Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Mancos Valley Dragonfly School; Mancos (CO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Mancos Valley Dragonfly School in Colorado is seeking a Lead Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. This role focuses on creating a nurturing environment for young children, implementing a Waldorf-inspired curriculum, and collaborating with parents and faculty.

The ideal candidate should have early childhood teaching experience, an understanding of Waldorf education, and strong interpersonal skills. Apply now to be part of this community-driven school!

Qualifications

• Experience in early childhood teaching is essential.
• Interest in or understanding of Waldorf education preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with parents and faculty.

Responsibilities

• Create a nurturing and respectful environment for children.
• Plan daily activities according to Waldorf pedagogy.
• Lead group activities and manage classroom assistants.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences each semester.
• Communicate effectively with parents and staff.

Skills

Early Childhood teaching experience

Understanding of Waldorf education

Ability to work cooperatively

Reliability and consistency

Strong interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Warm, friendly demeanor

Job description

Lead Teacher (or Co-Teacher) 2026-2027

(Waldorf/Lifeways inspired curriculum)

Pay: 9 or 12 month salary of $34,000 - $42,000 per year DOE and position

Contract Hours:

Required hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am-4 pm, which includes implementing the classroom curriculum from start of day through afternoon rest time, afternoon planning hours, and closing the day with the children and teaching team. Lead teachers also facilitate classroom team meetings and participate in biweekly school wide staff meetings.

Required Annual Faculty Orientation and Training is the last two weeks of August.

School year starts Monday, August 31st– ends May 23rd, 2027

Paid planning and professional development days on Fridays throughout the school year

Role: As the Lead (or Co-) Teacher, you create a professional, peaceful, loving and respectful environment for students, families and faculty by:

• Creating a classroom environment in accordance with the school mission and vision, following principles of a Waldorf early childhood setting, and maintaining age appropriate environments and materials.
• Planning and preparing daily activities (following the LifeWays and Waldorf pedagogy of seasonal rhythm) for the Preschool classroom (with a maximum of 12 children at a time, ages 2.5 - 4 years old).
• Leading group activities including: themed circle times (such as stories and puppet plays), snack and lunch routines, and transitions.
• Establishing healthy working relationships with morning and afternoon assistant teachers to create and hold an environment of warmth and reverence. The Preschool Lead Teacher(s) is responsible for overseeing the entire day, whether she/he is physically present or not. This involves weekly check-ins with assistant morning and afternoon teachers, as needed. Morning Lead Teacher will offer rhythm support to afternoon teachers as needed.
• Supporting each child’s social, emotional, physical, and academic growth while providing a healthy, nurturing, creative and respectful environment
• Conducting parent teacher conferences in the Fall and Spring, including written reports and overseeing student documentation
• Fostering healthy communication with class parents, fellow faculty, and the Director through daily interactions and meetings.
• Documenting any and all accidents and incidents, communicating these accidents/incidents to other Teachers and relevant parents, turning in the accident/incident form to the School Director in a timely manner.
• Collaborating with all staff to make sure all daily tasks are completed (food preparation, material organization, set up, outdoor play supervision)
• Participating in, planning and leading seasonal family events and celebrations at the School
• Summer Requirements (compensated at an hourly rate over summer):
• Conduct Home Visits with new families prior to the start of the school year.
• Work with families to establish an easeful transition for each child–including visiting days, trial days and slow starts for young children
• Meet with other Teachers to plan rhythm and classroom as needed

Desired qualifications include:

• Early Childhood teaching experience
• Understanding of Waldorf education (experience preferred, or interest/willingness to study and learn with our faculty)
• Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues and parents
• Reliability and consistency
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Adaptability
• Possess a warm, friendly, joyous demeanor
• Compliance with all early childhood teacher requirements and licensing regulations

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to [e-mail] and visit https://mancosdragonflyschool.org/ for more information!