Early Childhood Education Assistant for school year 26/27

Position: Rainbow Garden Assistant - School year 26/27 

Program: Early Childhood Education 

Reports to: Early Childhood Education Director 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly) 

Date: May 2026

Position Summary 

The Rainbow Garden Assistant supports the Rainbow Garden Lead Teacher in providing an age appropriate Waldorf lunch and rest program that encourages the health, well-being, and safety of the children in their care. The Rainbow Garden Assistant position is part of the Early Childhood Education (“ECE”) program held after morning program hours from 12:15 pm to 3:15 pm, 5 days a week.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Assist Rainbow Garden Lead Teacher with set up for rest, helping children (ages 2.5-4 or 4-6) with their lunch, and clean up 

Assist in maintaining a warm and nurturing environment 

Oversee play with children on the playground 

Help with daily preparations of classroom, restocking materials and general order, cleanliness, and aesthetics in classroom 

Guide and encourage children with self-care as needed -toileting, dressing, and social behavior 

Direct parent communications about student behavior and concerns to Rainbow Garden Lead Teacher Become knowledgeable about campus Emergency Plan and be ready to implement 

Maintain confidentiality in all student/parent situations 

Complete monthly online timesheet 

Additional Responsibilities 

May be asked to substitute for morning program if available 

Can be combined with Early Childhood Assistant position (ECE morning program) Attendance at once a month full ECE meeting on Thursdays at 2:15 pm 

Attendance at scheduled Early Childhood meetings and August In-Service is mandatory 

Attendance and February conference and June In-Service is encouraged but not mandatory Attendance in the August licensing meeting is mandatory. 

Mentoring and development provided by Rainbow Garden Lead teacher and ECE Director Participate in the annual Saturday work day in August to prepare the classroom 

Education and Qualifications 

Early Childhood Education experience preferred 

Waldorf Early Childhood experience preferred 

Have, or working towards, an ECT (Early Childhood Teacher) designated by State of Colorado Reliable, consistent, and adaptability to changes 

Experienced interpersonal and communication skills 

Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues and parents 

Possess a warm, friendly, professional and joyous demeanor

Early Childhood Licensing Requirements 

Complete requirements for Colorado ECE regulations of Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care. Must be an ECT (Early Childhood Teacher) as designated by the State of Colorado or working toward this qualification. 

CPR, First Aid, Standard Precautions, Physical, Background check, fingerprinting, mandatory licensing classes, registration in Colorado Shines PDIS and Early Childhood Educator qualified per the State of Colorado’s requirements. 

Submission of a medical physical by a licensed physician or other health care professional as required per licensing regulations 

Work Setting 

Early Childhood classroom and playground 

Hours are 12:15 pm to 3:15 pm M-F.

Work schedule follows the SMWS annual school calendar - late August through early June Because of the classroom setting, there are limited breaks offered during the day 

Salary and Benefits 

Hourly rate of $25.00 per hour when teaching 

Substitute rate of $25.00 per hour (ECT required) 

Hourly rate of $18.00 per hour when participating in meetings/trainings 

Three (3) paid Holidays include: Fall Break Holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Memorial Day 

Colorado Paid Sick Leave - 1 hour for each 30 hours worked - up to 48 hours per calendar year

  401(k) - SMWS offers a match (determined annually) when 1,000 hours are worked in a fiscal year) Professional Development - will be paid time . Required 15 hours of classes paid at $18.00 per hour 

Because this is a part time position we do not offer additional benefits 

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to: 

Frequent walks; use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; speaking and listening Daily requirement to stand and sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, squat or crawl 

Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and in case of emergency a 40-pound child 

Vision requirements include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Shining Mountain Waldorf School is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, familial status, sexual orientation or nation or ethnic origin, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law.  We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.  

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to hrmgr@smwaldorf.org.