Lead Infant and Toddler Early Childhood Educator

Job Summary

Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a warm, intentional, and developmentally appropriate environment for infants and toddlers (ages 0–3) in a Waldorf-inspired, nature-based program. This role emphasizes slow rhythms, outdoor play, creative expression, and collaborative teaching. The Lead Teacher will partner with co‑teachers, families, and the broader community to foster each child’s growth and curiosity. This Lead Teacher position is a 32‑hour per week role, providing consistent time for building relationships with children, families, and the classroom community.

1. Curriculum & Program Planning

• Develop and implement age‑appropriate, Waldorf‑inspired lesson plans and daily rhythms for infants and toddlers.
• Incorporate music, storytelling, handwork, art, and seasonal activities.
• Plan and facilitate celebrations, festivals, and special classroom events.
• Support children’s exploration of the natural environment, including gardens, pollinator habitats, and outdoor play areas.

2. Classroom Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead a mixed‑age cohort of infants and toddlers, ensuring each child’s social, emotional, and cognitive needs are met.
• Collaborate daily with co‑teachers and program staff on planning, classroom management, and problem‑solving.
• Maintain a calm, creative, and collaborative presence in the classroom.
• Support team culture through daily check‑ins and ongoing communication.

3. Childcare & Developmental Support

• Provide attentive, nurturing care tailored to individual developmental stages.
• Lift and carry children safely up to 40 pounds; engage at child height (kneeling, crouching, sitting) for activities.
• Observe, document, and track each child’s progress; communicate observations to families and staff.
• Assist with toileting, feeding, and sleep routines as needed, maintaining consistency and warmth.

4. Family Communication & Partnership

• Maintain daily communication with families regarding their child’s experiences, milestones, and wellbeing.
• Collaborate with families to support children’s growth, learning, and transitions.
• Participate in parent–teacher conferences, community events, and classroom celebrations.

5. Classroom Environment & Safety

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment, including materials and play spaces.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including closed‑door check‑in/out procedures.
• Promote a nut‑free, allergy‑conscious classroom.

6. Professional Development & Community Engagement

• Engage in ongoing professional learning related to infant/toddler development, Waldorf pedagogy, and early childhood best practices.
• Foster community connections, such as partnerships with local farms (e.g., Seed to Table), nature programs, and arts organizations.

• Degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a related field OR O Level 7 (Teacher Qualified). Waldorf Early Childhood training preferred.
• Experience working with infants and toddlers in educational settings.
• Experience with Waldorf education, either as a parent, alum, or teacher, is highly valued.
• Calm, creative, and collaborative presence with strong interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to outdoor play, seasonal exploration, and hands‑on learning.

• Lift and carry children up to 40 lbs safely and regularly.
• Kneel, crouch, and sit at child height for extended periods.
• Move quickly and comfortably indoors and outdoors in all seasons.

Compensation & Benefits

• 10 paid federal holidays
• Paid sick leave with 40 hours front loaded after 90 days
• Paid birthday benefit
• Employer‑paid health insurance at 50% (Pacific Source Bronze or Bronze HSA plan) or $250 child care stipend
• 50% tuition remission
• 12 In Service Days for Professional Development, Planning and Classroom Prep per year
• Daily 10‑minute grounding check‑ins
• + 32 hours paid Spring Break
• 8 hours paid day after Thanksgiving
• + 64 hours paid Winter Break
• $500 annual PD fund may be applied to conferences, travel, and training costs

After 1 year:

• 401k with 5% employer match

$100 Christmas bonus after one year

To Apply

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