Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Job Responsibilities

CLASSROOM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement developmentally appropriate activities and practical tasks aligned with Waldorf pedagogy and EWS curriculum guidelines.
• Create a warm, inviting classroom environment that fosters a sense of security, creativity, and wonder.
• Create a daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythm in collaboration with the Early Childhood faculty to provide a unified program.
• Develop and implement a play-based, age-appropriate curriculum with circle time, story, song, and artistic and practical activities.
• Support the social-emotional development of the young child through nurturing relationships, respectful interactions, and modeling behavior.
• Create a supportive environment that allows for each child’s growing independence.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support each child’s healthy development and well-being.
• Assess the evolving needs of each child in the class. Consult with the Educational Support Director, make referrals as needed and implement agreed-upon support plans.
• Train and oversee the work of Assistant Teachers.
• Support Assistant Teachers with regular meetings and modeling the Waldorf developmental approach.
• Build a healthy working relationship with parents to bridge school life and family culture.
• Facilitate professional, warm, and clear communication with parents and colleagues.
• Foster a sense of community and respect among students, parents, and colleagues.
• Communicate regularly with families through daily interactions at drop-off or pick-up and through email. 
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan and participate in school festivals, community events, and parent education programs.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and aesthetically pleasing environment in the classrooms and shared spaces.
• Demonstrate a calm, welcoming, and inclusive presence—model kindness, warmth, and compassion. 

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend weekly Early Childhood faculty meetings.
• Schedule check-in meetings with Assistant Teachers weekly and as needed.
• Attend monthly full colleague meetings and all in-service days
• Attend faculty orientation week and the end-of-year workweek.
• Represent the Early Childhood at EWS fairs, workshops, and school events as required.
• Participate in committee work as needed.
• Conduct Parent-Teacher Conferences 2x/year.
• Conduct parent meetings 4x/year.
• Work with a mentor or speaking partner regularly.
• Maintain excellent collegial relations.
• Acquire materials and supplies as needed for the classroom, working within your yearly budget.
• Engage in professional development opportunities and reflective practice to continuously enhance teaching skills and knowledge of child development and stay current with Waldorf early childhood education as it evolves.
• Support Admissions with the enrollment process.
• Document all accidents and incidents.
• Arrange for a substitute in your absence. Request any absences, excluding illnesses, in advance with the Early Childhood Chair. 
• Undertake playground and other supervision duties as required.
• Maintain CPR/First Aid Certification and Mandated Reporter Training.
• Maintain confidentiality about a child or family situation with discretion and tact.
• Represent EWS professionally and comply with school policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Family Handbook.