
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Mapleton Public Schools, Adams County District #1 does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, marital status, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs or activities. Inquiries may be referred to the Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources, 7350 Broadway, Denver, CO 80221. (303) 853-1000, or the US Dept. of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 1961 Stout Street, Denver, CO 80204.
CLASSIFIED VACANCY
Position is for the 2026-2027 school year
POSITION: Paraprofessional, Early Childhood Education (ECE)
LOCATION: 10310 York Street, Thornton, CO 80229 - Explore PK-8
PAY RANGE: C10 Ranges, $18.88 - $40.67 per hour
CALENDAR: 181 days, 7.25 hours per day
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: School Director/Principal
SCHOOL DESIGN OVERVIEW:
Explore PreK-8 is an Expeditionary Learning (EL) Learning School where students live and learn by the motto, "The world is our classroom." Explore's unique placement on historic farmland encourages learning beyond the classroom walls, and the natural wonder of the environment around the school makes explorers out of every Explore student.
Learning comes to life through community-based expeditions, which are long-term, in-depth studies that offer real-world connections and inspire higher levels of academic achievement. Strong community partnerships help students become active learners and leaders where they live.
To learn more about the school culture, please visit Explore PK-8
WORK LIFE AND BENEFITS:
In Mapleton, we believe you deserve every opportunity to maximize your unique potential. We offer a comprehensive benefits package focused on choice, quality, and value. To learn more about any one of the benefits and advantages of being a part of the Mapleton family, please visit our Benefits page.
Assist teacher with supervising and instructing students ages 3-5 years as needed, reinforcing positive behavior and life skills, implementing curriculum, maintaining documentation, managing student health and/or special needs, requiring experience and education in one of the following specialties: Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Elementary Education.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
NOTE: Preschool paraprofessionals are hired and assigned to schools and programs based on the level and type of student needs. Staff members may be reassigned in accordance with applicable law and policy, when any of the following occur: program modification, enrollment decline, or change in level and/or type of student needs.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED:
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS:
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
Must have Early Childhood Teacher qualifications through the Department of Human Services, Child Care Licensing. The minimum requirements as established by the Division of Child Care, Colorado Department of Human Services: two 3 credit college semester hours in Early Childhood Education- one class either being Introduction to Early Childhood (ECE101), or Guidance Strategies (ECE103) and the second must be Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice (ECE 111). Expanding Quality in Infants and Toddlers (EQIT) is also an acceptable class. Applicants with Infant Nursery Supervisor Qualified preferred. Applicants currently enrolled or attending classes in Early Childhood Education will also be considered. Must maintain appropriate PDIS credential levels.
Must participate in continued ECE learning opportunities. A combination of formal education and professional development to reach ECT qualifications in two years of employment.
EXPERIENCE:
0-2 years' experience working with children in a school setting.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & EQUIPMENT:
May require one or more of the following skills: basic English, grammar, spelling, writing, word processing, keyboarding, basic computer skills, communication, and/or foreign language. May require operating knowledge of general office equipment and general health care procedures.May also require training in computers or bilingual education, languages, and/or cultures.
TRAINING:
SUPERVISORY/TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITY:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
JUDGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING:
Work is assigned by supervising Teacher, Principal, Assistant Principal, Computer Coordinator, and/or Program Director. Requires independent judgment to manage students and assist in their education, make quick decisions, treat students equitably and fairly, evaluate students' abilities and progress, direct class/students in the absence of the teacher, provide a positive role model for the students, care for ill or injured students, and/or ensure computer equipment is functioning properly. Also requires ability to follow directions and follow school and District guidelines, policies, and procedures. Decision making is guided by District, school, and state policies, procedures, and behavioral standards; Infectious Disease Handbook; District Technology Plans; and/or Building Instructional Plans. Decision making is made in collaboration with the supervising Teacher, staff, Principal, Assistant Principal, parents, counselors, administrators, and/or supervisor. Errors in decision making could impact students' safety, health, education, and/or progress. Supervisor is always involved in decision making.
DIVERSITY OF DUTIES:
Duties may require cross training in one or more of the following: office equipment, basic health care, student management, special education, bilingual skills, computer technology, and/or basic instructional skills. Duties and actions impact individuals within the immediate work unit or assigned building.
The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be frequently required to talk or hear; stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and/or stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may be required to lift/carry up to 50 pounds without assistance, and push/pull 200 pounds while assisting students in wheelchairs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
MENTAL FUNCTIONS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate, use interpersonal skills, instruct, and analyze. May be frequently required to compare, copy, coordinate, compute, evaluate, and compile.
EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated with the Board's policy on the District Classified Performance Evaluation System
METHOD OF APPLICATION
SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED IN SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS OR ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

Mapleton Public Schools is an internationally accredited public school district located in the Thornton/North Denver area of unincorporated Adams County. We are committed to raising expectations, providing choices for learning, and removing obstacles for all students so that we can guarantee all students achieve their dreams and enthusiastically contribute to their community, country, and world.
District-wide Reinvention
Mapleton Public Schools has responded to the needs of its community by reinventing much of what public education looks like. When traditional school models stopped inspiring students, Mapleton explored academic options that would engage students and reenergize a comprehensive culture of learning. In 2006, Mapleton unveiled a reinvention plan focused on rigor, relevance, relationships, and choice. The reinvention converted a system of traditional neighborhood elementary and middle schools and one large comprehensive high school to schools that are small by design. As a District of Choice, families choose a school that best fits the needs of their children. Mapleton provides transportation to all students living within the District, doing away with the limitations of the “neighborhood school.” Mapleton’s schools that are small by design serve students aged 3-21.