Early Childhood Afternoon Assistant
Opening Statement
Seattle Waldorf School is seeking an experienced, engaging, and compassionate educator to be a part of our early childhood program. We are looking for someone who can work effectively as part of a team and independently. We need a classroom assistant who wants to learn best practices in teaching, who is interested in collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches, and who is passionate about caring for young children. We are looking for staff and faculty who share our belief that a culturally rich and inclusive school community provides students with the best possible environment for a quality education.
About
Who We Are:
At Seattle Waldorf School, students become creative problem-solvers—imaginative thinkers who journey toward intellectual excellence, human compassion, and artistic skill. Our modern curriculum is rooted in tradition—for children 18 months to 14 years. We lead students on a joyful journey that fosters critical thinking, synthesis, and creativity. At Seattle Waldorf School we are committed to creating a community that is inclusive for all faculty, staff, families and students, especially those who have been impacted by racism and oppression, and to create a culture that supports racial equity by changing our existing systems and practices.
Our Mission: Daily we strive to inspire learning, courage, and joy in the developing human being.
Essential Job Duties
Job Summary: Provides respectful care for children while working under the direction of a lead teacher and in collaboration with a team of assistant teachers.
Specific Responsibilities:
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Cares for Kindergarten children (ages 4 – 6 years old) in the classroom 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and 12:00-5:30 Wednesdays when school is in session
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Develops a classroom environment that is welcoming to all, nurturing and takes into the consideration the needs of every child and family individually
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Creates an atmosphere conducive to rest during daily nap time
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Researches, implements and discusses with morning and afternoon teachers classroom management strategies
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Leads afternoon programming in collaboration with classroom teachers
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Responsible for assisting children with toileting, when applicable
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Observes and communicates student behaviors to class teachers and Early Childhood Pedagogical Chair
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Reports all concerns to Early Childhood Pedagogical Chair
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Meets weekly with team of class teachers
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Attends monthly Early Childhood Faculty meetings and College Meetings
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Models a culture of flexible, continuous learning for students
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Establishes and cultivates community relations by maintaining open and candid dialogue with all of the school’s constituencies
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Complies and is familiar with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
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Engages vigorously in professional development through teacher in-services, Preview Days, Review Days, and conferences as determined in conversation with the Early Childhood Pedagogical Chair
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Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities since safety and security are everyone’s responsibility
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Responsible for the sign-out system and training the parents to use it accordingly
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Maintains professional relationships with all involved parties
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Responsible for cleaning daily
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Recommends maintenance and repairs relevant to indoor and outdoor classroom spaces, as needed
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Performs other duties as assigned
Employment Details
Preferred Education & Experience:
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Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college or university
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Experience teaching in a classroom environment required
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Experience in a Waldorf school
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Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion required
*Candidates who do not have the required degree/certificate may be considered with a commitment to complete them within a specified length of time from start of employment.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
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Commitment to excellence in teaching, parent education and dialogue, self-development, and collegial cooperation
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Strong organizational skills
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills
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Ability to work in a hands-on team environment
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Possessing a level of cultural competency necessary for working with a diverse population in an inclusive and equitable community
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We have a diverse student body, and we want all our teachers to have the skills necessary to ensure that their classrooms are safe, inclusive places for everyone
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We seek a teacher who is aware of the racial, socio-economic, gender, and other inequities present in education, and actively works to eliminate these in the classroom
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Ability to work efficiently in a Microsoft Windows or Mac environment using Office, Google Suite, common automated systems for record keeping, and confidently learn new technology
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Ability to maintain confidential information
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Ability to work and communicate well with all levels of faculty and staff
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Ability to work and communicate well with students and their parents
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Flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor
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Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
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Ability to work outside in all weather
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Ability to climb stairs
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Ability to travel locally (field trips)
To Apply
Hourly Rate of Pay: $28.50 per hour
Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued for every 40 hours worked
To Apply: Interested candidates should submit application on the school website: SWS Careers
Thank you for your interest in Seattle Waldorf School and this position. Position open until filled. No phone calls or drop-ins please. www.seattlewaldorf.org