Part-Time Montessori Toddler Program Assistant- Blue Heron Montessori

Our staff is composed of certified and dedicated Montessorians who are committed to early childhood education and providing an opportunity to establish a life-long love of learning in each child. Our mission is to create a school that has thriving, engaged and happy students, satisfied parents and a well-cared for staff who feel part of a community. We follow the public school calendar with the exception of teacher work days and some holidays. Our school is in session 180 days per year.

Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Toddler Assistant to support our lead teacher. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with children and possess skills in behavior management and early childhood education. This role involves assisting the lead teacher in creating a positive learning environment and providing care for children ages 18 months to 3 years of age. Montessori toddler training preferred. The assistant role has the potential for growth into a lead teaching position in the future.

Responsibilities

• Assist lead teacher in implementing lesson plans and classroom activities.
• Provide support in behavior management to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.
• Engage with students during activities, fostering their social and emotional development.
• Supervise and care for children ages 18 months to 3 years of age, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Collaborate with educators to adapt materials and strategies for students with special needs.
• Maintain a clean and organized classroom environment.
• Communicate effectively with other staff members in a positive manner.
• Participate in training sessions to enhance skills related to early childhood education.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Works with lead teacher to prepare environment each day, maintains order and cleanliness of environment daily before and after class
• Assists lead teacher during class time by redirecting children to work, modeling classroom movement and aiding children who need help
• Assists lead teacher daily by putting materials away, assisting the children to put on shoes, coats and hats for outside play, supporting bathroom skills, assisting with diaper changes, cleaning up spills, wiping shelves, cleaning materials, taking care of the laundry and snack area, and assisting with snack time
• Assists in the cleaning, preparation, and maintenance of classrooms at the beginning of the school year, occasionally during the year, and at the close of the school year
• As directed by the lead teacher, helps children to work cooperatively in an atmosphere of respect, using models of behavior and intervention demonstrated by the lead teacher
• Helps teacher to make materials and plan activities
• Substitutes for teacher in cases of illness or absence
• Reports accidents and concerns immediately to the teacher
• Works with teacher to learn about philosophy of Montessori to further understand the goals of the class and the school
• Attends all parent evenings, family nights and all-school picnics scheduled throughout the year, as well as any other special event not scheduled within regular school hours
• Attends any staff meetings with co-workers
• Participates in annual reviews by co-workers and/or board members

Curriculum and Environment

• Helps lead teacher to plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities
• Implements knowledge and lesson procedures shared by lead teacher when providing instruction to students
• Helps lead teacher by sharing observations of students
• Discloses any parent questions or concerns to lead teacher without interjecting personal thoughts or recommendations to parents

Risk Management

Follows established emergency preparedness protocols

Qualifications

• Experience working with toddlers
• High School Diploma
• Montessori credentials or willingness to obtain
• Ability to follow instructions
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to follow student needs
• Ability to communicate clearly with co-workers and parents
• Classroom management skills
• Ability to problem solve in high stress situations
• Pass a background check
• CPR/First Aid Training Certificate
• Complete all DCYF State requirements through the online Merit System
• Ability to regularly walk, kneel, bend to child level, work on the floor and complete physically demanding cleaning tasks

Job Logistics

The work day runs from 8:15 am to 12:15 pm Monday through Friday, except for scheduled holidays. School is in session 180 days. Work begins 1 week before the start of school and includes 1 day after school is out to pack up the classroom for summer break. Occasional work outside of school hours may be necessary for staff meetings, parent/community meetings and family/all-school events.

Salary: $16,000 per year divided into 12 increments and distributed monthly. School is in session 180 days per year and we typically follow the public school calendar for Whatcom County.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Performs lifting/pushing objects weighing up to 40 pounds
• Other special physical demands may include the ability to administer First Aid and CPR

If you are passionate about childcare and education, have experience working with children ages 18 months to 3 years, and possess the necessary qualifications, we would love to hear from you!

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $16,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 per week

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Ability to Relocate:

• Bellingham, WA 98225: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16,000