Early Childhood Assistant
Opening Statement
Come work at Portland Waldorf School! We are welcoming applications for a part-time Nursery Assistant in the 2025-26 school year. This position is an integral part of the school’s Early Childhood Program which offers a secure, healthy, and nurturing environment for children with weekly and seasonal rhythms that include circle time, storytelling, creative and active play, and nourishment.
Join our community of Waldorf Educators. We are a school of faculty and staff who love their craft and are enthusiastic about engaging students. We are committed to working collaboratively with colleagues and the parent community to create an educational environment aligned with Waldorf pedagogy, our school mission, and program goals. We value self-development and instilling a sense of belonging. Candidates who are dedicated to Waldorf education, working out of Anthroposophy, and possess a love of teaching are encouraged to apply.
About
Portland Waldorf School was founded in 1982 and is fully accredited through AWSNA. We serve over 300 students from early childhood through grade twelve on a beautiful seven-acre campus in downtown Milwaukie, just 20 minutes from downtown Portland.
Portland 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. We are seeking individuals who are committed to self-development, educational equity and inclusion, and have a willingness to participate in ongoing work related to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. People of color and others underrepresented in our community are encouraged to apply.
Essential Job Duties
Responsibilities:
- Support Teacher in day-to-day activities of class: engaging groups of children and individuals in baking bread, making soup, playing outdoors, making art, helping children get dressed, washing, and tending to the classroom.
- Supporting children through social interactions during indoor and outdoor play.
- Washing dishes, preparing snacks, stocking supplies.
- General cleaning and tending of the classroom, including: sweeping, vacuuming, dusting.
Qualifications
Requirements:
- Licensed with Oregon Central Background Registry prior to start date.
- At least one year assistant teaching in a classroom of young children.
- Loving interest in the care and education of young children.
- Interest in learning about and commitment to teaching out of the foundations of Waldorf Early Childhood Education.
- Ability to engage with children, take direction from a Lead Teacher regarding classroom management, conflict resolution, communication, and day to day responsibilities.
- Good communication skills, reliable, punctual, well-organized, and efficient.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other faculty and staff to support the mission of Portland Waldorf School.
Employment Details
This is a part-time, non-exempt, hourly position with a pay rate of $20.00 per hour. Start date is 8/18/25 and end date is 6/18/26. Work hours are Monday through Wednesday, 7:45am-1:45pm, on all school days; and all in-service and training days (work hours will vary on those days). Benefits offered include paid sick time per the Oregon Sick Leave law, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
To Apply
Please send a brief one-page letter of interest, resume, and three professional references, including phone numbers and e-mail addresses (in PDF format only) to hiring@portlandwaldorf.org.