Montessori Apprentice

• Engage positively and professionally with staff and families, with guidance from Montessori Lead
• Model behavior for children, with guidance from Montessori Lead
• Observes and provides student assistance as necessary throughout the day and supports documentation of student needs, with guidance from the Montessori Lead
• Maintain a peaceful and prepared environment to foster student directed learning, with guidance from Montessori Lead
• Maintaining the clean and attractive learning environment associated with the Montessori philosophy according to daily and weekly cleaning schedules
• Responsible for supervising students in the absence of the Montessori Lead, including meal and/or outdoor play duties
• Communicate effectively with the Montessori Lead regarding classroom management and all aspects of student performance
• Read and adhere to the guidelines of the Montessori Staff Handbook
• Attend and participate in school functions, including monthly staff meetings, parent workshops
• Complete and document all required Professional Development and training to support Montessori certification
• Assist the Montessori Lead in planning regular field trips to enrich the classroom learning experience, including regular opportunity working outside in nature
• Share meals with children, ensuring appropriate table setting and kin style (family style) serving; encourages good social skills and appropriate dialogue
• Accordingly refers children to Montessori Lead for academic, behavioral, and medical concerns, as needed.
• Responsible for children from drop-off to pick-up
• Maintain a high standard of confidentiality
• In training with Montessori Lead for all aspects of the Montessori classroom; must obtain Montessori training certificate with 18 months of start date (Montessori training scholarship available)
• Maintain Professional Development hours throughout the year

• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, or related field; or enrolled in an accredited associate’s program (schedule of classes/proof of enrollment required throughout employment until degree is obtained)
• Child Development Certification (not CDA) required
• Minimum of three years’ experience working with children
• Bilingual English/Apache strongly preferred
• Must be 18 years of age or older

• CPR and First Aid Certified (provide current copy of ID/certificate)
• Must obtain and maintain Food Handler’s Card (provide current copy of ID/certificate)

• Must be able to pass a physical exam within 45 days of hire
• Must have a valid NM Driver’s License
• Must be able to work an eight-hour day, with a lunch
• Must be willing to work an evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen, background investigation and have a negative Tuberculosis test; must pass random urinalysis, as required

Tribal preference and Native American Indian preference shall apply to all positions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic Montessori pedagogical approach; intent to learn technical mastery of environment preparation, lesson presentation, observation, and record keeping
• Knowledge of Mescalero Montessori curriculum framework and expectations, techniques for integrating curriculum, Mescalero Montessori policies, and effective instructional practices

• Knowledge of principles and practices of early childhood development and care

• Knowledge of proper and safe food handling, storage, and disposal requirements

• Skill in operating Office 360 and Google Suite, willing to learn other software

• Skilled in oral and written communication, as well as human relations
• Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education
• Ability to infuse appropriate technology into curriculum
• Ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office and school-based staff, students, parents, and community
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to maintain professionalism, to include adherence to dress code – khaki pants or jeans with provided Mescalero Montessori shirts (no leggings/yoga pants, no sweats, no ripped jeans); clogs, flats, or sneakers/tennis shoes