Preschool Assistant Teacher

Mountain Bluebells Preschool & Nursery Center is seeking an Assistant Teacher to help guide our mixed-age Bluebells (aged 3 months to 6 years) in a nature-rich inspired environment. Whether you’re just beginning your journey in early childhood education or you’re a seasoned educator looking for a place where your experience is truly celebrated—Mountain Bluebells may be exactly what fulfills your teaching goals.

Mountain Bluebells is a small, nonprofit child care program nestled in the charming mountain town of Red Lodge, MT. We are not a conventional daycare, but rather see ourselves as an extension of the child’s home. At Mountain Bluebells, children experience the rhythms of real life: homemade food, abundant time playing outside in our spacious and wooded yard, and the kind of unhurried care that lets childhood unfold the way it was meant. Red Lodge provides a home with a loving community. Our school has successfully implemented a thoughtful philosophy, rooted in Waldorf and LifeWays traditions, and our board is deeply committed to the people who make this work possible.

Our School Philosophy

Mountain Bluebells was founded in 2015 with a simple belief: that a child’s time away from the care of their parents or guardians, should feel like an extension of their home life. Our school lives in a real house—full of warmth, sunlight, and the smells of homemade food. We care for up to 15 children in a mixed-age setting, with a child-to-adult ratio that never exceeds 6:1.

Our days follow a gentle rhythm: outdoor play in our woodsy yard, walks to Rock Creek, circle time, practical work, and the kind of deep connection that comes from truly knowing a child. Despite the variable Montana weather, we spend as much time outside as possible. We believe nature is one of the best teachers.

Our school is open weekdays 8:30am–5pm, following a school year (late August through late May) and a summer program (early June through mid-August), with breaks for major holidays and season transitions.

Supporting the Magic of Childhood

This role will work closely with our Lead Teacher and involves hands-on teaching, caregiving, and family engagement. On any given day you’ll help create a magical and warm environment that allows our children to thrive and to become their authentic selves.

Along with the Lead Teacher, you will help prepare and partake in the daily planned activities and help with classroom management and supervision. This is an opportunity to practice and hone your teaching and childcare skills.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee the daily needs and activities of some of our littlest Bluebells. This includes feeding, diapering, and napping the children.
• Help with the daily cleaning of the home to maintain a safe and clean environment
• Connect with the children daily through stories, songs, and movement
• Guide and help supervise a mixed-age group of up to 15 children
• Participate in staff meetings and contribute to school planning and events
• Maintain a nurturing, warm, and developmentally appropriate environment

Who We’re Looking For

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience working with children ages 0–7
• College degree, with some knowledge of child development

You’ll Fit Right In If You...

• Are familiar with Waldorf, LifeWays, or Forest School or other similar philosophies (or are eager to learn)
• Bring warmth, patience, and genuine delight in the company of young children
• Have musical, artistic, gardening, or handwork skills (a wonderful bonus!)
• Have self-initiative to take on and complete daily tasks as well as the flexibility to step in where needed
• Want to work with an amazing and caring group of people who are all committed to the school’s mission

Compensation and Benefits

• $18-20/hr, negotiable based on your education and experience
• Regular, merit-based raises—your growth here is recognized and rewarded
• 3 weeks of Paid Time Off, annually. Increasing to 4 weeks of PTO after 3 years of service.

Hours and a Commitment to Professional Development

• 24-30 hours/week mostly in the classroom.
• Built-in seasonal breaks aligned with the rhythm of the school year—Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year’s, Spring Break, and the 4th of July—plus week-long transitions between the school year and summer programs (these breaks are unpaid; the 3 weeks of PTO are separate and yours to schedule)
• 16 hours of annual professional training (per licensing requirements)
• CPR & First Aid certification (renewed every two years; support provided)

Mountain Bluebells strongly believes that the best educators are whole people first. Here you will feel supported both in your role at work as well as outside of work. We are committed to fostering ongoing learning and professional development, and to helping you find the training and opportunities that enhance your competency and challenge you to become a more confident and inspired educator.

Ready to Apply?

We are so excited to hear from you. Please send a cover letter and resume to mtbluebells@gmail.com.

To learn more about our program and community, visit us at www.mtbluebells.org

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Ability to Relocate:

• Red Lodge, MT 59068: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20