Job Title: Support Staff
Reports To: Head of School
Hours: Monday–Friday, full-time

Purpose of the Position:
Support Staff help with the day to day functioning of the school by cleaning, washing dishes, helping with laundry, and substituting or covering classrooms. Support Staff could be called into any classroom at any moment to cover and may be asked to be in a classroom more permanently if needed.

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

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Provide coverage in classrooms to ensure adult-to-child ratio is maintained: staff break coverage, substituting, etc.
• Overseeing outdoor playtime, naptime, lunch time, garden time, etc.
• Material-making
• Maintaining cleanliness of the school environment
• Washing classroom and school dishes
• Preparation of snack for classrooms
• 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 Classroom Guide 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 lunch time 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:

• Physical Demands: The ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, bend, reach overhead, and remain on feet most of the day.
• 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. It is required that staff are on time to work everyday and have regular work attendance.
• 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: Has reasonable 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: Copy of high school diploma and/or college transcripts, 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, and proof of MMR immunization or exemption.

*Can be completed once hired

(Support staff will be considered for classroom assistant roles when they become available. Toddler Classroom Assistant, Children's House Classroom Assistant)