Early Childhood Educators – Lead & Assistant Positions

Shining Mountain Waldorf School is seeking warm, joyous, and reliable Early Childhood Educators to join our Early Childhood Education (ECE) afternoon team for the 2026/2027 school year! We are hiring for both Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher positions for our extended-day programs: Rainbow Garden (rest, lunch, and play for ages 3--6) and Aftercare (after-school play and snacks for ages 2.5 through 5th grade). OPEN POSITIONS & COMPENSATION 1. Rainbow Garden & Aftercare Lead Teacher Pay Rate: $30.00/hour (Lead) | $25.00/hour (Float/Assistant duties) Schedule: Part-Time (Mon/Wed/Fri: 11:00 AM -- 5:15 PM | Tue/Thu: 12:15 PM -- 5:15 PM) Role Summary: Lead and oversee our afternoon Waldorf extended-day programs. Responsibilities include supervising lunch, rest, afternoon snack, and outdoor play; maintaining the classroom; communicating with parents; and guiding the ECE Assistant while ensuring student ratios and state licensing compliance. 2. Rainbow Garden & Aftercare Assistants Pay Rate: $25.00/hour (Teaching/Subbing) | $18.00/hour (Meetings/Trainings) Schedule Options (Part-Time): Rainbow Garden Assistant: Mon--Fri, 12:15 PM -- 3:15 PM Aftercare Assistant: Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri, 3:00 PM -- 5:00 PM & Thu, 1:45 PM -- 5:00 PM Note: Positions can be combined into a full afternoon assistant schedule! Role Summary: Support the Lead Teacher in maintaining a warm, nurturing Waldorf environment. Help with rest setup, lunch/snack, playground supervision, classroom cleanliness, guiding children with self-care (diapering, toileting, dressing), and daily preparation. QUALIFICATIONS & LICENSING REQUIREMENTS ECT Qualified: Must be an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) designated by the State of Colorado, or currently working toward this qualification. Licensing Requirements: Must meet Colorado Department of Human Services ECE regulations, including CPR, First Aid, Standard Precautions, background check/fingerprinting, mandatory licensing courses, registration in Colorado Shines PDIS, and submission of a physical/medical report. (Medication training required for Lead position). Experience: Experience in Early Childhood Education and Waldorf pedagogy is strongly preferred. Key Attributes: Reliable, consistent, adaptable, excellent communication skills, strong teamwork, and a warm, professional demeanor. Must have a deep appreciation for spending time outdoors with children in all weather conditions. SCHEDULE & WORK SETTING Calendar: Follows the SMWS annual school calendar (late August through early June). Setting: Early childhood classrooms, playgrounds, hikes, and neighborhood walks. Note: Due to the classroom environment, limited breaks are offered during the shift. BENEFITS & PERKS Paid Sick Leave (1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours/year). Three (3) Paid Holidays. Paid Professional Development/Training hours. 401(k) Plan eligibility with school match (after 1,000 hours worked in a fiscal year). Mentoring and professional development provided by Lead Teachers and the ECE Director. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting, and bending. Ability to lift/carry up to 25 lbs, and up to a 40 lb child in an emergency. Vision: Close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception. HOW TO APPLY Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three (3) references to via the Craigslist email link. Shining Mountain Waldorf School is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to providing a diverse, respectful, and harassment-free work environment. Employment is contingent upon completing a successful background check.