Nursery Assistant Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

• Core hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–3:45 PM
• Flexibility to accommodate monthly staff meetings, festivals, parent evenings, and family communication needs
• Subject to background check and school policies

Rainbow Gardens is a Waldorf inspired early childhood program for ages 2-6 located in the historic school house in Northfield, VT. We are seeking an Assistant Teacher in the Nursery Program to support the Lead Teacher in providing a nurturing and enriching environment for children aged 2-3 years.

A successful Assistant Teacher is a warm, attentive team player with strong observation skills — able to identify and respond to the individual needs of children in the classroom. The ideal candidate communicates effectively with the Lead Teacher and other staff members, works collaboratively to support a cohesive classroom environment, and brings genuine care and consistency to daily routines with young children.

Primary Responsibilities:

Classroom Support & Activities

• Assist the lead teacher in implementing Waldorf-inspired activities.
• Help maintain a nurturing environment with loving boundaries
• Support children in their daily routines, including mealtime and rest time.
• Help maintain a clean and organized classroom environment.

Family & Team Relationships

• Foster positive relationships with the children and their families.
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and other staff members to ensure the well-being of the children.

Required:

• Strong observation skills to identify and respond to the individual needs of children in the classroom.
• Team player with effective communication skills to work collaboratively with the lead teacher and other staff members.

Physical:

• Able to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods
• Able to move up and down a set of stairs several times throughout the day
• Able to lift and carry materials up to 25 lbs

• Prior experience working with 2-3 year-olds or young children in a daycare or early childhood setting.
• Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Familiarity with and/or interest in Waldorf education.

• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development
• Paid Time Off: 7 paid holidays and 1 week PTO (school breaks are unpaid)
• Professional Development: Up to 15 hours annually of paid professional development
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan eligibility