Job Opportunities
Teaching Opportunities
Little Star School has positions open for the 2024-2025 school year and for our 2024 summer programs. Contact employment@littlestarschool.org for more information.
All Ages
Summer Camps
2024 Summer Camp Teacher
Do you live outside the Methow Valley and want to experience teaching here for a year?
Check out our Teacher-In-Residence position!
Wages and Benefits for School-Year Teaching Positions:
Competitive wages in the Early Childhood Education field ($17-$22+ per hour, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications)
3% retirement matching program
$750 annual health stipend for full time work (32+ hours/week)
Accrued paid time off at 0.025 hours per hour worked
50% discount on your child’s enrollment at Little Star
Paid training
State funded scholarships available for those pursuing degrees in early learning (BA/BS in Early Childhood Education, MACTE accredited Montessori certification)
Flexible scheduling with weekday/daytime hours
Positive and supportive work environment with a fun and dedicated team
Make a difference in the lives of children and families
How to apply:
Review the specific job description, and please email a cover letter and resume to employment@littlestarschool.org
Want to learn more? With multiple positions available, not sure which to apply for? We would love to chat with you! Email employment@littlestarschool.org to set up a time to talk.
What is Little Star looking for:
The most important attribute Little Star looks for is an attitude that is joyful, nurturing, calm, kind, respectful and open towards all children and families. We love the work we do and look for people who can play and laugh, who genuinely enjoy being around young children and find meaning in contributing to the early years in a child's life. We look for individuals who communicate clearly and are open to giving and receiving feedback, are interested in professional development and growth as a teacher, and possess strong organizational skills. We prioritize the social emotional development of children in our care, and our Montessori-inspired curriculum, focus on outdoor exploration, and Positive Discipline approach to conflict resolution form the foundation of our school’s unique culture.
Ideally applicants will have 3+ years of experience with the relevant age group in any setting and at least two childcare related references. We recognize the many ways that individuals can work with children and as teachers including through outdoor education, camps, nannying, paraeducator work and more. For Lead Teacher positions, applicants will ideally hold an Early Childhood certificate/degree or Montessori certificate/degree. Little Star offers a variety of professional development and training opportunities for new staff as well as during the school year.
Why work at Little Star:
Today, Little Star nurtures over 120 children and employs over 40 staff members across its two campuses in Winthrop and Twisp. Little Star has a diverse and dedicated teaching team including teachers who have been here over 30 years, new teachers building their skills, and alum students who are now staff, sending their own children to Little Star. Our special school is a home to many!
We offer competitive wages in the early learning sector ($16-$21+ per hour, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications), a retirement matching program, health stipend, flexible scheduling, and childcare discounts. As an organization, supporting our staff and creating a positive work environment is a priority of both the Administrative Leadership Team and the Board of Directors. We remain connected through our shared professional commitment to our students, and also through social gatherings, team building activities, staff appreciation, and group celebrations. We know that for many of our long term staff members, the flexibility and support that our school provides is what has kept them with us for so many years. We focus on finding the right people and then create teams and schedules to suit rather than the other way around.
About Little Star:
Little Star sparks children's curiosity, compassion, and sense of community through joyful learning and discovery. We are a Montessori-inspired school that provides outstanding early childhood education for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners.
Our school was founded in 1982 as a non-profit organization by Rayma Hayes, a certified Montessori instructor, and a group of parents who wanted to establish a quality preschool in the Methow Valley. In 1989, after seven years in three different rented spaces, land was donated to the school and, with contributions of money and services from community members, construction of a new building began. The building was completed in 1992 and has been the home of Little Star School ever since. In 2018, our school grew again, with a second school building constructed on the Winthrop campus and a small satellite campus for infants and toddlers opening 8 miles down the road in Twisp.
Little Star School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, status as a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered person, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, political or union ideology or affiliation, marital or parental status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law in any of its activities or operations. These activities include but are not limited to student enrollment, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, families, members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors and vendors.