Preschool Associate Teacher

About the Position

The Waverly School seeks a full-time preschool associate teacher for the 2026‑2027 academic year. The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in working with preschool students aged 3 ½ to 5 ½ and with a diverse range of learners and families. This position requires demonstrated excellence in collaboration; the candidate must be able to partner with specialists and learning support educators and skillfully engage parents to help them understand their children’s developmental experiences.

A sense of humor and a willingness to bring joy to learning for preschool students are essential. Prior experience in progressive schools or willingness to pursue professional development in a progressive environment is required. Previous experience developing preschool curriculum is required, and knowledge of Responsive Classroom is ideal.

• Work with the preschool director and lead teacher to educate and support students as guided by The Waverly School’s mission and philosophy.
• Show confidence and readiness to offer conflict resolution aligned with the school mission.
• Use Responsive Classroom techniques to assist the lead teacher in creating a consistent, caring classroom environment.
• Lead and teach small groups in math, language arts, and science.
• Support children on the playground.
• Follow the schedule created by the Head of Elementary School.
• Provide supervision during school‑day hours and after‑school hours according to a preset schedule.
• Show flexibility for daily changes in the school environment.
• Support lead teachers with semester reports: write drafts, read, and suggest improvements.
• Participate in parent/teacher conferences.
• Collaborate with grade‑level, grade‑proximal teachers, specialists, and learning support educators.
• Collaborate with and support the Preschool Director and other lead teachers in their growth.
• Act as chaperone for experiential learning opportunities (e.g., local field trips).
• Manage the developmental needs of preschool children during meal periods, bathroom breaks, play time, and rest time.
• Act as lead teacher when the lead teacher is absent.
• Attend and participate in weekly faculty meetings, workshops, in‑service opportunities, and other training seminars.
• Work in‑person on campus during school hours.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Director of Elementary School or Head of School.

• Excellent knowledge of child development and current pedagogy through professional development and formal learning experiences.
• Strong commitment to antiracist and inclusive practices that support students of all backgrounds.

• Demonstrate enthusiasm for preschool‑aged children.
• Supervise children in the classroom and on the playground in a manner consistent with Title 22 health and safety regulations.
• Attend all staff meetings and in‑service/licensing training programs as requested.
• Be able to self‑reflect and demonstrate personal growth.
• Plan, manage, and evaluate curriculum.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills with adults and children.
• Collaborate and communicate with teachers, staff, parents, and students positively.
• Be proficient in Google/Microsoft Office or related software for record‑keeping and documentation.
• Be confident with remote learning platforms such as Zoom and Google Classroom.

• 12 ECE/CD units and 6 units in the school‑age core area.
• A bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree in early childhood education (California teaching credential a plus).
• A minimum of three (3) years teaching experience at an independent school.
• Preference for experience teaching in a progressive school environment and a demonstrated understanding of progressive educational philosophy.
• Responsive Classroom training or willingness to train.
• Preference for candidates with working knowledge or fluency in Spanish or Mandarin.

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking in classrooms.
• Occasionally lift 15–45 pounds.
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking across campus.
• Regularly move up and down stairs.
• Regularly sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, bending, kneeling, or…