Early Childhood Floating Assistant

The Early Childhood Floating Assistant serves as a consistent, nurturing presence across all four Early Childhood classrooms, providing reliable coverage as a permanent substitute. This role supports continuity of care and rhythm when lead or assistant teachers are absent and helps maintain a warm, orderly, and developmentally appropriate environment aligned with Waldorf pedagogy.

This position spans both the morning program and the afternoon rest/nap program, requiring flexibility, initiative, and a deep respect for the young child.

The CWS EC Floating Assistant has the authority to:

• When serving in a classroom, the Floating Assistant assumes the authority of the role they are filling (Lead or Assistant), maintaining the established rhythm, expectations, and tone of the class
• May make in-the-moment decisions necessary to ensure the safety, well‑being, and smooth functioning of the classroom
• Follows existing lesson plans, routines, and guidance provided by the Lead Teacher or Early Childhood Chair.

Boundaries & Limitations:

• Does not introduce new curriculum, discipline approaches, or significant changes to classroom structure
• Defers long‑term behavioral concerns, parent communication, and pedagogical decisions to the Lead Teacher or Early Childhood Coordinator
• Does not participate in formal parent communications unless explicitly requested
• Maintains confidentiality regarding children, families, and faculty
• Works collegially across all classrooms without showing preference or alignment with one class over another
• Balances initiative with respect for each Lead Teacher’s unique classroom style

Areas of Responsibility

• Serve as the primary substitute for lead and assistant teachers across all Early Childhood classrooms
• Step seamlessly into classroom roles, maintaining established rhythms, routines, and expectations
• Communicate promptly with the Early Childhood Chair or School Director regarding coverage gaps when multiple absences occur
• Assist in identifying substitute needs when demand exceeds availability
• Support outreach to approved substitute teachers, as directed (e.g., contacting subs from an established list)
• Help maintain and update substitute contact lists and availability, if requested
• Support circle time, storytelling, artistic activities, outdoor play, and practical work as directed
• Uphold classroom management in a calm, consistent, and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Foster a warm, secure, and nurturing environment for children ages 2.5–6
• Model gentle, respectful behavior and language
• Assist with toileting, hand‑washing, dressing, and meal/snack routines as needed
• Work closely with all Early Childhood faculty to understand classroom expectations and needs
• Communicate effectively with lead teachers and administration regarding classroom coverage
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times
• Assist with classroom setup, cleaning, and daily maintenance
• Support preparation of snacks and care of classroom materials
• Step in where needed to ensure smooth daily operations

• Reports to the School Director
• Participate in regular performance evaluations and feedback sessions.
• Assistant teachers shall complete annually a minimum of 16 hours of training appropriate to the age of children in care.
• Attend faculty meetings, professional development sessions, and school community events.
• Ensure compliance with all school policies and educational standards.
• Work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, faculty, and administration to uphold the mission and vision of the Charlottesville Waldorf School.

Belongs to: Full Faculty, Early Childhood Department

Hired/ Fired/ Evaluated by
:
School Director

• Weekly full faculty and Early Childhood department meetings after school

• Education and Certification:
  • High school diploma; related college‑level course work preferred
  • Waldorf early childhood training certificate, or willingness to develop a plan for study of Waldorf early childhood pedagogy
• Experience:
  • Related work with children, preferably in a classroom setting
  • Study of Waldorf pedagogy and study of anthroposophy
  • Ability to work well under the direction of a Lead Teacher
• Sk…