Early Childhood Lead Teacher (ages 3-5)

Monteverde Friends School seeks: Early Childhood Lead Teacher (ages 3-5)

Monteverde Friends School seeks an experienced, energetic, bilingual, and creative teacher to lead our Early Childhood class beginning in August 2026. The ideal candidate will have experience establishing a child-centered classroom culture (Montessori and/or Reggio Emilia-inspired) that supports children ages 3-5 socially, emotionally, and academically. Expertise in early childhood education and child-centered philosophy is required. Strong candidates will also have interest or expertise in Quaker education, bilingual education, outdoor education, working with an assistant or co-teacher, and teaching young children with diverse learning styles.

Note: All candidates must be fully bilingual in English and Spanish.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in an education-related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience working with children ages 3-6.
• Knowledge of the cognitive, linguistic, and developmental needs of young children.
• A broad repertoire of strategies to teach children with diverse learning styles.
• Fully bilingual in English and Spanish.

Lead teacher responsibilities:

• Design and implement a nurturing, play-based, child-centered curriculum for young learners
• Manage classroom dynamics effectively to ensure a safe, nurturing environment for preschool children.
• Facilitate hands-on learning experiences that encourage exploration, creativity, and discovery in nature.
• Write reports on the progress of all students at the end of the first and second semesters.
• Lead parent-teacher conferences twice a year and as needed.
• Design and implement an age-appropriate Quaker curriculum and attend Meeting for Worship with Prepa students.
• Maintain contact with students’ families.
• Collaborate with colleagues to enhance curriculum development and support children's individual learning needs.
• Participate in committee work.
• Participate in weekly Meeting for Worship and the life of the school community.
• Attend staff meetings, parent meetings, and other meetings as needed.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary as determined by step on the salary scale.
• Health care through the Costa Rican national health care system (CCSS).
• Visa / Immigration expenses are covered; the school’s Business Office provides support in navigating the visa process.
• Aguinaldo (Christmas bonus, equal to one-twelfth of yearly pay).
• Participation in the national teacher retirement plan (Magisterio managed by JUPEMA).

Interested candidates should send a resume, letter of intention, and a list of three references by February 13, 2026, to jobs@mfschool.org.

All candidates must be fully bilingual in English and Spanish.