Assistant Preschool Teacher (Waldorf-Inspired, Nature based)

Assistant Preschool Teacher (Waldorf-Inspired, Nature based)

Woodhaven School – Portland, OR

Woodhaven School is seeking a creative, nurturing Assistant Preschool Teacher to join our Waldorf-inspired cooperative preschool community for the 2026–2027 school year .

For over 30 years, Woodhaven has provided a warm, nature-centered early childhood program in Portland’s West Hills. Our school is located on a beautiful forested campus , and much of the school day takes place outdoors as children explore, imagine, and learn through play.

Our program is inspired by Waldorf early childhood principles , emphasizing rhythm, storytelling, artistic expression, and a deep connection with nature. We believe that play is the work of early childhood and that imagination, creativity, and meaningful relationships form the foundation for lifelong learning.

Woodhaven operates as a parent cooperative preschool , meaning teachers work in close partnership with families who participate in the classroom and help support the school community.

Position Details

Position: Assistant Preschool Teacher

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm (approx. 28–32 hours/week)

(Optional) Parent & Child class: one afternoon per week, 2:00–4:00 pm

School Year: Mid-August through May

Location: Portland, Oregon (West Hills)

Benefits include:

• Paid time off
• Reimbursement for required certifications
• Wellness stipend
• Clothing/uniform stipend

Please note: this position does not include medical or retirement benefits.

Our Classroom Environment

Woodhaven provides a gentle, imaginative learning environment where children engage in:

• Daily outdoor exploration in a wooded setting
• Storytelling, puppetry, songs, and circle games
• Artistic work such as painting, handcrafts, and seasonal crafts
• Open-ended play with natural materials
• Cooking and preparing wholesome snacks together
• Seasonal festivals and community traditions

Teachers guide children with warmth, patience, and gentle redirection , supporting social development and cooperation.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Teacher in facilitating preschool and parent-child classes
• Lead classes in cases when the Lead Teacher is absent
• Assist Lead Teacher in preparing classroom before children arrive
• Participate in circle songs, movement, stories and artistic crafts
• Assist the children in conflict resolution
• Make and serve wholesome snacks
• Ensure child safety inside and outside the classroom
• Lead additional activities with the children with direction from Lead Teacher
• Assist in cleaning up outdoor and indoor classrooms after class
• Review each class day with Lead Teacher and plan for the next school day
• Provide feedback on behaviors or issues that arise and plan for solutions
• Assist Lead Teacher in craft and curriculum development
• Work closely with co-op families to facilitate administration of school
• Assist with one week of summer camp in August
• Attend all school field trips, meetings, festivals, events and parent-teacher conferences (some during evening/weekend hours)

Qualifications

• Experience working with young children (preschool or early childhood environment preferred)
• High school diploma or GED; early childhood education/training preferred
• Cooperative preschool experience preferred, able to work closely with parents who teach and administer the school
• Knowledge in Waldorf education, the creative arts and environmental education
• Passionate about nature and its importance in healthy child development
• Comfortable and confident spending the school day outside, regardless of weather
• Warm, patient, and collaborative approach with children and families

Required before starting:

• Oregon Central Background Registry enrollment
• Federal background check
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Oregon Food Handler certification

About Woodhaven School

Woodhaven School is a parent-run cooperative preschool and member of the Parent Child Preschools Organization. Our mission is to nurture the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—while fostering compassion, creativity, environmental stewardship, and a lifelong love of learning.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and brief letter of interest to:

View email address on jobs.waldorftoday.com