Assistant Teacher -Early Childhood Program- Licensed Facility

AWSNA: Assoc. of Waldorf Schools of N. America; Jamestown (CA); On-site; USD 24,108 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

Sierra Waldorf School is looking for dedicated Early Childhood staff who honor and protect the wonder of early childhood. This role contributes to a nurturing environment where children thrive, involving supervision, classroom activities, and food preparation.

Ideal candidates have a commitment to Waldorf education and the ability to engage with children effectively. Part-time hours available with a compensation between $17.50 – $25 per hour.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage classroom activities and supervise children.
• Experience in food preparation for large groups.
• Enrollment in continuing education courses in child development.

Responsibilities

• Manage and prepare for classroom activities.
• Supervise children during class and playtime.
• Assist in preparing snacks and maintaining cleanliness.

Skills

Ability to hold the rhythm of the day

Familiarity with a kitchen

Organizational skills

Strong verbal communication skills

Education

Six core units in early childhood education

Job description

Overview

Sierra Waldorf School is currently seeking dedicated Early Childhood staff who feel called to honor and protect the wonder of early childhood. Whether supporting the rhythm of the classroom or guiding children during the afternoon hours, these roles contribute to a warm, nurturing environment where young children can thrive.

In our Early Childhood program, we cultivate imagination, a strong daily rhythm, meaningful work, and abundant outdoor play within a home‑like setting that supports the young child’s unfolding development. The ASC program provides a gentle and nurturing extension of the school day, offering children opportunities for creative play, meaningful activity, rest, and connection within a familiar Waldorf environment.

Our faculty shares a deep commitment to Waldorf education, collegial collaboration, and ongoing professional growth. We value educators who approach their work with warmth, presence, creativity, and a genuine love for children. If you are inspired to guide young children with reverence, joy, and a commitment to nurturing healthy development, we warmly invite you to bring your gifts and enthusiasm to our community.

Assistants’ Responsibilities

The Assistant Teacher participates in all aspects of classroom work, including:

• Managing and preparing for classroom activities
• Supervising children during regular class hours and independent play
• Preparing snack and maintaining food lists for the Lead Assistant
• Housekeeping and hand‑work support and duties
• Participation in story time and circle time (singing, finger games, movement activities)
• Helping children clean and tidy the classroom and observing child development
• Assisting in rest and closing‑time duties
• Attending EC faculty mentoring, first hour of faculty meetings, and one or more early childhood courses a year

Reports To

This position reports to the Lead Teacher and Director.

Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to hold the rhythm of the day when asked to sub within the classroom
• Familiarity with a kitchen and ability to follow recipes
• Organizational skills
• Professionalism—keeping adult conversations away from children and putting personal phones away while working
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Ability to follow the lead of the teacher

Desired Skills/Abilities

• Food preparation for a large group of children

Required Education and Experience

Six core units in early childhood education and enrollment in at least two‑semester units at a college until fully qualified with twelve core units of coursework in early childhood education or child development; at least one course in each of the following areas:

• Child, family, community, or child/family relations
• Programs/curriculum
• Child/human growth and development

Desired Education and Experience

• Waldorf Early Childhood Training
• Background in Anthroposophy

Experience Working With Children

Assistant teachers must pass FBI and Child Abuse Reference Check (CAIC) Fingerprinting clearance through Live Scan.

Physical Requirements

Employees must regularly monitor and communicate with children and coworkers, standing, sitting, walking, and using hands and fingers. They may need to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and lift and move items weighing up to 50 lbs. Work occurs both outdoors and in a classroom setting, which may be noisy, and employees may be exposed to bacterial contamination.

Employment Details

Duration: mid‑August through mid‑June, excluding seasonal breaks and holidays. Hours: 10–36 hours per week, including mentoring time.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base wage $17.50 – $25 per hour
• Possible 50% remission

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sierra Waldorf School is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The school will not tolerate discrimination against any employee based on race, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, gender, age, religious convictions, or disability.

Sierra Waldorf School is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.