Toddler Assistant Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

General Characteristics

· Values and respects the uniqueness of each child while consistently nurturing and modeling a love of learning

• Assists in resolving conflicts between children
• Use positive language to redirect student behavior
• Observant and knowledgeable about developmentally appropriate behavior
• Aware of the individual needs and interests of the children.

While the Montessori teacher is presenting lessons, the Montessori assistant moves quietly throughout the classroom. She understands the importance of the uninterrupted, three-hour work cycle and values the importance of the children’s work as well as the necessity for intense concentration. She makes it a practice to never interrupt a child who is working. If she sees a child who needs help, she crouches down to child’s eye level and quietly and respectfully asks if the child needs help rather than taking over the task or giving unwanted help. She may say “It looks as if you are struggling. Would you like me to help you?” If the answer is “no”, she respects the child’s wishes and only assists if the situation seems unsafe. If she has questions about a work or material, she makes notes and asks the teacher at the end of the day.

Communication

• Make clear, detailed observations of what happened in the classroom during the day and share her notes with the teacher at the end of the day.
• Confidentiality is of utmost importance, and parent communication regarding student progress, behavior, etc. is the lead teacher’s responsibility.
• Observe the teacher and learn how best to compliment her classroom style.

Daily Routine
An assistant’s day begins by arriving early, often before the teacher, to begin the daily preparations. The Montessori environment is clean, beautiful and at all times, welcoming and inviting to the children. All preparation work must be completed before the children arrive so that they may start working as soon as they enter the classroom. In addition to preparing the environment, the Montessori assistant may be responsible for:

• Preparing snack
• Ensuring the environment is clean and in order
• Greeting children as they arrive
• Assisting children with outdoor clothing and shoes
• Observing children’s needs and adjusting the activities based on the level of energy
• Observing the dynamics of the classroom and looking where to be most useful
• Ensuring safety outdoors
• Helping children get ready, wash hands, etc., at lunch
• Administrative duties – making copies, laminating and cutting materials, sharpening pencils, cutting paper, etc.
• Replenishing supplies, snacks, etc.
• Checking to ensure that all parts to all the materials are in working order
• Cleaning the classroom and shelves at the end of each day
• Cleaning the bathroom, replacing toilet paper/paper towels/soap (as needed)

The Montessori classroom assistant is more than someone who cleans the classroom. She inspires and guides children through modeling and examples. She is an extra pair of hands, a watchful eye, and a comforting smile. She is confident and happy to be contributing to the lives of children.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule: 8 hour shift -  Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person