Early Childhood Lead Educator

Full-Time, 10-Month Position

Start Date: August 2026

Rio Grande School | Santa Fe, NM

About Rio Grande School

Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Rio Grande School was founded in 1978 by families seeking an experiential, arts-integrated education grounded in strong relationships and intellectual curiosity. Today, the school serves approximately 170 students from three years old through sixth grade. Our Early Childhood program consists of two classrooms, the Pequeõns and Grandes. Pequeños serves 16 children ages 3-4, and Grandes serves 18 children ages 4-5.

Rio Grande offers a dynamic, inquiry-based program that fosters academic challenge, creativity, and social-emotional growth. Our interdisciplinary approach emphasizes hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and strong student-teacher relationships, preparing students to think critically, act compassionately, and engage meaningfully with the world.

Rio Grande School is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest and NAEYC, and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.

At Rio Grande School, the safety and well-being of our students are our highest priority. All employees undergo rigorous background checks, and our hiring practices are designed to protect students from harm, including abuse and exploitation.

We believe children learn best in a community that reflects the richness of the world. We actively seek candidates who will contribute to our school’s cultural and intellectual diversity.

Position Overview

The Early Childhood Lead Educator is responsible for creating and sustaining a developmentally appropriate, joyful, and intellectually engaging classroom environment for young learners. This educator will steward a play-based program that honors curiosity, supports language development, and nurtures social-emotional growth.

The Lead Educator works collaboratively with an Associate Educator and other faculty members to design a responsive classroom culture grounded in strong relationships and clear expectations.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates will:

• Hold a degree in Early Childhood Education or a Bachelor’s degree with coursework in Child Development
• Have a minimum of 3–5 years of early childhood classroom experience
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice
• Exhibit excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Show commitment to professional reflection and growth

Preferred experience includes:

• Familiarity with play-based and inquiry-driven learning
• Knowledge of Responsive Classroom principles
• Experience with NAEYC accreditation processes
• Understanding of the Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies
• Experience partnering closely with families

Core Responsibilities

The Lead Educator will:

• Prepare materials and design classroom environments that support exploration and purposeful play
• Instruct students individually and in small groups using varied instructional strategies
• Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet diverse developmental needs and learning styles
• Implement accommodations and modifications to ensure all students can access and engage in learning
• Establish and maintain a safe, inclusive, and respectful classroom culture
• Collaborate with co-curricular educators to design integrated learning experiences
• Observe, assess, and document student growth
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student development and classroom life
• Prepare and share timely classroom communications (daily/weekly updates)
• Ability to lift and carry children and classroom materials (30+ pounds)
• Ability to remain active throughout the day, including standing, bending, kneeling, and floor work
• Comfortable working both inside and outside for extended periods

Professional Responsibilities

• Mentor, support, and guide the Associate Educator in a collaborative working relationship
• Ensure appropriate planning time for instructional alignment
• Attend and actively participate in faculty meetings and school events
• Engage in ongoing professional development as required by the state of New Mexico (24 hours annually at a minimum)
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the school’s mission

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is determined by years of experience and highest degree earned. Salaries at Rio Grande School are highly competitive.

Full-time employees receive:

• Retirement plan with matching and non-matching contributions
• Subsidized medical insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Professional development support

To Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:

Careers@riograndeschool.org

About Rio Grande School

Rio Grande School serves students from three years old to sixth grade, with class sizes ranging from 15-20 students, and a total school population of 165. Founded in 1978, the school is located on five acres in the northeast section of town. Our neighbors include St. John’s College, Santa Fe Prep, and Museum Hill. The school is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest.

Connections working at Rio Grande School