Lead Teacher 3/4's

Tribeca Community School Ridgefield; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k retirement plan

Job summary

Tribeca Community School Ridgefield, an early education program in the heart of Ridgefield CT, seeks a lead teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. The lead teacher will work on a collaborative team with an associate teacher in a full-time, 12-month position with a 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday.

The role focuses on cultivating a warm, nurturing, and inspiring environment, guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, and shaping the culture of our 3/4’s program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience working with children in a licensed early childhood program.
• Previous lead 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 meet physical demands of caring for children.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, nurturing, and emotionally responsive classroom where students feel secure and valued.
• Observe children's interests and developmental milestones to support meaningful learning experiences.
• View the environment as an active participant in children's learning, using natural, open-ended materials.
• Support each child's development with language, motor skills, and social growth.
• Assist with self-care skills and transitions while communicating with families.
• Ensure classrooms meet licensing, allergy management, sanitation, and emergency procedures.

Skills

Observation skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Responsive caregiving

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CPR/First Aid Certification

Job description

Tribeca Community School Ridgefield, an early education program in the heart of Ridgefield CT, seeks a lead teacher for the 2026-2027 school year.Lead teachers will work on a collaborative team with an associate teacher. This is a full –time, 12 month position. Schedule based on a 40 hour work week,Monday - Friday.

Position Summary:

The lead teacher is responsible for cultivating a warm, nurturing, and inspiring environment where students are viewed as capable, curious, and active participants in their own learning. Guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, the lead teacher creates 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 lead teacher will play a meaningful role in shaping the culture and identity of our 3/4’s 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:

• Create a safe, nurturing, and emotionally responsive classroom where students feel secure and valued.
• Observe children's interests and developmental milestones to support meaningful learning experiences that encourage curiosity and school readiness.
• View the environment as an active participant in children's learning, carefully selecting natural, open-ended materials that encourage inquiry.
• Support each child’s continued development with language, fine and gross motor skills.
• Support student’s social growth and skills through interpersonal interactions such as sharing, conflict resolution and cooperation.
• Assist with self-care skills of personal hygiene, eating, toilet training and transitions while maintaining open communication with families.
• Ensure each classroom meets state licensing requirements, food allergy management, sanitation guidelines and emergency procedures as outlined by the OEC.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences twice per year
• Mentor and collaborate with associate teacher to ensure consistency in caregiving and educational practices.
• Reflect on own teaching practice; develop and work toward goals.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of five years of experience working with children in a licensed early childhood program.
• Previous lead 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

• 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 student observation and reflective practice.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary is based on education and experience
• Eligible for health insurance and 401k retirement plan