Position: Lead Early Childhood Teacher
Location: Westside Waldorf School, Pacific Palisades, CA
About Us: Westside Waldorf School is a welcoming and nurturing community committed to providing holistic education rooted in the principles of Waldorf pedagogy. Located in the heart of Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, CA, our school offers a warm and supportive environment where young children can thrive, grow, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Position Overview: We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Lead Early Childhood Teacher to join our dedicated faculty. The Lead Early Childhood Teacher will be responsible for creating a nurturing and enriching classroom environment for young children, implementing Waldorf-inspired curriculum, and fostering the social, emotional, and cognitive development of each child in their care.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that aligns with Waldorf pedagogy and meets the unique needs of young children.
- Create a warm, inviting, and harmonious classroom environment that supports children’s sense of security, creativity, and wonder.
- Establish strong partnerships with parents and caregivers through regular communication, parent education opportunities, and parent-child events.
- Foster the holistic development of each child, including their social skills, emotional intelligence, cognitive abilities, and physical coordination.
- Collaborate with colleagues, administrators, and specialists to support the overall mission and vision of the school and the Early Childhood program.
- Engage in ongoing professional development, reflective practice, and self-care to continuously enhance teaching practice and personal growth.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field (master's degree preferred)
- 12 ECE units and submitting transcripts with the application (12 units of Early Childhood Education credits as required by Title 22 state standards)
- Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Certification (AWSNA-accredited training strongly preferred)
- Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Lead Early Childhood Teacher in a Waldorf or play-based preschool setting
- Deep understanding of child development principles, Waldorf pedagogy, and emergent curriculum approaches
- Warmth, empathy, and a genuine love for working with young children and their families
- Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice
Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Professional development opportunities and support for continuing education
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options
- Paid time off and holidays
- A supportive and collaborative work environment within a thriving Waldorf community
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Employment@wswaldorf.org. Please include “Lead Early Childhood Teacher Application” in the subject line.
Join us in our mission to nurture the young child’s sense of wonder, imagination, and joy in learning! We look forward to welcoming a dedicated Lead Early Childhood Teacher to our Westside Waldorf School community.
Westside Waldorf School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of employment.