Mountain Trails

Early Childhood Education

Public Education for Children 6 Weeks to Five Years and Professionals - in Idaho Springs, Colorado

Opening in 2025!

Clear Creek is opening a public early learning center to offer childcare and education, professional training, certification, and pathways to careers in early childhood education.

Early Learning is Essential

Early Learning is an essential service that Clear Creek families struggle to access.

Clear Creek was identified in 2019 as a child care desert, defined as more than 3 times as many children as licensed child care seats. For infants and toddlers there are 8.5 times as many children as seats.

It is important that Mountain Trails works for all. To ensure a high-quality sustainable center, the center’s business model places a high value on employee development and compensation. 

We’re looking for:

  • Licensed teachers - with and without ECE experience

  • Aspiring ECE educators and assistants - currently unlicensed

  • Early childhood care professionals

  • Early childhood education professionals

  • School administrators, both experienced and aspiring

Your ECE path is waiting for you! Use your experience and join us!

  • Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles

  • Foster parents

  • In-home child childcare providers

  • Camp counselors

  • Nannies and babysitters

  • Tutors

  • Ski instructors

  • Camp counselors

  • Lifeguards

  • Anyone who has an interest in early childhood education or childcare! Full-time and part-time positions will be available.

Introducing Mountain Trails Early Childhood Education!

We are a warm and welcoming school for children ages 6 weeks to 7 years. We provide childcare and preschool, as well as education and development for professional, and aspiring professional, early childhood educators.

We believe in hands-on learning and the classroom that extends beyond the walls of the building. Our inspired forest-learning approach, infused with Montessori principles, encourages children to venture on exciting adventures in nature, igniting their curiosity and creativity.

Our dedicated staff and educators take pride in building strong foundations for little minds, nurturing social-emotional skills, and building the foundation of their educational careers.

Whether you're a parent, a professional, or a little explorer, Mountain Trails welcomes you with open arms as a part of our wonderful learning family.

Professional Pathways Program

The Pathways Program is an educational and training program with accessible levels of certification through Red Rocks Community College and Mountain Trails that allows you to work from day one. Earn as you learn!

The program is complete with mentorship opportunities and clear career paths. The program offers anyone who is interested in joining the world of early education the chance to embark on a rewarding "earn and learn" track, where you can contribute your talents while earning a fair wage and benefits.

We also partner with Red Rocks Community College to provide access to higher education, ensuring our educators have every opportunity to thrive in their careers.