Early Childhood Kindergarten Program Assistant

 Early Childhood Kindergarten Program Assistant

Program Description:

Early Childhood programs within the Waldorf School of Pittsburgh include: Little Friends, Morning Garden, Nursery and Kindergarten.

Overview of Position:

Assistant Teachers work collaboratively with Lead Teachers and other members of the Early Childhood Faculty/ Staff to help maintain the integrity and quality of WSP Early Childhood Programs.  Ideally, a Program assistant will have training and/or experience in Waldorf education, as well as experience and/or training in working with young children. Musical and artistic abilities, kindness, warmth, patience, energy, and a genuine dedication to Waldorf education are assets for this position. Teachers will be working with children ranging from age 3 to age 6. 

Applicants must be committed to equity and diversity and willing to contribute to an inclusive working and learning environment, as well as be committed to self-development and excellence in teaching, collaboration and professionalism among colleagues, devotion to a nurturing and loving classroom environment, and responsibility to families and the greater community.

Responsibilities:  

Early Childhood Program Assistant Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

I.    Parent Responsibilities

1. Support Lead Teacher in developing parent/ teacher relationships

II.   Student/Children Responsibilities

1. Assisting the Lead Teacher in preparing the classroom before students arrive each morning

2. Participating in, and fully supporting the Lead Teacher, throughout all of the morning’s activities

3. Cleaning and caring for the classroom and its contents

4. Assisting with discipline as needed, and as directed by the Lead Teacher

5. Helping with daily snack preparation

6. Working outdoors with children in all weather conditions and seasons

7. Assisting/ leading age-appropriate crafts and handwork projects

8. Modeling behavior worth of imitation

9. Leading the class in the event of the Lead Teacher’s absence

10. Position requires lifting of objects/children, especially within emergency situations (i.e. emergency evacuations, injury, etc.)

III. Staff Responsibilities

       a. Developing colleagueship with fellow teachers and staff

      b. Assisting in maintaining order and cleanliness in shared work spaces

      c. Familiarizing and/or deepening an understanding of Anthroposophy

IV. Administrative Responsibilities

      a.   Ensure one’s own timesheet is complete, accurate, and signed by Lead Teacher

1. Maintains that all clearances and paperwork is complete and up to date

2. Adherence to school procedures and policies, as described in the Faculty/ Staff Handbook

 

Qualifications:

1. Assistants must have a genuine interest in Waldorf Education and Pedagogy.

2. B.A. in Education or related fields is preferred.

3. Experience in working with young children.

4. Must be knowledgeable of physical, social, developmental and the emotional needs of children.

5. Completed and updated Act 33, 34 and FBI Clearances, NSOR.  Pennsylvania mandated reporter training must be completed within 90 days of hire. 

6. For Little Friends, Nursery, and Morning Garden Programs: Health and Safety Training and Pediatric CPR/First Aid training must be completed within 90 days of hire

 

Hours and Days in School:

1. Arrive by 8:00 am or 15 minutes before program begins and until program dismissal duties are complete on all regular school days (3:00 to 3:15).

 

Benefits:

• Starting pay for assistants is $16.50/hour. Yearly raises for all returning assistants 

• 30% tuition remission available (except in Little Friends) for hourly employees with students attending WSP

• Paid snow and delay days (for inclement weather)

 

Accepting applications until positions are filled. Application materials must include the following items:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• 3 written letters of recommendation 

• 3 references (for contacting)

 

To apply, send applications materials to:

Waldorf School of Pittsburgh

Attn: Little Friends

201 S. Winebiddle St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Or via email at employment@waldorfpittsburgh.org

 

It is encouraged that you please read about the Waldorf philosophy and education at www.whywaldorfworks.org, before applying. Please, no phone inquiries.

The Waldorf School of Pittsburgh is accepting applications for a Grade One Class Teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Established in 1993, we are a mature Waldorf school serving about 200 students each year, committed to equity, and looking to diversify our staff.

Our mission is to foster each child’s capacity to become an independent thinking, compassionate, courageous, and purposeful human being.

WSP offers a child care program, parent child program, Nursery and Kindergarten classes and 1st through 8th grade classes. We are a Member of WECAN and accredited through AWSNA. We have a cohesive, strong faculty and administration, an active parent body, and a supportive Board of Trustees.

Ideal candidates have either completed or are in the process of completing their Waldorf teacher certification, hold a Pennsylvania teaching certificate, have experience leading a classroom, and hold a Bachelor’s degree. Applicants must be committed to equity and diversity and willing to contribute to an inclusive working and learning environment, as well as be committed to self-development and excellence in teaching, collaboration and professionalism among colleagues, devotion to a nurturing and loving classroom environment, and responsibility to families and the greater community.

Salary range is competitive and depends on experience. We offer extensive financial support for professional development and tuition remission to full-time faculty, as well as benefits. To apply, please send the following to employment@waldorfpittsburgh.org:

• resume
  
• cover letter
  
• a one to two page biography describing your interest in this position
  
• three references