Early Childhood Assistant

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 technology-free, play-based, nature-rich approach to early learning.

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.

Essential Job Duties

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

Salary and Benefits

• $20-22 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 or Aftercare
• Training in WSD’s EC practices, safety procedures, and campus protocols provided
• Tuition remission for direct dependents

About our School

The Waldorf School of DuPage (WSD) is committed to awakening the intellect, imagination, and determination of every child, leading to a life-long love of learning. Within a protective and nurturing environment, teachers and parents work together to build a community where each student's confidence, sense of responsibility, and self-reliance unfolds.

WSD is a WECAN and AWSNA associate member school, tucked away on five acres of wooded land in the suburbs of Warrenville, IL. Founded 31 years ago, the school remains rooted in anthroposophy and dedicated to nurturing the whole child by engaging a team of seasoned educators who collaborate closely to deliver thoughtful, well-rounded lessons that cultivate the intellectual, artistic, and social capacities of a diverse student body.

As we look to the future, WSD is deepening its commitment to creating lasting form in support of a thriving school community. Our current work focuses on refining policy and protocol, strengthening student support and assessment, and cultivating collaborative partnerships with parents. We welcome teachers who bring both heart and professionalism, those who see the creation of clear, supportive structures as an expression of care for the children, the faculty, and the school as a whole.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]