Teacher Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

Job description:

Wild Fern Montessori School is looking for a Montessori Preschool Assistant. Hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, five days a week, Monday-Friday.

A wonderful opportunity to work at a small nonprofit, with a tight-knit group of colleagues, and have your experience and voice valued while serving our community in making Montessori equitable. This position would begin ASAP. Potential for a pay increase after a 90-day probationary period. We also offer employee benefits/perks, including monthly paid staff lunches and the potential for spot bonuses.

As an Assistant you:

• Cover staff lunches to ensure classrooms stay in ratio
• Supervise children during lunch, on the playground, and during nap
• Assist in the cleaning, preparation, and maintenance of classrooms
• Assist lead teacher in material preparation and making
• Follow the expected Montessori guidelines in interacting with children - treating each child with respect, supporting independence, and meeting the child at their developmental level
• Helps children to work cooperatively in an atmosphere of respect, using models of behavior and intervention demonstrated by the teacher
• Reports accidents and concerns immediately to the Lead teacher
• Works with the leads and WFMS Administration to learn about the philosophy of Montessori to further understand the goals of the class and the school
• Carries out all specific procedures and responsibilities as outlined by the WFMS staff handbook and Lead

As the PM Extended Care Teacher:

• Supervise children attending the program and promote safety and respect amongst all participants.
• Engages children in activities during extended care hours.
• Ensure a friendly and supportive atmosphere is maintained by developing appropriate strategies to support children in managing their behavior.
• Assists with preparing the classrooms including dusting, replenishing materials, and material making.
• Respond to the individual needs of children and establish stable and consistent relationships with each child and their families/caregivers.
• Communicate sensitively with parents on matters concerning their children while maintaining confidentiality.
• Ensure that the health and safety needs of the children are met and all health and safety issues are dealt with immediately and appropriately. Treat all children with dignity and respect.
• Ensure correct procedures are followed for administering first aid.
• Ensure proper sign-in/sign-out procedures are followed
• Cleaning and tidying of the facility and ensuring the safe storage of equipment before departure
• Report on a regular basis to the classroom Lead and Head of School regarding issues of need and/or concern.
• Responsible to the Head of School and runs the day-to-day After School Care program.
• Check the program’s equipment and make sure it is adequate before the program starts.

Key Qualifications:

• Ability to work well with children
• Experience with leading children/youth activities
• Knowledge of youth/children programs
• Ability to work as a team member in a dynamic, complex environment and organize time and workload effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of staff, the public, and program participants while maintaining objectivity.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, participants, and parents.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the job including frequent standing, walking bending, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Ability to use various sports equipment used in the program.

To be completed upon hire, before starting:

• Current Tuberculosis test
• Complete Central Registry
• State background check and fingerprints
• Sex Offender background check

To be completed once hired:

• First Aid/CPR Certification
• MAT training
• VDoE Preservice training
• VDoE Health & Safety training

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement