ASSISTANT TEACHER / TEACHING AIDE (FULL-TIME)

POSITION OVERVIEW

Rainbow Gardens is a Waldorf inspired early childhood program for ages 2-6 located in the historic school house in Northfield, VT.  We are seeking an Assistant Teacher in either the Nursery Program (ages 2-3) or Mixed-Age Kindergarten (ages 3-6) to support the Lead Teacher in providing a nurturing and enriching environment.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALITIES

A successful Assistant Teacher is a warm, attentive team player with strong observation skills — able to identify and respond to the individual needs of children in the classroom. The ideal candidate communicates effectively with the Lead Teacher and other staff members, works collaboratively to support a cohesive classroom environment, and brings genuine care and consistency to daily routines with young children.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Classroom Support & Activities

• Assist the lead teacher in implementing Waldorf-inspired activities.

• Help maintain a nurturing environment with loving boundaries

• Support children in their daily routines, including mealtime and rest time.

• Help maintain a clean and organized classroom environment.

Family & Team Relationships

• Foster positive relationships with the children and their families.

• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and other staff members to ensure the well-being of the children.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Required:

• Strong observation skills to identify and respond to the individual needs of children in the classroom.

• Team player with effective communication skills to work collaboratively with the lead teacher and other staff members.

Preferred:

• Prior experience working with young children in a daycare or early childhood setting.

• Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

• Familiarity with and/or interest in Waldorf education.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods

• Able to move up and down a set of stairs several times throughout the day

• Able to lift and carry materials up to 25 lbs

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Full-time position (approximately 37.5 hours per week)

• Core hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–3:45 PM

• Flexibility to accommodate monthly staff meetings, festivals, parent evenings, and family communication needs

• Subject to background check and school policies

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary: $20–$25 per hour (based on experience)
(37.5 hours/week August - June)

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: 7 paid holidays and 1 week PTO (school breaks are unpaid)

• Professional Development: Up to 15 hours annually of paid professional development

• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan eligibility

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Submit the following to office@rainbowgardensvt.org:

1. Cover letter describing interest in this position and relevant experience

2. Resume

3. Three professional references

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Rainbow Gardens is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive community.