Early Childhood Teacher

Singing Cedars School; Fairfield (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid time off

Partial tuition remission for staff's children

Potential childcare worker recruitment bonus

Grow a new mixed-age Nursery program

Job summary

A Waldorf-inspired school in Fairfield, Iowa, is seeking an Early Childhood Teacher for the 2026-27 school year. This position is ideal for educators who value intentional design and a nurturing environment. The role involves teaching children aged 18 months to 3 years and creating a supportive classroom atmosphere. Benefits include competitive pay, paid time off, and the opportunity to influence a new mixed-age program within a spiritually vibrant community. Application details provided.

Qualifications

• Experience in early childhood education, especially with mixed-age groups.
• Interest in Waldorf education or willingness to learn.
• Ability to engage students in outdoor and indoor settings.

Responsibilities

• Teach and care for children in a Waldorf-inspired environment.
• Create and maintain a rhythmic classroom atmosphere.
• Collaborate with faculty and parents to enhance children's learning.

Skills

Experience with children ages 18 months–3 years

Comfortable with outdoor activities in all weather

Collaborative and communicative

Ability to lift children as needed

Education

Waldorf-trained or similarly aligned educator

Job description

Join Us at Singing Cedars School in Fairfield Iowa . . .

Are you thinking ahead to the 2026-27 school year? Dreaming of a more soulful life and a place where your Waldorf teaching, your ideals, and your love for children all belong?

Singing Cedars School is seeking an Early Childhood teacher to begin in the 2026-27 school year. This is an ideal opportunity for someone planning ahead and looking for a lifestyle change rooted in purpose, beauty, and authenticity.

We are a small, independent, non-profit school inspired by Waldorf education. Here, you'll find a collaborative faculty, engaged families, a close knit community, supportive leadership, and a child-centered approach.

What Makes Us Who We Are

• A growing Waldorf-inspired early childhood program expanding to include a mixed-age Nursery (18 months–3 years).
• A nurturing, rhythmic classroom environment serving up to 8 children, supported by a Lead Teacher and assistant.
• Education rooted in warmth, beauty, reverence for childhood, and a deep relationship with the natural world.
• Daily outdoor time in all seasons — rain, snow, or shine — cultivating resilience and connection to nature.
• A campus situated on three semi-wooded acres, within walking distance of forest trails and a reservoir.
• A collaborative faculty culture with weekly early childhood meetings and regular College of Teachers gatherings.
• A school community that values festival life, parent evenings, conferences, and meaningful community work days.
• 35 years of combined Waldorf kindergarten experience among current staff.
• Located in Fairfield, a unique small town of 10,000 with a vibrant, progressive, and culturally rich atmosphere.
• Fairfield is home to Maharishi International University, contributing to a strong culture of meditation, sustainability, holistic health, and spiritual growth.
• A town known for its trail systems, entrepreneurial spirit, local food culture, and cosmopolitan feel within serene rural surroundings.

Who You Might Be

• An experienced early childhood educator who delights in working with children ages 18 months–3 years.
• Waldorf-trained, Lifeways-trained, or experienced in a Waldorf early childhood setting.
• Alternatively, an experienced teacher with a sincere interest in learning the Waldorf approach.
• Someone who values rhythm, beauty, and intentional classroom design.
• Comfortable collaborating closely with assistants, colleagues, and parents.
• Willing to participate in festivals, parent education evenings, conferences, and collegial study.
• Joyful, warm, and grounded — able to model calm presence for young children.
• Physically able to:
• Spend extended time outdoors in all weather
• Walk frequently and remain active
• Lift 25 pounds routinely and up to 40 pounds in emergencies (to lift a child)
• Bend, kneel, crouch, sing, and engage fully with young children

What We Offer

• A full school-day program (8:30am–3:30pm, Monday–Friday).
• A supportive and collegial faculty culture.
• Regular teacher study, review, and shared festival planning.
• Competitive pay for the area, with compensation commensurate with experience and training.
• Paid time off for salaried employees.
• Partial tuition remission for enrolled children of staff.
• Potential eligibility for Iowa’s childcare worker recruitment bonus.
• The opportunity to help shape and grow a new mixed-age Nursery program.
• The gift of living and working in a spiritually vibrant community influenced by Maharishi’s legacy and the presence of Maharishi International University.

To Apply

Please send: Cover letter and Resume to [e-mail] or mail to Singing Cedars School, 2149 N. B Street, Fairfield, IA 52556

We look forward to hearing from you ...