Parent-Child Class Teacher

The Housatonic Valley Waldorf School is seeking a Parent-Child Class Teacher to develop and present Parent-Child curriculum, which includes providing a morning rhythm based on Waldorf traditions for parents with their children ages birth to 3 years old. The Parent-Child Class Teacher works to support the community and the mission of the school.

Time Commitment:
Lead 4-5 eight-week sessions in the Fall, Winter and Spring. Each class runs from 9-11am.

HVWS is a Pre-K through Eighth Grade school, with three Early Childhood classes, Parent-Child classes, and an active Summer Camp. Specialty classes for First through Eighth Grades include Spanish, Handwork, Eurythmy, Music and Strings. Our Educational Support Group offers therapeutic services to children as needed. After-School Enrichment activities can include woodwork, painting, circus arts and other classes. The school has a peaceful and joyful atmosphere, with professionally Lazure-painted classrooms and spacious playgrounds.

Our vibrant and warm community sponsors Anthroposophical study groups, fairs, festivals, handwork groups, and parenting workshops.

HVWS was founded in 1989 and is accredited by AWSNA, NCPSA, WECAN, and CAIS. We are more than 35 years old and entering an exciting phase of our growth and development, with a collaborative faculty and a strong, supportive Board of Trustees.

HVWS is part of the Newtown community in the Housatonic River Valley, which is rich in history. With some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Northeast, there are many forests, nature preserves, farms, lakes and rivers for our students to explore and enjoy. We’re close to New York City and the Berkshire Mountains with sophisticated cultural environments, as well as Anthroposophical communities in Spring Valley, NY;
Harlemville, NY; and Great Barrington, MA.

• Create a simple, wholesome play space where parent and child can feel free to play.
• Bring a simple age-appropriate circle with finger plays, movement, songs, and short, simple hand puppet plays
• Prepare handwork activities for the parents.
• Bring seasonal songs to sing softly during playtime to help support a gentle atmosphere.
• Help parents to feel supported, welcome and comfortable. Be aware of all parents and children in the room and see where you are most needed.
• Hand out parenting and/or Waldorf Education articles for parents each week that can be discussed the following week.

• Knowledge of and a deep commitment to Waldorf principles;
• Love of working with children and their parents;
• Prior experience with young children and the ability to teach an Early Childhood group;
• Enthusiasm, energy, and good interpersonal/communication skills;
• The willingness to cultivate effective parent teacher communication and parent education;
• The ability to participate in our active community life.