Early Childhood Assistant (Varied Positions)
Opening Statement
Richmond Waldorf School is seeking an Early Childhood Assistant (Varied Positions)
The Early Childhood Assistant provides support to the Early Childhood Lead Teacher. This job operates in a professional environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and scanners.
About
About Richmond Waldorf School
Richmond Waldorf School was founded in 1996 with a passion for providing children a holistic education that falls in alignment with their natural human development through hands-on, nature-rich, and play-based experiences. We are dedicated to providing a learning environment that cultivates creative thinking, genuine inquiry, and a love of learning. RWS has grown from a single Kindergarten classroom to a campus that serves almost 200 students from Pre-K through 8th grade. Our specialty program includes Movement Arts, Russian, French, Biking, Music & Strings, Handwork, Woodwork, Visual Arts, and Latin. Richmond Waldorf School is a Candidate School of AWSNA (Association of Waldorf Schools of North America), SAIS (Southern Association of Independent Schools) and is a member of WECAN (Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America). We have a College, Board of Trustees, and Parents Association that help ensure support for the health of the school.
Our school is located on a beautiful, urban campus in the Northside of Richmond, Virginia in close proximity to Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond, and only a few hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains, Washington, DC, and the coastal beaches of Virginia and North Carolina. Richmond is a rapidly growing city with amazing restaurants, a thriving art and music scene, and a plethora of outdoor parks and walking trails. The James River winds its way through the heart of the city, offering four seasons of adventure and beauty.
Essential Job Duties
Essential Functions:
Daily Preparation
–Prepare classroom for the daily activities and rhythm
School Time Functions:
-Prepare and oversee daily activities with children involvement
-Attend to disruptive children and encourage appropriate social interaction
-Supervise and ensure all children are safe and treated fairly by their peers
-Assist children with bodily care needs
-Help children participate in Lead Teacher led activities
-Assist Lead Teacher where needed
-Assume lead role when lead teacher is out of room or absent
After School Functions:
–Washing dishes and straightening toys and cubbies
-Prepare class room for the next day’s activities
-Inventory food items
-Assist lead teacher with aspects of teaching that extend beyond the classroom: sorting artwork, completing crafts, shopping for supplies and various administrative work
Mentorship:
-Work with mentor in ongoing weekly sessions regarding class, children, child development, and planning
Meetings:
-Attend Section and Class meetings as requested by Lead Teacher
Expected Hours of Work (varies based upon available positions):
-Refer to current school calendar for the Academic Year.
-The school work calendar includes two weeks before and two weeks after the close of the academic year, or such time as the school deems necessary. Employee will work normal hours during work weeks, unless otherwise directed by the Lead Teacher.
-Employee will work from 7:30 am – 1:30 pm (3-day and 5-day early childhood programs) or 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm. (Kindergarten “Grove” program) , or as directed by the Lead Teacher. Fulfilling the conditions of employment will sometimes extend beyond regular school hours to include but not be limited to classroom preparation, meetings, school events and festivals. As such, completion of these responsibilities is the standard for meeting or exceeding job requirements. Opportunities for extra hours exist by providing childcare during school events, such as parent education night and parent/teacher meetings. Substitute teaching opportunities are also available within our EC and Grades program.
-Maintains positive relationships with parents and responds to all parent concerns
-Maintains positive, professional relationships with colleagues and responds to all collegial concerns
-Engages in on-going professional and personal growth
-Fulfills other duties, as assigned, relative to the job responsibilities
Competencies:
- Having a quiet presence in the class and when involved in parent work
- Referring parent questions and concerns to lead teacher
- Having a flexible mindset and the ability to receive direct guidance
- Engaging in observational learning and in study
- Having a love of young children and joy in teaching them
- Having patience to help children gain independence
- Displaying good time management without rushing or multi-tasking
- Serving as a “model”, in word and deed, for the children to follow
- Showing consistency in how work is performed
Qualifications
Experience:
Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- CPR certification (training will be provided if needed)
- Previous experience working with children
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
- At least 1-2 years previous classroom experience
- Familiarity with Waldorf education
- Virginia Department of Education Child Care Services certification
- CPR/AED certification
Employment Details
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly rate for this part-time, non-exempt position is $16 to $18 per hour, depending on exact experience and qualifications. This is a 10-month school year position beginning on or around August 15, 2025.
To Apply
To Apply
Interested applicants should complete the application and submit their resume and cover letter. Priority consideration will be given to candidates that apply by April 30th; the position will remain open until filled.
Apply here: https://richmondwaldorf.com/employment/