What are the responsibilities and job description for the Floating Assistant - Full-Time position at Focused Staffing?
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Principal, the Floating Assistant works with the classroom team on an as-needed basis to cover for others who cannot be in their classes due to absences and other needs as (s)he plans and provides appropriate learning experiences for students. They assist the team in preparing a structured, student-centered learning environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of all children; monitor and evaluate student development and outcomes; communicate and interact with students, parents, staff, and community; work within the Montessori pedagogical scheme to develop and modify instructional plans and materials to meet the needs of all students; maintains appropriate records; follows required procedures and practices and monitors proper use and care of equipment, materials, and facilities. When not covering for others, he or she follows a system of tasks created by the Principal to support classrooms and individual students around the school.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
This is a 10-month position. Typical working hours are Mondays from 8:00 am-4:30 pm and Tuesday-Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm.
Responsibilities include the following:
- Assist in the planning, implementation, and coordination of the classroom
- Maintain a prepared learning environment according to the developmental and curricular specifications outlined in the school's Scope & Sequence
- Oversee before care
- Set limits and boundaries and maintain appropriately high standards for child behavior in the school's context
- Observe student activity and base level of support on observed needs and interests
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and the school leadership team
- Communicate effectively with parents/families, under the guidance of the classroom Guide, to help them understand the details and implementation of the school approach
- Provide a spirit of hospitality at school gatherings, occasional public events, and ongoing family engagement events
- Participate in other school functions as requested by the Executive Director
- Other duties as assigned
Required Competencies and Qualifications:
- Firmly committed to upholding the school’s mission and anti-bias/anti-racist pedagogy.
- Commitment to upholding the confidentiality of students and parents
- Proven ability to work as a member of a diverse team of educators
- Enthusiasm and commitment to our vision and mission
- Creative, energetic, and nurturing personality
- Organizational and interpersonal skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Fluency in a language other than English is a plus
Education and Experience
- Experience working with diverse populations of students, parents, and families.
- Bachelor‘s degree in applicable field preferred
- Classroom assisting experience, preferably in a Montessori environment and/or with young children
- Experience collaborating and working as an assistant