Co-Lead Toddler Teacher

About Apple Valley School:

Apple Valley School is an early childhood education center in Lander, WY. The focus of this school is to offer nature-based, experiential learning options to families of young children. The school is inspired by Waldorf philosophies which nurture the feeling life and tactile senses of each child along with their thinking capacities. The school is located in downtown Lander, a short walk from the Popo Agie River where children regularly walk to explore a natural environment through the changing seasons.  Ample unstructured play time provides children with opportunities to develop their imagination and creative thinking as well as their cooperative social skills. We are working to build an enthusiastic team of educators who share a passion for the importance of early childhood education and an ability to work together, communicate clearly, and care for one another, as well as for the children and their families.

Position Description: 

This teacher will co-lead our 1.5 and 2 year old children through the rhythms of their day, creating a curriculum that grounds the children in a homelike rhythm similar to our other classrooms. This teacher will bring seasonally appropriate songs and stories to share to fuel the children’s imagination and connection to the earth. They will work with their teaching team to support the children’s foundational hygiene, nutrition, and breathing habits. The team will prepare our snack each day alongside the children, facilitate free play, create activities and support foundational communication and problem solving skills with young children. They will work with our entire faculty to create festivals and events for all the children in the school. At every turn of the day, this teacher will be working in collaboration with the other teachers in their classroom to ensure a smooth flow of the children’s routine and excellent communication skills are required for the classroom to function with ease. This teacher will also be responsible for communicating with parents about the health and wellness of the class and learning about the celebrations and challenges of individual children.

Qualifications: 

  • Applicants should have prior experience working with young children in either an educational or home setting.

  • Completion of a six hour pre-service online training is required upon hire. Teachers must also complete continuing education hours as mandated by state licensing.

  • Applicants must pass a criminal background check and be able to adhere to all other regulations of state licensing, including passing a self assessment TB test and an abuse and neglect screening.

  • Applicants must hold current certification in Child and Adult CPR and at least basic first aid training. More advanced medical training is preferred. Training can be completed upon hire.

  • Basic understanding of, or training in, Waldorf education is preferred.

  • Applicants must be comfortable spending long periods of time outdoors and must be able to manage their own needs fluidly in order to prioritize caring for children in outdoor environments in any weather conditions.

Responsibilities specific to this position:

  • Plan a weekly rhythm that includes seasonal activities that engage the children, circle time with story and song, healthy snacks and peaceful meal times, as well as outdoor and indoor playtime that enables the children to move in healthy, dynamic, imaginative, and cooperative ways.

  • Plan with the Assistant Teacher who will anticipate and prepare the activities of the day: preparing snack time, dressing children for morning walk and outdoor play, laying out lunches in advance of lunchtime, preparing sleeping materials for rest time, and setting up artistic activities in advance of projects.

  • Work with the Assistant Teacher to ensure childrens’ physical needs are being met, including regular bathroom visits for potty training and developing hygienic habits of hand washing, eating, and resting.

  • Help plan, facilitate, and participate in events held by and for our school community and the public to celebrate the changing seasons.

  • Work with the whole faculty, including the School Director, to develop strategies for supporting children in their relationship building skills and work cooperatively with other faculty members to create a unified and caring approach to behavior redirection and discipline.

  • Due to the nature of establishing a new program, responsibilities may include social media management, shopping for supplies, creating activities, etc.

Compensation and Hours:

  • Compensation is based on experience, beginning at $35,000/year for full-time faculty.

  • Hours of teaching are 7:30am - 3:30pm (Hours of operation including Aftercare are 7:30am-5:30pm).

  • Faculty are additionally expected to participate in bi-monthly faculty meetings, four seasonal festivals each year, and occasional aftercare shifts.

  • Position starts August 2024.

Application deadline:

  • Position open until filled. 

Please send questions and/or resume and cover letter to Maureen Fox at:

maureen@applevalleyschool.org.

Apple Valley School is an equal opportunity employer. At Apple Valley School, diversity is welcomed and valued as it enriches both the curriculum and our lives. The school welcomes students and teachers of any race, color, gender, religion, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded to the students and teachers of the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, disability, religion, national or ethnic origin, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law, in hiring, training, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment. All are welcome members of our community.