Job Description

The Siskiyou School Kindergarten is seeking two Teacher Assistants to support our students in a beautiful early childhood classroom setting for the 2026–27 school year.

One position is full-time and one position is part-time (afternoon enrichment) , depending on applicants’ interest.

Assistant responsibilities include tag-teaming with the lead teacher as needed, supporting children who need an extra bit of attention so the lead teacher can hold the whole, and helping with class logistics, care and preparation of the classroom, kitchen, and materials, cleaning, and setup to ensure a seamless flow for the children from one activity to the next.

Pay scale range is $16.50–$18.20+/hour, depending on previous experience.

If interested in either of the two Kindergarten Assistant positions, please send a resume and cover letter stating which position, full-time and/or part-time, you are applying for to our administrator, Katherine Holden, at katherine.holden@siskiyouschool.org

Position Overview

Kindergarten Assistants collaborate with the Lead Teacher in maintaining the daily rhythm and integrity of the kindergarten classroom. This includes helping prepare materials and activities, supervising children indoors and outdoors, guiding rest time and afternoon enrichment, and actively participating in circle time, storytelling, crafts, and domestic activities.

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Environment & Rhythm

• Support the Lead Teacher in maintaining the kindergarten environment.
• Help clean and prepare the classroom, materials, and activities each day, as needed.
• Assist with snack preparation and maintain cleanliness throughout the day.
• Maintain and protect the daily rhythm of the kindergarten.
• Read and study the Family Handbook and related pedagogical materials prior to the start of the school year.

Child Care & Supervision

• Be aware of and attend to the physical and emotional needs of the children.
• Provide comfort and basic first aid when needed; escort children to the front office if injured or ill.
• Welcome and supervise children being dropped off at Pine Hall in the mornings and walk them back to kindergarten.
• Assist children with preparing to enter the classroom or for outside play.
• Supervise children on the playground while the Lead Teacher attends to preparation time (approximately 30–40 minutes daily).
• Supervise and guide children during rest time.
• Lead afternoon enrichment activities (Monday–Thursday) and escort children to dismissal as scheduled.
• Be attentive to situations requiring intervention and respond appropriately and calmly.

Educational Support

• Work with children on domestic (i.e. cleaning and cooking) and craft (i.e. sewing and painting) projects.
• Support listening skills during story time.
• Actively participate in circle time, learning and modeling songs, gestures, verses, and games.
• Join fully in singing, movement, and imitation of the Lead Teacher to encourage joyful participation.
• Help maintain classroom management and provide continuity when the Lead Teacher is out.

Communication & Community Participation

• Communicate with parents and caregivers as needed while maintaining confidentiality.
• Attend kindergarten teacher meetings, parent evenings, festivals, and select school events as discussed with the Lead Teacher (some evening or weekend commitments may be required).
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute positively to the school community.

Essential Qualifications & Attributes

• Experience working with young children, preferably in an early childhood setting.
• Demonstrated interest in Waldorf/Steiner philosophy and early childhood principles, or a strong willingness to learn and apply these practices.
• Ability to relate to, inspire, and gently guide young children.
• Personal warmth, patience, empathy, positivity, and a calm presence.
• Strong sense of responsibility and punctuality.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a healthy sense of humor.
• Willingness to develop skills in storytelling, puppetry, finger rhymes, songs, and poetry.
• Confidence with basic food preparation and understanding of hygiene practices in kitchen and bathroom areas (food handler’s license preferred).
• Capacity to serve as a role model worthy of imitation by young children.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or coursework in Early Childhood Development.
• Waldorf training or coursework.
• Valid First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Experience working with children with special needs.
• Food Handlers permit (or willingness to obtain upon hire)

Benefits

• Health benefits may apply based on position.
• Partial tuition remission may apply based on position.
• Paid sick and personal days number based on position.

How to Apply

Interested candidates for these positions should submit a resume and cover letter to katherine.holden@siskiyouschool.org . Applications will be accepted until filled. The Siskiyou School is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its students, faculty, and staff. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, even if you do not meet all the listed qualifications.

Overview of our School

As we start our 20th year, the Siskiyou School, a vibrant private K-8 Waldorf school in Ashland, Oregon, is looking for an incredible educator to join our team. With a staff of 25 full and part-time teachers, we are located on a beautiful, well-developed two-acre campus in a residential neighborhood.

• Main Lesson classes range in size from 18-26 students.
• Specialty classes include music, handwork, games, woodworking, gardening, lower grades science (ACORN Program), Mandarin, Spanish and drama, and are taught by experienced and dedicated specialty teachers.
• Large classes are split into two groups for core skills such as math to ensure all students get the instruction they need in math and English language arts.
• Children in grades 1st - 4th needing extra help with reading and writing attend daily Ohana Program classes. Children needing one-on-one instruction have tutoring available on campus during the school day with qualified tutors.
• Our faculty works collaboratively and in conjunction with a dedicated administrative team to create a healthy, functional, supportive, and fun work environment.

Ashland, Oregon, a charming city nestled in the delightful Rogue Valley, known for its lively arts scene, stunning natural beauty, high-quality food and restaurants, and welcoming community. Living in Ashland offers numerous benefits, including cultural and artistic opportunities, strong community spirit, health and wellness, and small town ease with ample urban amenities including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Southern Oregon University, and Medford International Airport just 25-minutes away.

The Siskiyou School is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its students, faculty, and staff. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, even if you do not meet all the listed qualifications.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs