Job Title: Assistant Support Staff
Reports To: Interim Head of School/Program Manager
Hours: 40 hours per week Monday–Friday

Purpose of the Position:

The assistant provides aid to the teacher as requested for the well-being of the children and the group. The assistant is available to the child to provide help as needed, per the classroom teacher’s directive. The assistant observes the classroom and the children and relates their observations to the teacher.

The assistant may also provide school-wide support based upon the daily needs of the school, and at the direction of the administration.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Provide coverage in classrooms to ensure the adult-to-child ratio is maintained: staff break coverage, substituting, etc.
• Overseeing outdoor playtime, naptime, lunchtime, garden time, etc.
• Material-making
• Maintaining cleanliness of the school environment
• Preparation of snack for the toddler and primary environments
• Supervising elementary students on Going Out trips
• Support planning and preparing a schedule of engaging, enriching activities for PM programs

Things to Do:

• Provide a safe and secure environment for the children.
• Be timely, paying attention to transitions that help the children settle.
• Share in the preparation and clean-up of the environment, including re-stocking paper, sharpening pencils, etc. at the direction of the Lead.
• Speak to the children respectfully at all times.
• Redirect children in making responsible and challenging choices (when in a specific classroom, check with Program Lead to determine appropriate work choices).
• Protect concentration.
• Move and bend to speak to children at their eye level. Do not call to them across the room.
• Rotate through the classroom, assisting only as needed.
• Accompany children to and from different environments in an orderly fashion.
• When required, assist the children at snack and lunchtime by supervising set-up, clean-up, handwashing, food preparation, etc.
• Give all children equal attention.
• Use positive language and be consistent.
• Protect the child’s and the family’s right to confidentiality. Please do not discuss any child or family with parents and avoid discussing any child/family with other staff unless job-related and in private.
• Foster healthy and effective relationships with community members, utilizing direct, honest, and respectful communication.

Please note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications and Skills

Required:

• Judgment: The ability to exercise sound judgment and make sound decisions in line with the school’s core values and mission; knowing when to ask for appropriate help to resolve problems that may interfere with work.
• Time Management: The ability to employ efficient use of time to perform assigned job duties; effective and appropriate prioritization of workflow.
• Commitment to Montessori Education: The willingness to uphold Montessori principles and practices, and the desire to grow in understanding and application of Montessori.
• Communication Skills: Written and verbal English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Effective communication with students, staff, parents, and members of the community.
• Creativity: The ability to think outside the box and develop a variety of interesting activities that will actively engage the children.
• Interpersonal Skills: The ability to work well with others from diverse backgrounds and ages. Resolving conflict proactively and positively; maintaining confidentiality; effective listening; patience and flexibility; keeping emotions under control; remaining open to others’ ideas, and contributing to building a positive team spirit. Demonstrated ability to successfully work with courtesy and diplomacy, making oneself available to respond to the needs of staff, parents, and children.
• Documentation: Proof of negative TB test administered no earlier than one year from date of hire; current *First Aid and CPR (infant/child/adult) and Bloodborne Pathogens card; *background check clearance through the Department of Children, Youth & Families, proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and proof of MMR immunization or exemption.

Salary:

$18 hour

Benefits (for Full-time):

• Health/Vision/Dental/LTD/Life Insurance
• Employer contribution to Simple IRA
• 80 hours PTO

*Can be completed once hired