Early Childhood Group Teacher

Casa de las Estrellas is seeking a full-time Early Childhood Group Teacher to lead one of our early childhood groups. The ideal candidate brings warmth, presence, and a strong commitment to holistic education, integrating Waldorf pedagogy with the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education (MEP) curriculum. This role supports the physical, emotional, social, and soul development of each child through a nurturing environment rich in rhythm, play, art, movement, and imitation.

About the Role

  • The teacher will guide a group of young children during their foundational years in school. Daily activities include free play, singing, storytelling, practical life, circle time, cooking, gardening, modeling, drawing, and work with natural materials.

  • The teacher creates and holds a warm, structured environment that fosters confidence, imagination, autonomy, and healthy social development, while honoring the natural rhythms and individuality of each child.

Who We’re Looking For

  • Has a warm, firm, and confident presence with young children

  • Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (required by MEP)

  • Has Waldorf teaching certification or a deep interest and commitment to learning Waldorf pedagogy

  • Has significant prior experience as a lead early childhood teacher

  • Enjoys working with nature, crafts, storytelling, and imaginative play

  • Collaborates openly with colleagues and families

  • Maintains clear rhythms, loving boundaries, and predictable structure in the classroom

  • Values observation and respects individual developmental processes

Core Responsibilities

  • Lead an early childhood group holistically through play-based, rhythm-centered education

  • Create a nurturing, rhythmic, and inclusive classroom environment aligned with Waldorf principles

  • Design and carry out daily activities including circle time, storytelling, creative arts, cooking, and free play

  • Observe and document each child’s development using narrative approaches

  • Maintain warm and open communication with parents and guardians

  • Coordinate with assistants and support staff to ensure a harmonious classroom flow

  • Participate in school events, seasonal festivals, and faculty meetings

  • Engage in ongoing professional development and Waldorf study

Compensation & Professional Development

  • This is a full-time salaried position

  • Compensation is commensurate with experience and based on our salary structure

  • Weekly mentoring and professional development opportunities

  • Ongoing training to support personal and professional growth

  • Salary recognition of up to 30% based on academic degrees, Waldorf training, and seniority

Workplace Environment & Community

  • Assistance in finding housing (nonfinancial, logistical support)

  • Participation in a supportive faculty community

  • Meals provided during school hours (morning snack and lunch)

  • Time and space for artistic, physical, and inner work

Employment Benefits

  • Full tuition remission for children of staff (only food and materials are paid)

  • Permanent contracts (no annual termination or liquidation required)

Social Security & Institutional Support

  • Affiliation with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS)

  • Contributions to JUPEMA (National Teachers' Pension Fund)

  • Life insurance through INS

  • Workplace risk insurance through INS

  • Paid vacation in accordance with Costa Rican labor law

  • Institutional support for continued education and training

How to Apply

To apply, please send the following documents to empleo@casadelasestrellas.org:

  • Letter of Interest

  • Short Biography

  • Resume or CV

  • Three References

We look forward to receiving your application!