Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Early Childhood Assistant Teacher - Full-time (1.0 FTE)

The Independent Day School in Middlefield, CT is seeking an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher for the 2026-27 school year. This Assistant Teacher provides support to the Lead Teacher in the Beginners (age 3) classroom and reports to the Lower School Dean. The Assistant Teacher is responsible for the supervision and instruction of students, daily class operations, and supporting the emotional well-being of the students. Assistant Teachers bring warmth, patience, and understanding to the classroom every day, encouraging children to learn and grow. A high degree of teamwork, collaboration, and communication are a must; a sense of humor is appreciated. IDS highly values initiative, creativity, and flexibility. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education 
• Experience working with young children 
• Ability to plan and teach a lesson to a small group of students 
• Can work independently and take initiative to get things done 
• Demonstrated commitment and experience with culturally responsive teaching practices 

• Ability to work as a team member
• Independent school experience preferred, but not required

Overview of The Independent Day School 

The Independent Day School is an Early Childhood – Grade 8 school located in central Connecticut (30 minutes from New Haven, 30  minutes from Hartford). Founded in 1961 by families associated with Wesleyan University and Choate, IDS has a long tradition of innovative, student-centered education focused on academic excellence and social-emotional learning. IDS highly values initiative, creativity, integrity, and adaptability. 

The Independent Day School is committed to discovering, cultivating, and celebrating diversity in its many forms throughout our community and seeks to foster an atmosphere of personal and cross-cultural curiosity. Visit our webpage on diversity, equity, and inclusion for more information. 

Quick facts about IDS

• Co-ed, non-profit, non-sectarian day school 
• Students come to IDS from 29 Connecticut towns 
• Student population: 120
• Dedicated, highly educated faculty 
• Students of color represent over 50% of the enrollment 
• 33 acres of woodlands, wetlands, fields, and gardens 
• Parent participation is encouraged

Essential Functions

Assistant Teachers duties include:

• Supporting each child’s social, emotional and intellectual growth and development
• Ensuring the well-being and safety of children at all times
• Helping prepare the classroom each day
• Assisting with cleaning up
• Coordinating student arrival and dismissal
• Implementing the lead teacher’s lesson plans with small groups and individuals
• Using a variety of instructional and assessment strategies, as directed by the lead teacher, to meet individual student needs
• Providing individualized assistance to help students understand curriculum content
• Maintaining daily classroom schedules
• Supervising the class when the lead teacher is unavailable 

• Creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can play and learn
• Cultivating positive relationships with teachers, administrators, and families 

Compensation commensurate with experience.

Please submit a letter of interest that addresses your capacity to fulfill the duties and responsibilities as listed, a resume, a statement of your teaching philosophy, and a list of three professional references to Dr. Rochelle Reodica at [email protected] by February 28, 2026. 

Visit us on the web at www.IndependentDaySchool.org.

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The Independent Day School does not discriminate in its admissions, student treatment, or employment practices on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, religion or creed, sexual orientation, disability status, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, gender identification, genetic information, or membership in any other legally protected class.