Early Childhood Program Director
Early Childhood Program Director
Job Category: Administration and Early Childhood
Opening Statement
Sound Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy is looking for a dedicated leader to step into the role of Early Childhood Program Director—a vibrant position designed to support and inspire the next generation of educators and uplift our Waldorf communities.
At Sound Circle Center, we believe that the education of a Waldorf early childhood teacher is not merely a matter of teaching them curriculum, but an invitation to support a teacher’s own creative forces and inner ‘becoming’.
The early years of childhood are a sacred landscape where the human being unfolds through imitation, wonder, and imagination. The young child requires an adult who inhabits and emulates these qualities, and who can meet this gradual unfolding with reverence for the child’s spiritual and physical growth. And the adult, in turn, needs a teacher education program that can help inspire and encourage the development of those very capacities.
The ideal Early Childhood Program Director possesses the wisdom to mentor adult students, as well as help hold the structural, artistic, and social container of our 25-month teacher preparation program, in collaboration with the Council. We are seeking an enthusiastic educator and mentor, capable of cultivating and articulating the connection between the practical, artistic, and spiritual dimensions of Waldorf pedagogy. In this regard, the ideal candidate will be a spiritual friend of Rudolf Steiner and Anthroposophy, and will be able to imagine and implement an Early Childhood teacher education program that is in harmony with this impulse as we reach for ever new ways of manifesting it authentically in today’s world.
The ideal candidate will also be grounded, responsive, and attentive to details, as they are entrusted with the administration of program and fieldwork parameters that align with WECAN expectations, the responsible stewardship of students and Early Childhood program faculty and staff, and the successful management of both in-person intensives and remote program direction.
This is a part-time position consisting of approximately 40-50 hrs per month of remote work and online meetings, as well as in person student direction, and teaching three times per year in the Pacific Northwest region. Compensation for teaching is in addition to the Early Childhood Program Director salary.
At Sound Circle Center, we strive for true collaboration. The Early Childhood Program Director works most intimately and rhythmically with the Administrator and the Grades Program Director, surrounded by the Council, and a wider faculty circle.
About
Sound Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy is a full-member AWSNA and WECAN Waldorf teacher training institute serving students across North America and beyond. For over two decades, Sound Circle Center has been dedicated to the renewal of education through the cultivation of artistic practice, Anthroposophical study, and the development of inspired, confident teachers for early childhood and grades classrooms. With a low-residency model blending in-person intensives in the Pacific Northwest with online learning, Sound Circle Center offers a 25-month teacher training program that immerses students in the theory, practice, and living study of Waldorf education. Graduates emerge deeply connected to the spiritual and social dimensions of teaching, prepared to stand before their students with skill and purpose.
Essential Job Duties
Plan and implement the EC program curriculum in collaboration with the Grades Program Director
Create and update EC course descriptions
Ensure program alignment with WECAN guidelines and participate in Self-Study processes for WECAN renewal
Maintain healthy relations with WECAN, AWSNA, Pedagogical Section Council, and other relevant professional organizations
Participate in WECAN Teacher Education Committee Seminars for EC Trainers
Provide regular mentoring and advising opportunities for individual students
Provide curriculum resources needed by students
Facilitate communication between students and faculty
Facilitate grievances and personal concerns of students according to procedures in the Student Handbook
Oversee student observations, practicum experiences, and internships, including communication with participating schools and supervising teacher
Oversee and coordinate planning and implementation of graduation
Determine, support, and oversee all EC program faculty and guest speakers, including review and evaluation processes
Support Administrator in ensuring faculty compliance with legal and financial requirements
Participate in annual review of all SCC handbooks
Recommend professional development opportunities for faculty
Facilitate communication and collegiality among faculty, including planning periodic meetings and retreats
Create and manage the teaching schedule
Support Administrator in enrollment, outreach, and marketing activities
Provide information and assistance to the Administrator in publicizing programs (e.g., Open Houses, Ripples, program ads)
Respond to applicant inquiries
Conduct applicant interviews
Communicate applicant acceptances to Administrator
Advise Administrator of specific site needs
Participate in planning, implementing, and review of the program budget
Review and submit faculty teaching hours and reimbursements to Administrator monthly
Serve as a member of the Council
Participate in regular individual and organizational evaluations
Participate in professional development opportunities as appropriate
Determine and document responsibilities of the EC Program Assistant (if filled), with review by the Council
Maintain progress, attendance, practicum, and assignment records in concert with Administrator to ensure efficient record keeping for licensure and transcripts
Communicate any change in student status to Administrator
Be onsite for in-person intensives in October (5 days), February (6 days), and July (14 days)
Teach and co-teach in areas of expertise (compensated separately)
Participate in mentoring students (compensated separately)
Qualifications
Experience & Education
– Experience teaching or working in an Early Childhood program of a Waldorf school
– Certificate in Waldorf Early Childhood teacher education
– Ongoing relationship with the profession of teaching
– Experience in adult education
Knowledge & Commitments
– Deep commitment to Anthroposophy
Skills
– Excellent written and oral communication
– Ability to effectively use email, Word, Excel, Zoom, Google Drive (docs and sheets), Google Classroom, and GroupMe
– Strong organizational skills
– General management skills including planning and communication
Personal Attributes
– Recognized as a competent teacher and leader by colleagues
– Work Conditions & Availability
– Ability to meet on Zoom with high-speed internet access and a functional computer
– Availability for meetings during the week, evenings, and occasionally on weekends
– Ability to be onsite for in-person intensives (October, February, July)
– Willingness to travel (all travel and housing costs covered)
Employment Details
Employment Details
Position Type
– Part-time (.32 FTE)
Compensation
.- 32 FTE at 1.0 FTE = $72,000
– Teaching and mentoring are compensated separately from the Program Director role
Contract
– One-year contract offered
– Renewal contingent on positive annual evaluation and sufficient funds in SCC’s budget
Work Schedule
– Flexible work schedule
– Expected to be available for meetings during the week, evenings, and occasionally on weekends
– Works independently from home or personal office
– All travel and housing costs for intensives are covered
Professional Development
– Opportunities for professional development available with board approval
To Apply
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume along with three references to hiring@soundcirclecenter.org.
