Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Chicago Waldorf School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 26,100 - 31,900; Full time

Job summary

The Chicago Waldorf School is looking for an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher to begin in the 2026-27 school year. This full-time seasonal position requires collaboration with the lead teacher and involves supporting children during various activities.

Ideal candidates should demonstrate joy in working with children, thrive in outdoor settings across all weather conditions, and have knowledge of Waldorf Education. A B.A. or equivalent is preferred for this role.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates joy and reverence for childhood.
• Able to prepare simple snacks and tidy the room.
• Experienced with Waldorf Education.

Responsibilities

• Supports the lead teacher during school hours.
• Prepares materials for classroom activities.
• Assists children in bathroom and during nap time.

Skills

Joy and reverence for childhood

Outdoor activity in all weather

Ability to assist children during activities

Knowledge of Waldorf Education

Education

B.A. or equivalent preferred

Job description

Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Beginning 2026/27 School Year

Position Overview

The Chicago Waldorf School has several openings for Classroom Assistants for the 2026-2027 school year. These are full-time seasonal positions with opportunities for growth and collaboration. The Early Childhood Assistant works closely with and is guided by the lead teacher of the class. The assistant supports the lead teacher during school hours and may act as lead in the absence of the teacher. The role begins in late August with interviews in early June.

Our Early Childhood Program

• Children should have no or very limited time on screens
• Children learn through play before formal academics are introduced
• Teachers provide a healthy model for meaningful work and speech that children can imitate
• Outdoor play in all weather is healthy and fun
• Education builds capacities of independence and empathy
• Risk and challenge are important
• Steady rhythm and predictability are nurturing
• Children are not little adults
• Less talking is better

Qualifications

• Demonstrates joy and reverence for childhood
• Spends time outdoors in all weather
• Can sit and stand for long periods of time, sometimes on the floor
• Prepares simple snacks
• Prepares and tidies the room
• Prepares materials for classroom activities
• Helps with festivals and celebrations
• Participates in daily song and movement activities
• Assists children in bathroom and during nap time
• Has knowledge/experience with Waldorf Education and Early Childhood
• A candidate with a B.A. or equivalent is preferred; a degree is required for advancement

Compensation & Amenities

The salary is commensurate with experience beginning in the range of $29,000 and continuing upwards.

Send your resume and letter of interest to [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Chicago Waldorf School does not discriminate in its hiring practices, and beyond that has a deep commitment to respect and celebrate the differences in students and staff from widely diverse social, economic, cultural, linguistic, intellectual, racial, educational, and religious backgrounds. There is a sustained effort to improve and clear recognition that our educational excellence and fulfillment of our school’s mission is dependent on embracing diversity in our school community. We seek to fully include and affirm faculty, staff, and students in all their identities. In everything we do, we work toward freedom, responsibility, and excellence. The Chicago Waldorf School provides its teachers, staff and families with ongoing opportunities to study and discuss aspects of diversity.