What are the responsibilities and job description for the Early Childhood Director position at Waldorf School Association of Seattle?
Seattle Waldorf School is seeking an Early Childhood Director, with teaching and administrative experience, and a rich understanding of child development and the art of teaching. We are looking for someone who has a passion for human and organization development and facilitation skills to inspire a culture of collaboration built upon trust and engagement. We need a leader who understands best practices in education and administration, and who is passionate about leading a Waldorf Early Childhood program. We are looking for staff and faculty who share our belief that a culturally rich and inclusive school community provides students with the best possible environment for a quality education. Seattle Waldorf School offers an excellent benefits package, opportunities for professional development, and an extraordinary work environment.
WHO WE ARE: At Seattle Waldorf School, students become creative problem-solvers—imaginative thinkers who journey toward intellectual excellence, human compassion, and artistic skill. Our modern curriculum is rooted in tradition—for children 18 months to 18 years. We lead students on a joyful journey that fosters critical thinking, synthesis, and creativity. Founded in Seattle in 1980, we are the only Preschool–Grade 12 Waldorf School in Washington.
Our Mission: Daily we strive to inspire learning, courage, and joy in the developing human being.
Job Summary: Under minimal supervision, works collaboratively to lead and address SWS needs, guides and oversees the early childhood branch program development, and upholds school-wide working agreements, standards of professionalism, school policies and procedures among the early childhood faculty.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Acts as active member of the Pedagogical Council and Leadership Council, including attending board meetings, committee meetings, and supporting work outside of meetings
- Guides and oversees the early childhood program development in light of the mission, vision and strategic plan of Seattle Waldorf School, including, but not limited to:
- Overseeing short and long term goals
- Consulting with the faculty chair(s) to lead early childhood branch meetings
- Developing educational support involvement in early childhood classes as needed
- Coordinating parent education with the early childhood faculty
- Communicating with parents, as the need arises
- Supporting the Director of Advancement/ Enrollment in admissions events, retention activities, and building enrollment
- Supervises, provides support for, and upholds school-wide working agreements, standards of professionalism, school policies and procedures among the early childhood faculty including, but not limited to:
- Acting as chair of early childhood school hiring committees
- Facilitating training for early childhood faculty
- Overseeing mentoring and assessment of early childhood faculty
- Periodically visiting classes
- Meeting with parents and teachers, as the need arises
- Working with the SWS facilities staff on early childhood site needs
- Ensuring oversight of the early childhood budgeting process and monitoring spending
- Helping to create and revise handbooks
- Teaching classes part-time during the school year
- Maintains relationships with AWSNA, and guides early childhood portion of AWSNA and NWAIS Renewal of Membership Process
- Establishes and cultivates community relations by maintaining open dialogue with all of the school’s constituencies
- Actively participates in the full life of the school
- Vigorously engages in their own professional development; is a life-long learner who enhances their skills, using state-of-the-art technologies to maintain high standards of performance to efficiently and effectively produce work products
- Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
- Since safety and security are everyone’s responsibility, takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities
- Performs other duties as assigned