Early Childhood Assistant

Mountain Laurel Waldorf School; Town of New Paltz (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Mountain Laurel Waldorf School in New Paltz, NY is seeking a Sprouts Assistant to support our morning Sprouts program for ages 18 months to 3 years. You will work with the Lead Sprouts Teacher to create a warm, unhurried rhythm as children settle in and begin to explore their world through Waldorf-inspired activities.

Responsibilities include preparing the classroom and outdoor space, guiding children through circle time and snack, assisting with daily care, and attending weekly Early Childhood

Qualifications

• Experience with young children, ideally in Waldorf or play-based early childhood settings.
• Waldorf Early Childhood principles and approach understood or willing to learn.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Support Lead Sprouts Teacher in preparing the classroom and outdoor space each morning.
• Assist children and parents through the morning routine with warmth and consistency.
• Gently guide children during circle time, free play, and snack; support transition times.
• Assist with toileting, handwashing, and other daily care routines.
• Help prepare the morning snack and tend to the classroom environment.
• Model warmth and calm during children’s first separations and social play.
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and Early Childhood faculty to maintain a consistent experience for children and families.
• Attend weekly Early Childhood faculty meetings as requested.
• Assist with school-wide festivals and celebrations.
• Tidy the classroom and play yard at the end of the morning.

Skills

Young children experience

Waldorf or play-based setting

CPR/First Aid ability or willingness

Job description

Position Overview

The Sprouts Assistant supports our morning Sprouts program, a gentle introduction to school life for our youngest children (ages 18 months-3 years). Working alongside our Lead Sprouts Teacher, this person helps hold a warm, unhurried morning for children as they settle in, grow confident, and begin to find their place in the world, grounded in Waldorf Early Childhood principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Lead Teacher in preparing the classroom and outdoor play space each morning
• Help children and parents transition into the morning rhythm with warmth and consistency
• Gently guide and supervise children during circle time, free play, and snack
• Support rhythm through songs, simple activities, and unhurried transitions
• Assist with toileting, handwashing, and other daily care routines
• Help prepare the morning snack and tend to the classroom environment
• Model warmth and calm, supporting children through their first experiences of separation and social play
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and Early Childhood faculty to uphold a consistent experience for children and families
• Attend weekly Early Childhood faculty meetings as requested
• Assist with school-wide festivals and celebrations
• Tidy the classroom and play yard at the end of the morning

Qualifications

• Experience with young children, ideally in a Waldorf or play-based early childhood setting
• A genuine love for the youngest children and an understanding of their developmental needs
• Warmth, patience, and calm presence in a busy, active environment
• Dependable, punctual, and comfortable working closely with a Lead Teacher and family members
• Willingness to learn about Waldorf Early Childhood education and bring its principles into daily practice
• CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain
• Required to reliably commute to New Paltz, NY 12561 daily

Hours & Compensation

Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 8:00am-12:00pm

Compensation: Starting at $20 an hour, commensurate with experience

A Note on Combining Positions

This position may be paired with our Afternoon Assistant opening for our mixed-age Kindergarten (ages 3-6) for a fuller weekly schedule. Candidates interested in both mornings and afternoons are warmly encouraged to indicate this in their letter of interest.

Mountain Laurel Waldorf School is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, or any protected class. We acknowledge that a diversity of ethnicities, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender expressions, sexual orientations, learning differences, and life experiences within our community enhance our school's learning environment, and we are committed to cultivating equity and inclusion. People of color and others unrepresented in our community are encouraged to apply.

About Mountain Laurel Waldorf School

A Nursery through Eighth Grade school, Mountain Laurel Waldorf School was founded in 1983 by a group of parents searching for an educational alternative for their children. The school is housed in a charming Victorian mansion, circa 1876, which is within walking distance from the village center of New Paltz, Historic Huguenot Street (one of the oldest streets in America), the State University of New York (SUNY) campus, and a large community playground and village green where our elementary school children play.

Located in the beautiful Mid-Hudson Valley, New Paltz is approximately ninety miles from New York City. It is home to many active artists and ecological groups. Covering the pristine Shawangunk Ridge, Minnewaska State Park, the adjoining Mohonk Preserve, as well as the renowned Mohonk Mountain House nature preserve have miles of hiking and biking trails. In addition, two major centers of Anthroposophical endeavor, Spring Valley with Sunbridge College and Hawthorne Valley are close by.