What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Preschool Teacher – Nature-Based Program (Part-Time) position at Woodhaven Preschool?
Assistant Preschool Teacher (Waldorf-Inspired, Nature based)
Woodhaven School – Portland, OR
Woodhaven School is seeking a creative, nurturing Assistant Preschool Teacher to join our Waldorf-inspired cooperative preschool community for the 2026–2027 school year.
For over 30 years, Woodhaven has provided a warm, nature-centered early childhood program in Portland’s West Hills. Our school is located on a beautiful forested campus, and much of the school day takes place outdoors as children explore, imagine, and learn through play.
Our program is inspired by Waldorf early childhood principles, emphasizing rhythm, storytelling, artistic expression, and a deep connection with nature. We believe that play is the work of early childhood and that imagination, creativity, and meaningful relationships form the foundation for lifelong learning.
Woodhaven operates as a parent cooperative preschool, meaning teachers work in close partnership with families who participate in the classroom and help support the school community.
Position Details
Position: Assistant Preschool Teacher
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm (approx. 28–32 hours/week)
(Optional)Parent & Child class: one afternoon per week, 2:00–4:00 pm
School Year: Mid-August through May
Location: Portland, Oregon (West Hills)
Benefits include:
- Paid time off
- Reimbursement for required certifications
- Wellness stipend
- Clothing/uniform stipend
Please note: this position does not include medical or retirement benefits.
Our Classroom Environment
Woodhaven provides a gentle, imaginative learning environment where children engage in:
- Daily outdoor exploration in a wooded setting
- Storytelling, puppetry, songs, and circle games
- Artistic work such as painting, handcrafts, and seasonal crafts
- Open-ended play with natural materials
- Cooking and preparing wholesome snacks together
- Seasonal festivals and community traditions
Teachers guide children with warmth, patience, and gentle redirection, supporting social development and cooperation.
Responsibilities
- Assist Lead Teacher in facilitating preschool and parent-child classes
- Lead classes in cases when the Lead Teacher is absent
- Assist Lead Teacher in preparing classroom before children arrive
- Participate in circle songs, movement, stories and artistic crafts
- Assist the children in conflict resolution
- Make and serve wholesome snacks
- Ensure child safety inside and outside the classroom
- Lead additional activities with the children with direction from Lead Teacher
- Assist in cleaning up outdoor and indoor classrooms after class
- Review each class day with Lead Teacher and plan for the next school day
- Provide feedback on behaviors or issues that arise and plan for solutions
- Assist Lead Teacher in craft and curriculum development
- Work closely with co-op families to facilitate administration of school
- Assist with one week of summer camp in August
- Attend all school field trips, meetings, festivals, events and parent-teacher conferences (some during evening/weekend hours)
Qualifications
- Experience working with young children (preschool or early childhood environment preferred)
- High school diploma or GED; early childhood education/training preferred
- Cooperative preschool experience preferred, able to work closely with parents who teach and administer the school
- Knowledge in Waldorf education, the creative arts and environmental education
- Passionate about nature and its importance in healthy child development
- Comfortable and confident spending the school day outside, regardless of weather
- Warm, patient, and collaborative approach with children and families
Required before starting:
- Oregon Central Background Registry enrollment
- Federal background check
- CPR/First Aid certification
- Oregon Food Handler certification
About Woodhaven School
Woodhaven School is a parent-run cooperative preschool and member of the Parent Child Preschools Organization. Our mission is to nurture the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—while fostering compassion, creativity, environmental stewardship, and a lifelong love of learning.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and brief letter of interest to:
shayla.mauer@woodhavenschool.com
Expected hours: 28.0 – 32.0 per week
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person