Lead Teacher

Job Description

Tribeca Community School Ridgefield, an early education program leading students from infants to Pre-Kindergarten in the heart of Ridgefield CT, seeks lead teachers for the current 2026-2027 school year and the 2027-2028 school year. Lead teachers will work on a collaborative team with associate teachers. 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 children 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 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.
• 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.
• Provide individualized care during feeding, diapering, sleeping, and transitions while maintaining open communication with families.
• Maintain 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.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences twice per year
• Mentor and collaborate with associate teachers to ensure consistency in caregiving and educational practices.
• Reflect on own teaching practice; develop and work toward goals.

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of five years of experience working 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 infants.
• Commitment to continuous learning and ongoing professional development, while maintaining up to date knowledge through relevant training and certifications.

• 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 is based on education and experience
• Eligible for health insurance and 401k retirement plan
• Professional development opportunities