in kindness, reflection, and respect.