Early Childhood Assistant

Olympia Waldorf School; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Olympia Waldorf School seeks a warm Early Childhood Assistant to support lead teachers in a vibrant Waldorf play-based program for preschool and early childhood students. The role includes daily outdoor time and requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to anti-bias, anti-racist frameworks in early childhood settings.

No prior training is required, but basic DCYF training must be completed within six months of employment.

Qualifications

• No prior training is required.
• Basic DCYF training within six months of employment.
• Comfort spending time outdoors in all weather.
• Hours are Monday to Friday, starting at 8:00am, about 30 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Assist early childhood lead teachers in daily activities.
• Support a vibrant Waldorf play-based program for young children.
• Ensure safety and positive engagement during outdoor activities.
• Foster a warm, nurturing classroom environment for all students.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Classroom management

Play-based Waldorf

Job description

Job Opening: Early Childhood Assistant

For 2026-27 School Year

We are seeking a well-rounded assistant teacher who is joyful, warm, and nurturing with strong interpersonal and communication skills, experience with classroom management, and enthusiasm for developing a vibrant play based Waldorf early childhood program. This assistant will work closely with our early childhood lead teachers. No previous training is required. Basic training with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is required within six months of employment. Since time is spent outdoors each day, applicants should be comfortable spending time outside in all weather. The assistant teacher will work Monday to Friday, starting at 8:00am, working an average of 30 hours a week.

OWS commits to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion at our school and in our community. Candidates must be committed to learning more about anti-bias, anti-racist, and trans-inclusive frameworks in early childhood settings and applying those concepts.

About the School

Olympia Waldorf School serves approximately 130 students from preschool through eighth grade. Our faculty is composed of five early childhood teachers, seven grades teachers, and five specialty teachers. A full administrative staff manages the daily activities of the organization. Olympia Waldorf School is fully accredited by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America and Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America.

Campus and Community

Olympia Waldorf School is situated on four acres of field, garden, and woodland in semi-rural East Olympia. Our campus includes Prairie Hall, a historic school building built in 1916, a modern Middle School building, and a charming Kinderhaus. Our community is warm, welcoming, and fully participates in the life of the school.

Compensation

Hourly compensation from $17.13 to $21.00 which includes increments for previous experience. Partial tuition remission available.

Hiring Process

Qualified candidates will be invited to schedule an interview. DCYF, STARS, and MERIT clearance preferred.

OWS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a strict policy prohibiting all forms of unlawful discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identification, color, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law in its hiring and employment practices.