Preschool Program Lead Teacher

AWSNA: Assoc. of Waldorf Schools of N. America; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Flexible spending plans

retirement plan

Tuition remission for dependents

Job summary

San Francisco Waldorf School is seeking a Lead Preschool Teacher to partner with an assistant teacher in a nurturing, play-based, rhythmically structured environment. You will lead a Preschool class, maintain daily rhythm, and support families through enrollment events and conferences.

The role requires Waldorf Early Childhood training, California credentials, and at least two years of Waldorf teaching experience. The position is full-time, with benefits and 1.0 FTE salary range.

Qualifications

• Requires California CTC permit or valid alternative with 15 college units in ECE and 4 years licensed teaching.
• Must complete Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Training.
• At least 2 years Waldorf teaching experience; knowledge of Waldorf education philosophy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Preschool class and maintain daily rhythm (indoor/outdoor activities).
• Create organized classroom space with seasonal nature table.
• Observe and suggest activities tailored to each child.
• Oversee daily operation; guide and evaluate assistant teacher.
• Assist with enrollment events and parent interviews.
• Attend/lead parent-teacher conferences at least twice yearly.
• Coordinate/lead Parent Work Day, events, and staff liaison with church.
• Prepare classroom for new school year and summer closure.

Skills

Waldorf Education

Classroom Rhythm

Observation & Assessment

Parent/Staff Liaison

Education

High school diploma or GED + 15 ECE college units

4 years licensed teaching experience

Job description

Opening Statement San Francisco Waldorf School is seeking a Lead Preschool Teacher. This role is ideal for a trained Waldorf Early Childhood educator who is enthusiastic about working with young children in a nurturing, play-based, and rhythmically structured environment. The Lead Preschool Teacher will work closely with the assistant teacher to provide a cohesive and supportive experience for children and families.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Duties

• Leading the Preschool class and holding the rhythm of the day, week, and season. This includes indoor and outdoor play, storytelling, painting, birthdays, crafts, snacks, and rest.
• Create and maintain a beautiful and organized classroom space, including seasonal nature table.
• Observe and recommend specific movement and or activities for each child, such as using the swing, balancing, jumping, walking, etc.
• Oversee daily operation, solve staffing problems, guide and evaluate assistant teacher.
• Help set up and maintain the attendance rosters and the various program rosters.
• Oversee maintenance of hiking lists, fruit/flower/protein snack lists, and general logistics of parent involvement.
• Help the director in preparing two “Welcome to Waldorf” enrollment events and at least four play dates with prospective students and families.
• Assist the director with the review of applications, individual interviews with parents, and observing children.
• Attend/facilitate the parent-teacher conferences for the children in the Lead Preschool Teacher’s program at least twice a year and as needed.
• Help coordinate/lead the Parent Work Day, Parent Evenings, Preschool Festivals, and other special events.
• Act as liaison with the Swedenborgian Church staff.
• Help to close the classroom for summer and prepare the classroom for the new school year.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in all school faculty meetings at the beginning of the school year in August and at the end of the school year at both the GS and HS based on FTE school guidelines
• Participate in all faculty in-service days
• Serve on a committee after first year

Schedule

• On-site teaching hours: 8:00am–2:00pm, Mon – Fri
• Additional hours may be required for occasional events, parent conferences, or evening meetings.
• Days of the week are to be determined based on program needs and staff availability.

Qualifications

• The Preschool Lead Teacher is required to have either a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit OR a Child Development Program Director permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing OR provide proof of high school graduation or GED and 15 semester units at an accredited college in specified early childhood education classes. Three of the required units shall be in administration or staff relations and 12 units shall include courses that cover the area of child growth and development; child, family and community; and program/ curriculum and four years of teaching experience in a licensed center or comparable group child care program.
• The Lead Preschool Teacher should have completed the Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Training.
• At least 2 years of Waldorf teaching experience are required. The Lead Preschool Teacher will have knowledge, awareness, and commitment to Waldorf education and philosophy as well enthusiasm for working and being with young children.

Employment Details

Compensation

This is a full-time, 1.0FTE, salaried position. Benefits include dental insurance, life insurance, flexible spending plans, retirement plan (employer contributions begin after one year of employment), and pro-rated (based on FTE) tuition remission for eligible dependents in our Preschool – Grade 12 program (Staff fees apply). The full 1 FTE annual salary range is $67K – $95K depending on training and experience. Salaries are paid on a 12-month schedule.

Physical Requirements And Work Environment

• Be able to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs.
• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including heat and cold
• Regularly sitting or standing 4-8 hours

FLSA Classification: Faculty; non-exempt from overtime

Reports to: Grade School Director

Hired by: Grade School Steering Committee

Date Modified: June 2026

San Francisco Waldorf School is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, or any protected class. We recognize that the range of ethnicities, nationalities, languages, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientation, learning differences, and life experiences within our community enhance the school’s learning environment, and we are committed to fostering equity and inclusion. All minorities are encouraged to apply.