Assistant Preschool Teacher

Assistant teachers play a critical role in classrooms and in our teaching teams, collaborating with the lead teacher to guide the children throughout their day and plan age-appropriate curriculum. We encourage individuality, meet each child where they are at and aim to inspire creativity and a love of learning. Early Childhood teachers work in teams of 2 with up to 16 children in a classroom at our Montessori-inspired school.



Our multi-age Early Childhood (ages 3-6) classroom environment provides a challenging and stimulating experience for children, and fosters great joy in learning as they make their own choices and discoveries. It offers younger children the opportunity to be curious, observe the older children and see what lies ahead for them with lessons and materials. For older students, it delivers a familiar learning environment, strong relationships with teachers and a safe environment to develop confidence and be a leader.

Planning, Preparation and Instruction

• Helps plan and implement age-appropriate Montessori curriculum throughout the year.
• Oversees the daily flow of the classroom, including set up, student care and engagement, end of day clean up, parent/guardian interactions, and teaching team collaboration.
• Supports Lead Teachers and classroom team in keeping a well-prepared and organized classroom with regular material and activities rotating throughout the year, updated in partnership with Lead Teachers.
• Meets regularly with team teacher(s) for planning weekly/monthly lessons, and discussing needs of individual children. 
• Maintains close communication with team teacher(s) and other staff members.
• Sets up and cleans up the classroom (at beginning/end of school year) in partnership with the classroom team.
• Maintains a record keeping system to track the children’s progress, in partnership with the classroom team. 
• Maintains a safe, clean environment; practices hand washing and safe food handling procedures, and assures the well-being and safety of all of the children in that environment. 
• Helps with daily activities including: lunch set up and clean up, afternoon snack, toileting needs, nap time, music and art, practical life activities, sensorial work and cooking projects and outdoor play. 
• Other duties as needed to support the classroom environment, as assigned by the Lead Teacher or Program Director.

Desired Qualifications & Skills

• Experience working in a setting with children, preferably in a child-centered environment. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with children, parents and other staff members.
• Nurturing, calm, kind and respectful, with an open attitude towards all children and families. 
• Is creative, flexible, loving and patient.
• Ability to fulfill all Washington State's Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) requirements (TB test, MMR vaccination & pass a portable background check.)
• Willingness to complete training upon hire: Food Handler’s certificate, Pediatric First Aid/CPR, HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate, and Safe Sleep certificate (paid).
• Completion of initial 30 hour STARS training (completed within 6 months of hire).
• Completion of Positive Discipline training (completed upon hire).

• 4% retirement matching program
• $750 annual health stipend for full time work (32 hours/week)
• Accrued paid time off at 0.025 hours per hour worked, 1 week of vacation after 6 months work
• 50% discount on your child’s enrollment at Little Star 
• Flexible scheduling with weekday/daytime hours

Salary : $750