Early Childhood Assistant Teacher
Opening Statement
Come Join Our Warm and Vibrant Early Childhood Team!
The Waldorf School of Bend is seeking nurturing, dependable, and collaborative Assistant Teachers to support our Early Childhood program for the 2025-2026 school year. We are a close knit community grounded in the beauty of Waldorf education, and we’re excited to welcome new team members who are inspired to support young children through the rhythms of reverence, play, nature, and wonder.
We are currently hiring for the following positions:
- Pre-K Assistant Teacher (3-Day Program) (Ages 3 -5) Mon-Wed 25-27 hours/week
- Full-Time Mixed Kindergarten Assistant Teacher (Ages 3-6) Mon-Fri 35-40 hours/week
- Toddler Program Assistant (Ages 12 months – 36 months) 25-27 hours/week (schedule coordinated with Lead Teacher)
Whether you’re an experienced Waldorf educator or a passionate early childhood professional seeking to grow into Waldorf pedagogy. We welcome applicants who bring warmth, consistency, and a deep love for young children.
About
Why Work With Us?
The Waldorf School of Bend is located in beautiful Central Oregon, where sun, mountains, and rivers surround our work with children. Our Early Childhood program is rooted in reverence, rhythm, creativity, nature connection, and heartfelt care. We are a dedicated and joyful team committed to supporting the whole child. Head, heart, and hands. While honoring the wonder of early childhood.
Essential Job Duties
A Day in the Life
Assistant Teachers at WSB are integral to the classroom experience. Under the daily guidance of our Lead Teachers, assistants:
- Support the daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms of the classroom
- Help guide play, rest, outdoor time, snack, transitions, and clean-up
- Assist in artistic and practical activities such as painting, beeswax modeling, baking, sweeping, and gardening
- Help maintain a beautiful, clean, and nurturing classroom environment
- Provide loving, grounded care during long rest and outdoor play
- Sing transition songs, model reverence, and support joyful engagement
Qualifications
Qualities We’re Looking For
- A genuine love and respect for young children
- A willingness to learn and deepen understanding of Waldorf pedagogy
- A collaborative, grounded, and flexible spirit
- Strong observation skills and ability to support children with calm, confident presence
- Commitment to working rhythmically through reverence, rhythm, repetition, movement, and song.
- Clear communication and strong reliability
Minimum Requirements
We strongly prefer candidates who meet “Teacher Qualified” status under Oregon’s Child Care Licensing Division guidelines. However, we will consider applicants for some of these positions who are Aide II qualified and eager to grow professionally.
Preferred: Teacher-Qualified Applicants (Must be Teacher Qualified for the Full Time Mixed Kindergarten Role) Must Meet One of the Following:
- Option A: At least 750 hours of qualifying teaching experience in a certified child care center (or comparable group care program) with the appropriate age group
- Option B: At least 1,500 hours of qualifying teaching experience in a certified or registered family child care program
- Option C: At least Step 6 on the Oregon Registry, or completion of 9 quarter credits in two Core Knowledge Categories (3 must be in HGD or UGB)
- Option D/E: A state or nationally recognized early childhood credential (e.g., CDA) relevant to the age group, or an Associate’s or higher degree in early childhood education, child development, or related field.
Minimum Consideration: Aide II Requirements
- At least 240 documented hours of experience as an Aide I or Aide II in a certified child care center
- 80 of those hours must be completed at the current place of employment
- 160 hours may be from another certified program
- If working with infants, all 240 hours must be infant-specific
Must complete the following training (can be done upon hire):
- Orientation within 10 days of hire
- Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety (ICCHS)
- Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (RRCAN)
- Safe Sleep training (if working with infants)
- Oregon Food Handler’s Card
- CPR & First Aid with hands-on instruction (within 90 days)
- Foundations for Learning child development training (within 90 days)
Must complete 15 hours of training annually, including:
- 8 hours in child development
- 1 hour in health, safety, and nutrition
Employment Details
Position Details & Pay
Pre-K Assistant Teacher (3-Day Program)
- Mon- Wed 8:00am-4:30pm
- Includes two paid 10 min breaks and a 30 min unpaid lunch break
- 25-27 hours/week
- Supports children ages 3-4
- $20-$22/hour DOE
Full-Time Mixed Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
- Mon- Fri 8:00am-4:30pm (35–40 hours/week based on program needs)
- Includes two paid 10 min breaks and a 30 min unpaid lunch break
- Supports a mixed-age classroom
- Ideal for those seeking steady, year-round work and who are interested in becoming a lead teacher in a Waldorf Classroom.
- $20-$22/hour DOE
Toddler Assistant Teacher
- Mon- Friday 8:00am- 1:30 pm
- Includes two paid 10 min breaks and a 30 min unpaid lunch break
- ~25-30 hours/week (schedule coordinated with Lead Teacher)
- Supports children ages 1-3 in a gentle, nurturing rhythm
- $20-$22/hour DOE
All positions include paid breaks, monthly assistant meetings, in-service days, and participation in school festivals and seasonal community events.
To Apply
Please send a resume and letter of interest to teacherleadership@bendwaldorf.com, and include which position(s) you’re applying for. Share a bit about your experience, what draws you to Waldorf education, and why you love working with young children.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Positions open until filled.
We look forward to hearing from you!
With warmth and light,
The Early Childhood Team
Waldorf School of Bend