Primary Assistant

About Lee Montessori Public Charter Schools

At Lee Montessori Public Charter Schools, our mission is to create a more just, liberated world. We are a diverse and interconnected community that redefines high-quality education by pairing Montessori with Anti-Bias/ Anti-Racist practices. We create a joyful learning environment where children and families flourish, and can show up authentically as their true selves.

Position Summary
The Primary Classroom Assistant will work with a lead teacher in a primary classroom of students aged 3-6. This position requires love, patience, and respect for students. The classroom assistant encourages the students to engage in classroom activities independently and models appropriate manners and behaviors for them. With the lead teacher, the classroom assistant will facilitate a classroom environment designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth following Lee Montessori philosophies.

Support Student Learning & Independence

1. Model and maintain a calm and warm demeanor with students and peers to create a safe space for students and families.
2. Work collaboratively with the lead teacher to develop and implement a classroom plan to manage student behaviors and increase learning time. 
3. Support students with developing classroom health and safety skills (handwashing, toileting, cleaning, etc.)
4. Use positive reinforcement to encourage students to resolve conflict independently.
5. When lead teacher is absent, assume leadership of the classroom and guide substitutes.
6. Frequently review student learning plans and collaboratively develop plans to work with individual students and small groups.
7. Provide communications, as needed, with parents and guardians in collaboration with the classroom teacher and/or campus leadership.

Lead the Maintenance of the Classroom and Learning Materials

1. Prepare and reset the Montessori classroom environment and curricular materials daily to maximize student learning.
2. Move throughout the classroom during the work period to make sure the classroom environment continues to be clean, lively, and inviting.
3. Maintain inventory of curriculum materials, making note of materials that need to be replenished, repaired, or replaced.

Ensure Accurate Data Collection and Record-keeping

1. Support in collecting written observations and inputting them into an online record-keeping system.
2. Take note of all student incidents and communicate to the appropriate stakeholders.
3. Discuss observations with the lead teacher and other teaching staff.
4. Take attendance and input daily into an online record-keeping system. 

Additional Responsibilities

1. Facilitate whole group transitions and provide supervision and enriching activities during non-academic times including lunch, recess, and other duties, as assigned.
2. Record and consistently communicate to appropriate stakeholders about students’ development outside of the classroom.
3. Participate in and contribute to all family conferencing conversations and mandatory school events.
4. Attend and contribute to all employee training sessions, supervision meetings, and staff meetings.
5. Regularly read all organizational and campus-specific communications daily, responding when necessary.

Required Skills/Abilities

1. Possess some knowledge of early childhood student development principles and developmentally appropriate educational practices.
2. Willingness to learn about Montessori principles and continuously implement its practice.
3. Enthusiastic personality that will engage children.
4. Ability to collaborate and communicate with staff, parents, and students positively and constructively.
5. Excellent organizational skills.
6. Proficient or willing to learn Google Suite and related software as required for recordkeeping and documentation.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience as a childcare or daycare worker, teacher, or teacher’s assistant is preferred.
• Previous Montessori experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the classroom and outdoor spaces.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time with little or no assistance. 
• Must be able to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, or squat to be at eye level with children.