Preschool Teacher Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

The Children’s Institute at Jericho is seeking a  warm, dependable, and enthusiastic Assistant Teacher to join our Montessori and Nature-Based early childhood program.

Our Assistant Teachers play an important role in creating a  calm, nurturing, and engaging environment where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and develop independence at their own pace. Working alongside experienced educators, you will support children throughout their daily routines, Montessori work, outdoor exploration, and hands-on learning experiences.

We are looking for someone who is  patient, compassionate, curious, and eager to learn , with a genuine appreciation for working with young children and spending time outdoors. The ideal candidate enjoys being part of a collaborative team and is excited to support children as they build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our Jericho location is within a comfortable commute from several surrounding communities:

• 16 minutes from Cambridge
• 17 minutes from Richmond
• 20 minutes from Planet Fitness in Essex Junction
• 22 minutes from Jeffersonville
• 28 minutes from Milton
• 28 minutes from South Burlington

If you are passionate about early childhood education and want to be part of a team that values  compassion, connection, and high-quality care , we would love to hear from you!

The Assistant Teacher will support the Lead Teacher in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging Montessori and nature-based learning environment. Responsibilities include:

• Supporting classroom activities, routines, and Montessori learning experiences
• Supervising and engaging children throughout the day
• Participating in outdoor exploration and nature-based activities
• Creating a weekly snack menu and preparing and serving a healthy snack each day
• Encouraging children’s independence, confidence, and practical life skills
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment
• Supporting children’s social, emotional, and developmental needs
• Building positive relationships with children, families, and fellow educators
• Working collaboratively with the teaching team to provide consistent, high-quality care

• Minimum of 2+ years of professional child care experience
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for working with young children.
• Is positive, energetic, punctual, and dependable.
• Remains flexible and willing to provide support where needed to benefit the community.
• Is physically capable of engaging with children at their level and carrying a child during an emergency.
• Possesses a curiosity regarding Montessori philosophy and a willingness to engage in professional development.
• Communicates effectively and collaborates successfully with diverse personalities.
• Remains mindful and consistently models appropriate grace and courtesy.

While not required, we’d love to see:

• CDA or higher education
• Montessori classroom experience
• Early childhood education experience or coursework
• Experience working with children ages 2–6
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Familiarity with Montessori philosophy, materials, and child-led learning
• Experience creating a peaceful, respectful, and engaging classroom environment
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with children, families, and colleagues
• A passion for early childhood development and a genuine appreciation for the Montessori approach
• Enthusiasm for continued learning, professional development, and growing as an educator

• Sick Leave
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development
• Paid Holidays & School Breaks
• Simple IRA Retirement Plan with 3% matching contributions
• HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement)
• Paid professional development and training
• Montessori training provided
• First Aid/CPR

Pay Scale for Assistant : $21.00 - $25.00/hr Dependent upon education and experience

Starting Date : Open until filled

Days : Monday - Friday

Time : 7:30am - 4pm

Work Year : School Year (Late August - Mid June)

Type of employment : Full-time/Yearly

We take advantage of this crucial chapter in a child's life to teach, guide and mentor. We focus on this important learning period to foster intellectual and emotional growth. 

We offer experiences and provide opportunities for students to engage in their own curiosities by creating a safe and enriched environment where students are listened to, guided, and allowed to experience independence while learning about themselves, others in their environment, different cultures, and the world. Through these experiences we instill a rich and engaging academic background for future success and happiness.