Job description

Do you experience the world of children as love? Are you comfortable in nature and willing to be outside when it's raining? Do you like being served meals at work? If so, please read this post.

About us

Winding Willow School is a nature based, holistically minded, play based school with a focus on Spanish, song and healthy living. We are staring our 12th year in business at our Shoreline location. We are non-academic and Waldorf based and are seeking someone to work Monday through Friday, 8am to 3pm, with potential for more hours.

Bienvenidos and Hello,

Winding Willow School is looking for a kind, patient, hard working lead for our program. We have a small class with usually no more than 12 children per day ages 3 to 5. They create and play in a non-academic, nature based and magical world. We teachers help them navigate their social relationships and develop their ability to dress themselves, clean up, and communicate with respect.

Our home-like environment is peaceful and organized with mostly wooden toys, not traditional plastic and bright colors. In the morning the teachers and assistants often start the day with an optional energy centering meditation practice.

The lead position manages all the details that keeps things running smoothly. You will be cooking on a schedule, cleaning, and helping the children with whatever they need. You need to have the ability to work hard while keeping your heart open to the children and co-workers. It's not always easy but we must continually remember to come from love in our responses.

You need to have a strong back and good working knees/ joints because there is much bending over and lifting children. We take walks a few blocks only, but you must be able to move quickly to keep up with the children. We are out in all weather and children and staff wear rain gear when it's appropriate.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Lead a daily rhythm that fosters imagination, movement, and play, rooted in Waldorf pedagogy.
• Cultivate a nurturing, predictable, and reverent class environment that supports the social, emotional, and physical development of preschool-aged children.
• Model healthy adult behavior and serve as a consistent, loving presence for children.
• Facilitate seasonal crafts, storytelling, music, outdoor play, and nature-based activities.
• Maintain clear, compassionate communication with parents, including regular updates, conferences, and parent education.
• Collaborate with assistant teachers and Preschool Director in a respectful, team-oriented manner.
• Observe and document children's growth and development to inform teaching and support.
• Participate in faculty meetings, festivals, and school events.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in an early childhood classroom, ideally in a Waldorf setting.
• Strong understanding of Waldorf early childhood principles, including rhythm, imitation, and free play.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and classroom management skills.
• CPR/First Aid certification and Food Handler's Permit (or willingness to obtain)

We value diversity.

Spanish/ English bilingual requirement.

Hours 8am to 3pm, Monday through Friday.

We do not offer healthcare benefits at this time but a stipend will be provided towards your healthcare choice.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $32.00 - $40.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Day shift

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience with Waldorf or Play Based Education?

Experience:

• Early childhood education: 2 years (Required)

Language:

• Fluent English and Spanish (Required)

Work Location: In person