Parent & Tot Program Leader

**About The Waldorf School**

Established in 1971, The Vancouver Waldorf School (VWS) offers school programs from Parent and Tot through to Grade 12. Our school operates under a transparent, fair, and equitable governance structure through a College of Teachers that effectively empowers faculty to participate in the running of the school and through a Board of Trustees with fiduciary responsibilities.

**The Position**

The Parent & Tot Program Leader is responsible for creating, facilitating, and leading a warm and nurturing program for parents and their young children, typically aged 0-3 years. Rooted in the fundamental principles of Waldorf education, this role emphasizes age-appropriate play, rhythm, and gentle guidance. The Leader designs and delivers curriculum that fosters child development while modelling respectful, conscious caregiving. By cultivating a welcoming, inclusive environment, the Parent & Tot Leader supports meaningful connections between parents, children, and the broader community, while providing insight into early childhood development through the lens of Waldorf pedagogy.

**Skills and Qualities**:

- **Waldorf Early Childhood teacher training** completion preferred.
- **Experience working with children** in a group setting, ideally in an educational environment, with the ability to create an age-appropriate environment for children to flourish.
- **First Aid and CPR certified** (or ability to obtain certification prior to the start of the role), with knowledge of safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
- **Excellent verbal and written communication skills**, with the ability to clearly communicate with parents, students, staff, and other stakeholders, both in person and through written correspondence.
- **Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills**, with the ability to assess situations, make decisions quickly, and handle unexpected challenges efficiently while maintaining a positive atmosphere.
- **A positive, energetic attitude** and a commitment to creating a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants.
- **A working understanding of Waldorf Education and pedagogy**to imbue the values of Waldorf Education.

**Responsibilities**:
**Program Management**:

- Develop, oversee, and implement a developmentally appropriate program for children aged 0-3, rooted in Waldorf early childhood principles.
- Design and update curriculum that reflects seasonal rhythms, age-appropriate developmental milestones, and the values of Waldorf education.
- Facilitate weekly Parent & Tot classes, guiding both children and their caregivers through structured play, songs, storytelling, and rhythm-based activities.
- Provide parent education through informal discussion, shared readings, and reflective conversation, supporting caregivers in understanding child development and Waldorf philosophy.
- Obtain and organize supplies and materials necessary for the program, ensuring they are natural, developmentally suitable, and aligned with Waldorf standards.
- Encourage positive parent participation in play activities, modeling respectful, attentive caregiving and fostering connection between children and adults.
- Demonstrate professionalism by refraining from sharing unverified information, speculative opinions, or personal theories that may conflict with or undermine the organization’s goals, direction, or leadership.

**Collaboration**:

- Communicate clearly and in a timely manner with parents and caregivers regarding schedules, expectations, and program updates.
- Collaborate with colleagues and leadership as needed to support the broader goals of the early childhood program and the school community.

**Safety & Risk Management**:

- Maintain a clean, tidy, and organized classroom or program space, ensuring it reflects a calm, warm, and welcoming environment.
- Follow established safety protocols, ensuring all toys, materials, and equipment meet current safety standards and are regularly inspected and maintained.
- Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all participants, including conducting regular risk assessments and staying attuned to group dynamics.

**Remuneration**:$35 / hr
**Schedule**: Tuesday / Wednesday / Friday / Saturday

**Job Type**: Part-time
**Work Location**:Grade School Campus, North Vancouver

**VWS Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion**
The Vancouver Waldorf School continually strives to be an equitable organization, providing educational environments where all community members experience a sense of belonging and contribution. In this spirit, we welcome, value, support, and affirm all backgrounds, experiences, and identities and challenge all inequity to create and strengthen our diverse and vibrant community, where the humanity of every individual is honoured. This includes but is not limited to all races, ethnicities, national origins, religions, economic backgrounds, abilities, neurodiversity, sexual orientations, and gender