Assistant Teacher

Whole Child Learning Co.; Northfield (VT); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Professional development

School holidays

Job summary

Rainbow Gardens in Northfield, VT, seeks an Assistant Teacher for the Nursery or Mixed-Age Kindergarten to support the Lead Teacher in a Waldorf-inspired environment for ages 2-6.

The ideal candidate is a warm, attentive team player with strong observation skills, capable of collaborating with staff, maintaining gentle boundaries, and guiding children through daily routines, meals, and rest periods. Prior daycare/early childhood experience and an Associate’s degree are preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong observation skills to identify individual needs.
• Team player with effective communication.
• Collaborates with Lead Teacher and staff.
• Prior experience with young children in daycare.
• Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Familiarity with Waldorf education and methods.

Responsibilities

• Assist the lead teacher in Waldorf-inspired activities.
• Help maintain a nurturing environment with loving boundaries.
• Support children in daily routines, including mealtime and rest time.
• Help maintain a clean and organized classroom.
• Foster positive relationships with children and their families.
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and other staff to ensure the well-being of children.

Skills

Observation skills

Team player

Communication

Education

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Rainbow Gardens is a Waldorf inspired early childhood program for ages 2-6 located in the historic school house in Northfield, VT. We are seeking an Assistant Teacher in either the Nursery Program (ages 2-3) or Mixed-Age Kindergarten (ages 3-6) to support the Lead Teacher in providing a nurturing and enriching environment.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALITIES

A successful Assistant Teacher is a warm, attentive team player with strong observation skills — able to identify and respond to the individual needs of children in the classroom. The ideal candidate communicates effectively with the Lead Teacher and other staff members, works collaboratively to support a cohesive classroom environment, and brings genuine care and consistency to daily routines with young children.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Classroom Support & Activities
  • Assist the lead teacher in implementing Waldorf-inspired activities.
  • Help maintain a nurturing environment with loving boundaries
  • Support children in their daily routines, including mealtime and rest time.
  • Help maintain a clean and organized classroom environment.
• Family & Team Relationships
  • Foster positive relationships with the children and their families.
  • Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and other staff members to ensure the well-being of the children.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Required:
  • Strong observation skills to identify and respond to the individual needs of children in the classroom.
  • Team player with effective communication skills to work collaboratively with the lead teacher and other staff members.
• Preferred:
  • Prior experience working with young children in a daycare or early childhood setting.
  • Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
  • Familiarity with and/or interest in Waldorf education.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods
• Able to move up and down a set of stairs several times throughout the day
• Able to lift and carry materials up to 25 lbs

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Full-time position (approximately 37.5 hours per week)
• Core hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–3:45 PM
• Flexibility to accommodate monthly staff meetings, festivals, parent evenings, and family communication needs
• Subject to background check and school policies

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary: $20–$2 5 per hour (based on experience) (37.5 hours/week August - June)
• Paid Time Off: 7 paid holidays and 1 week PTO (school breaks are unpaid)
• Professional Development: Up to 15 hours annually of paid professional development