Job Description

Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Waldorf School of DuPage – Warrenville, IL
Part-time Position (School-year)

The Waldorf School of DuPage (WSD) is seeking a gentle, grounded, and reliable Early Childhood Assistant to support our mixed-age preschool and kindergarten programs. This role is ideal for someone who feels called to work with young children, values predictable rhythm and nurturing environments, and appreciates a play-based, nature-rich approach to early learning.

About Our School

The Waldorf School of DuPage serves children from Early Childhood through Grade 8, offering a developmentally informed, arts-integrated education that supports the head, heart, and hands. Our early childhood programs emphasize warmth, rhythm, imagination, outdoor exploration, and social-emotional development—supported through consistent modeling, a reverence for the young child, and a calm, orderly environment.

Our EC faculty is committed to strengthening communication, consistent routines, safety practices, and teamwork across classrooms. We welcome colleagues who bring steadiness, initiative, and a collaborative spirit to this important work.

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Assistant works alongside the Lead Teacher to support a healthy classroom rhythm, guide children with warmth and clarity, and help maintain a safe and nurturing environment. Responsibilities include supporting the daily flow of activities, modeling purposeful work, caring for the physical space, and contributing to outdoor play, transitions, and mealtimes.

Assistants help embody the qualities central to Waldorf early childhood education: presence, patience, gentleness, consistency, and thoughtful observation of the child.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Lead Teacher in maintaining daily and weekly classroom rhythms
• Offer conscious, warm guidance to children through imitation, modeling, and gentle redirection
• Supervise children during play, outdoor time, transitions, rest, and meals
• Assist with preparation of classroom materials, snacks, and seasonal crafts
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and aesthetically pleasing classroom environment
• Uphold safety procedures, including outdoor supervision in all weather
• Communicate observations, concerns, or needs to the Lead Teacher and Administrator
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, or check-ins as requested
• Support consistency in routines, expectations, and the emotional tone of the classroom

Qualifications

Required:

• Genuine love and respect for young children
• Experience working with children ages 2.5–6 (childcare, preschool, nannying, camps, etc.)
• Ability to model calm presence, clear boundaries, and nurturing guidance
• Comfort spending significant time outdoors in all seasons
• Ability to lift/carry up to 40 lbs, manage physical tasks, and engage in floor-level play
• Successful completion of required Illinois background checks and health requirements

Preferred but not required:

• Experience in Waldorf early childhood environments
• Interest in or commitment to Waldorf EC training
• Coursework in early childhood education, child development, or related fields
• Familiarity with supporting children through transitions, social conflicts, and sensory needs
• Strong communication skills and willingness to learn through observation and mentoring

Compensation & Schedule

• Hourly pay based on experience and training
• Part-time schedule during the school year (exact hours determined by classroom assignment)
• Opportunities for additional substitute hours in Early Childhood and Grades
• Training in WSD’s EC practices, safety procedures, and campus protocols provided

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A brief cover letter describing your interest and experience with young children
• A current resume
• Two references familiar with your work with children

Send materials to: administrator@waldorfdupage.org
Subject line: Early Childhood Assistant – [Your Name]

Pay: $20.00 - $22.22 per hour

Expected hours: 25.0 – 30.0 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Part time, Seasonal work,

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