[Priority Listing] Preschool Lead Teacher & Director 2026-2027

It is an exciting time at the Santa Cruz Waldorf School (SCWS). We look forward to the opportunities that the academic year 2026 / 2027 will bring. With a commitment to diversity, growth, enhanced programs, a campus renewal plan, and a solid strategic plan, we can’t help but feel enthusiastic about what the years ahead hold for our school.

We are seeking a Preschool Lead Teacher who will also serve as the Director of our Preschool Program. The Lead Teacher will join our dedicated faculty at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year.

The program serves children primarily ages 3-5, offering a wealth of outdoor immersion and daily movement, work, and artistic activities. Children attend class Monday through Friday, for either our half-day program ending at 12:45 pm or our full-day program ending at 3 pm.

The Lead Teacher/Director will have a part-time assistant and will be responsible for :

• Planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate program that meets the needs of the children and families while maintaining continuity with SCWS Early Childhood Programs. These include, but are not limited to, preparing practical and artistic classroom activities, healthy meals, and playtime indoors and out. You will lead seasonal songs, stories, and puppetry. You will engage with parents and foster healthy parent relations.
• Provide a safe, loving, nurturing environment for children.
• Ensuring that the PK program is in compliance with California Child Care Licensing regulations .
• Attending department, faculty, and committee meetings, festival work within the school, and parent education. 
• Participate in enrollment events and conduct interviews with new applicants. 
• Conduct Parent/teacher conferences during the Fall and Spring semester, and facilitate between 3-4 class meetings a year. 
• Maintain complete and accurate child files, forms, and reports within allotted timelines.
• File an End of Year class report by July 1st of each academic year. 

Qualifications: 

• Candidates must meet the California Community Care Licensing requirements for a fully qualified teacher - At least 12 ECE/CD units, which include Child Development; Child, Family, & Community; and ECE Program and Curriculum, and a minimum of (3) units in administration or staff relations, and/or possess a Child Development Program Director Permit. Education requirements are not negotiable. 
• Have a minimum of 4 years of teaching experience in a supervised group childcare setting.
• Our ideal candidate will have completed Waldorf or Lifeways Early Childhood training and have experience as a Lead or co-teacher in a Preschool setting. 
• We would also love to find a candidate who could envision themselves making a long-term commitment to the school and energetically embracing the building and expansion of the preschool program.

About our school and community:

Inclusivity and diversity are core values at SCWS, and we celebrate them. We are committed to the active practice of diversity, equity, and inclusivity principles in our curriculum, enrollment, community, and festival life. 

SCWS occupies a rural, forested campus in the Santa Cruz mountains and serves 160 students from preschool to 8th grade. SCWS honors students’ individual development and capacities and nurtures a love of learning through our rich, AWSNA-accredited curriculum, inspired by Rudolf Steiner. Our community, led by creative Waldorf-trained teachers, encourages the protection of childhood and respect for all life.

A bit more than one hour south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz is located at the northern end of Monterey Bay. It is known for its moderate climate, natural environment, coastline, redwood forests, and the presence of the University of California. Approximately 65,000 residents enjoy an active, progressive, and engaged community that maintains a small-town style.

The salary for this position is $76,530. Additionally, the school contributes 81% to the health benefits for the employee and their eligible family members, and full tuition remission for full-time employees’ children enrolled at SCWS. A comprehensive position description and information for this full-time salaried position are available upon request. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to

  View email address on jobs.waldorftoday.com  

SCWS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in admissions, hiring, or employment practices based on race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, or other statuses protected by law. Diverse candidates and those underrepresented in our community are encouraged to apply.