Beginning: August 2025
Open until filled.

2025/26 EC Assistant Teacher position description- Full-time and Part-time

Are you inspired by the wonder of early childhood and the beauty of learning through rhythm, nature, and care? The Ithaca Waldorf School is seeking a kind, dedicated, and collaborative Early Childhood Assistant Teacher to join our nurturing early childhood program for the 2025-26 school year.

In this role, you’ll work closely with a Lead Teacher to support children ages 3–6 in a warm, safe, and developmentally supportive environment. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who brings warmth, presence, and a love for young children—and who is eager to grow in the art of Waldorf Early Childhood education.

We welcome individuals who are:

• Warm, open, and grounded in their presence

• Collaborative, adaptable, and joyful in their work with both children and colleagues

• Interested in or experienced with Waldorf education and early childhood development

• Comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments in all seasons

• Willing to engage in ongoing learning and self-development

Key Responsibilities

• Support the daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms of classroom life

• Foster a nurturing and peaceful classroom environment

• Attend to the physical, emotional, and social needs of children

• Supervise children during free play (indoors and outdoors), transitions, mealtimes, bathroom routines, and rest time

• Help with preparation and care of classroom materials and the physical space

• Assist with weekly snack preparation and tracking supplies

• Support seasonal crafts and practical activities

• Participate in circle time, learning and sharing seasonal songs, poems, and stories

• Commit to your own continued growth through Waldorf and early childhood education learning opportunities

At IWS, you’ll be part of a warm, intentional community that values childhood, nature, and the deeper purpose of education. Our beautiful 80-acre campus—including farm, field, and forest—is a living classroom where children learn through movement, imagination, and connection.

You’ll work alongside experienced educators who care deeply about the well-being of each child and who bring reverence, joy, and mindfulness to their teaching.

Hours and Meetings:

• Full-time hours are 8:00 am–3:15 pm, Monday through Friday, on school days, with 2–3 monthly meetings as part of our collaborative school community.

• Part-time hours are 11 am - 3:15 pm, Monday through Friday or just Tuesday through Thursday on school days with about 1 - 2 monthly meetings.

The EC Assistant Teacher is expected to attend certain Early Childhood events throughout the year, team meetings, professional development days, and monthly all-faculty meetings. Attendance at these meetings helps the Assistant become an integrated member of the faculty and community. The meetings also help provide a shared plan for our work together and with the children.

Benefits include:

• Colleagueship with a dynamic Faculty during an exciting time of school expansion

• Paid school holidays and break

• Health benefits, including vision and dental plans

• Retirement plan

• Tuition remission

• Professional development opportunities

  
  Applicants should email a letter of interest, resume, and three references to the IWS Hiring Committee, office@ithacawaldorf.org .

Starting Salary for full-time position: $30,900- commensurate with experience up to $35,000

The Ithaca Waldorf School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or handicapping conditions in its educational programs or employment. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment that is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position or program to which application has been made.