Associate Teachers Full/Part Time

Tribeca Community School Ridgefield; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k retirement

Job summary

Tribeca Community School Ridgefield, an early education program in Ridgefield, CT, seeks associate teachers for the 2026-2027 school year. Work on a collaborative team in a 12-month role, Monday–Friday.

The Associate Teacher will support a warm, nurturing environment grounded in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, partnering with the lead teacher to create meaningful, exploratory learning experiences and build strong family relationships.

Qualifications

• Experience in licensed early childhood programs.
• Previous associate teaching experience.
• Understanding of child development and responsive caregiving.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Experience with Reggio Emilia-inspired programs.
• Experience with pedagogical documentation.
• Knowledge of infant observation and reflective practice.

Responsibilities

• Support the lead teacher to create a safe, nurturing classroom environment.
• Observe children's interests and milestones to guide learning.
• View the environment as an active participant, using natural materials to encourage inquiry.
• Follow safe sleep procedures per state licensing and best practices.
• Assist in individualized care during feeding, diapering, sleeping, and transitions with families.
• Maintain accurate daily records of meals, bottles, diapers, and naps.
• Ensure licensing requirements, allergy management, sanitation and emergency procedures are met.
• Mentor and collaborate with the lead teacher to ensure consistency in caregiving and educational practices.
• Reflect on teaching practice and pursue professional goals.

Skills

Early childhood experience

Associate teaching

Child development

Communication skills

Physical requirements

Professional development

Reggio Emilia

Pedagogical documentation

Infant observation

Education

Bachelor's in ECE

CPR/First Aid

Medication administration training

Job description

Tribeca Community School Ridgefield, an early education program leading students from infants to Pre-Kindergarten in the heart of Ridgefield CT, seeks associate teachers for the 2026-2027 school year. Associate teachers will work on a collaborative team. This is a 12-month position. Schedule based on a Monday -Friday work week.

Position Summary:

The Associate Teacher is responsible for cultivating a warm, nurturing, and inspiring environment where children are viewed as capable, curious, and active participants in their own learning. Guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, the associate teacher will work alongside the lead teacher to create meaningful opportunities for exploration, discovery, and connection while honoring each child's unique rhythms, interests, and emerging strengths.

As a founding member of our faculty, the associate teacher will work alongside the lead teacher and TCS team to shape the culture and identity of our infant program. We are seeking educators who are collaborative, reflective, and genuinely excited by the opportunity to help build something new. A program rooted in relationships, inquiry, and a deep respect for children.

Responsibilities Include:

• Support the lead teacher to create a safe, nurturing, and emotionally responsive classroom where children feel secure and valued.
• Work alongside the lead teacher in observing children's interests and developmental milestones to support meaningful learning experiences.
• View the environment as an active participant in children's learning, carefully selecting natural, open-ended materials that encourage inquiry.
• Practice safe sleep procedures in accordance with state licensing regulations and best practices.
• Support the lead teacher in developing individualized care during feeding, diapering, sleeping, and transitions while maintaining open communication with families.
• Assist in maintaining accurate daily records of meals, bottles, diapering, and naps.
• Ensure each classroom meets state licensing requirements, food allergy management, sanitation guidelines and emergency procedures as outlined by the OEC.
• Mentor and collaborate with the lead teacher to ensure consistency in caregiving and educational practices.
• Reflect on own teaching practice; develop and work toward goals.

Qualifications:

Required

• Minimum of three - five years of experience working with children in a licensed early childhood program.
• Previous associate teaching experience.
• Strong understanding of child development and responsive caregiving practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and comfortably meet the physical demands of caring for children.
• Commitment to continuous learning and ongoing professional development, while maintaining up to date knowledge through relevant training and certifications.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Administration of Medication Training for Child Care.
• Experience in a Reggio Emilia-inspired, inquiry-based early childhood program.
• Experience with pedagogical documentation.
• Knowledge of infant observation and reflective practice.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary is based on education and experience.
• Eligibility for health insurance and 401k retirement available for full-time employees.