Early Childhood Lead Teacher; Buttercup & Fairy Blossom Lead Teacher

Shining Mountain Waldorf School is located in beautiful Boulder, Colorado at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains providing a stunning natural backdrop for learning and community. It's a pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade school offering a comprehensive Waldorf education.

Shining Mountain Waldorf will be expanding its Early Childhood classrooms, and its building, for the  school year and is seeking a warm, joyful, and experienced Early Childhood educator to serve in a combined role as Lead Teacher in both our Buttercup Preschool classroom and our Fairy Blossom parent-child program.

This position includes three days per week leading a mixed-age preschool classroom (ages 2½–4) and two days per week leading Fairy Blossom parent-child classes (ages 6 months–3 years with caregivers).

In the Buttercup classroom, the Lead Teacher creates a nurturing, play-based Waldorf environment grounded in rhythm, imagination, and connection to the natural world. In Fairy Blossom, the teacher guides caregivers and young children in a peaceful, home-like setting, offering both experiential activities and parent education rooted in Waldorf principles.

As our program evolves, this role may grow into a four- or five-day preschool teaching position
, depending on enrollment and program needs.

• Develop and implement a developmentally appropriate Waldorf early childhood curriculum that nurtures all domains of child development
• Create a warm, rhythmic classroom environment through storytelling, circle, imaginative play, seasonal activities, and outdoor experiences
• Provide responsive care, supporting each child’s individual developmental needs
• Guide children in self-care (toileting, dressing, social development)
• Maintain a beautiful, orderly, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment
• Work collaboratively with the Early Childhood Assistant, providing clear communication and leadership
• Plan and facilitate parent conferences, parent evenings, and ongoing communication with families
• Support smooth transitions for children and families entering the program
• Coordinate daily classroom setup, materials, snack preparation, and outdoor activities
• Participate in ECE sectionals, Plenum, in-service days, and school events
• Ensure compliance with Colorado licensing regulations and school policies
• Foster a strong, connected classroom community

• Create a warm, home-like, and rhythmical environment for parents/caregivers and young children
• Lead weekly sessions which may include free play, circle time, songs, games, fingerplays, puppet plays, snack, and outdoor time
• Prepare and guide simple handwork activities for adults
• Offer parent education through teacher-led discussions and curated readings on Waldorf child development and parenting
• Hold space for respectful, non-judgmental conversation among caregivers
• Prepare and serve simple snacks with participation from families
• Maintain the classroom environment and materials

• Participate in admissions events, including tours and open houses as needed
• Collaborate with colleagues to support the broader Early Childhood program
• Maintain confidentiality in all student and family matters
• Support school festivals, events, and community life
• Carry out additional duties aligned with the spirit and scope of the role

• Bachelor’s Degree (required)
• Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Training Certificate (or currently enrolled)
• Experience teaching in Waldorf Early Childhood settings
• Meets all Colorado ECE licensing requirements (ECT qualification, CPR/First Aid, background check, PDIS registration, etc.)
• Strong commitment to Waldorf education and child development
• Demonstrates integrity, warmth, and a capacity to be worthy of imitation

• Buttercup Classroom, Early Childhood playground, and surrounding outdoor spaces
• Fairy Blossom classroom and campus grounds
• Strong emphasis on outdoor play and nature-based experiences

• Three days per week: Buttercup Preschool Lead Teacher
• Two days per week: Fairy Blossom Lead Teacher
• Schedule may evolve over time into a four- or five-day preschool teaching role
  , depending on program needs

SMWS offers a trained teaching base salary for the  school year of $56,406. with additional consideration for years of experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Long‑term disability and life insurance
• 401(k) plan
• HSA/Flexible spending accounts
• Tuition remission for enrolled children
• Professional development opportunities
• Faculty are paid monthly under annual agreements (July–June).

• Ability to engage actively with young children, including sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and lifting
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 40 pounds in an emergency, but remove