Early Childhood Assistant
Opening Statement
The Early Childhood Associate Teacher position allows experienced assistants to receive mentoring support as they grow into a lead teaching position. Ideally individuals in this role will have completed or will be concurrently involved in a Waldorf Teacher Training. The Associate Teacher supports the lead teacher in the mornings and continues on as the Lead Teacher during the afternoon portion of the program, providing a Waldorf Early Childhood education for children aged 3 to 6 years. In the forefront of our work will be warmth, rhythm, health, safety, professionalism, a reverence for nature and for one another.
About
Swallowtail is an independent, non-profit Waldorf school located in Cornelius, Oregon. The school was founded by Lauren Sheehan, a long-time educator, professional musician, and parent. In 1995, with a vision of a small, rural school rooted in Waldorf Education, Lauren opened Swallowtail School in a log cabin in Gales Creek, with seven students ranging in ages 5-8. After outgrowing its cabin location the school moved to an old one-room schoolhouse near the town of Banks where enrollment continued to grow. Then from 2000-2016, the school leased space in the Hillsboro Friends Church. In 2016, Swallowtail purchased and moved to its current school building in Cornelius, Oregon.
In 2004, the school purchased land on the edge of Hillsboro. The 26-acre parcel meets the rural vision held at the beginning: it includes an old farmhouse and barn, a sweeping expanse of productive farmland, and a meandering creek. Swallowtail Farm is actively used by Swallowtail students throughout the school year. The Farm continues to be developed as an educational resource, a biodynamic garden, multiple play areas, and natural areas. Swallowtail now has more than 150 students in preschool through 8th Grade. Swallowtail is self-administered, with a dedicated Faculty, Administration, and Board of Trustees. The school is a member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America. It joins a global community of more than 1,000 Waldorf schools that have made a commitment toward progressive education and social renewal.
Essential Job Duties
Specific duties for the Early Childhood Associate Teacher position include:
- During the morning portion of the day: Assisting the Lead Teacher in the daily rhythm of the classroom
- During the afternoon portion of the day: Leading the full day students in a healthy rhythm that includes rest, snack, and additional activity or play time
- Occasionally lead morning circle following plans made by the Lead Teacher, and once in the spring plan and lead a full block of morning circle work.
- Assist with classroom prep and set-up in the mornings before class
- Participate in regular mentoring meetings with Lead Teacher, set professional growth goals and work towards them throughout the year
- Attentive supervision of students with an eye to safety at all times
- Modeling appropriate behavior and work worthy of imitation
- Being well-kept and dressing professionally
- Demonstrating warmth, compassion and love while holding appropriate boundaries with children
- Preparing supplies for daily activities and working closely with the lead teacher to implement them
- Daily snack preparation
- Daily care to maintain a clean and orderly classroom
- Attending Early Childhood meetings as needed
- Other relevant tasks as needed
Qualifications
Required Trainings/Attributes
- A dedication to Waldorf Education
- Current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handlers (within 30 days of hire)
- Maintain current enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry
- Annual completion of 15 hours of relevant training (must be pre approved, copy of completion certificate submitted to the Oregon Registry and School Director)
- Completion of Safety Set trainings from Early Learning Division (prior to first day in classroom)
Employment Details
This position offers competitive pay at $20–$23 per hour, based on experience, along with supportive workplace practices.