Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher

ToTH Montessori, a private, authentic Montessori program for children ages 3 months to 6 years old, is looking for a full-time assistant teacher who will provide support for our new infant/nido classroom at our second campus opening in spring 2025. ToTH Montessori is located in the capitol Riverfront/Navy Yard neighborhood of Washington, DC.

Daily Schedule: 7:45 a.m. to 5pm with 1 hour break.

This position is eligible for DC early childhood educator pay equity funding (dependent on educational credential verification.)

The assistant teacher is responsible for supporting the lead guide in providing a nurturing and safe environment for infants, assisting with daily care activities like feeding and diapering, observing and documenting developmental milestones, and actively engaging infants through developmentally-appropriate activities, all while maintaining a clean and organized classroom. The assistant acts as a key support system for the infant classroom to ensure the well-being and development of each child.

Direct Childcare:

• Assist with feeding, changing diapers, and dressing infants.
• Supervise playtime, ensuring safety and appropriate interactions between infants.
• Provide comfort and support to infants during transitions or distress.
• Implement age-appropriate activities to stimulate development in areas like motor skills, cognitive abilities, and language.

Classroom Management:

• Maintain a clean and sanitized classroom environment.
• Organize and prepare materials for activities
• Follow established routines and schedules
• Monitor and report any concerns regarding child health and safety

Developmental Observation and Documentation:

• Observe and document each infant's individual development milestones
• Share observations and progress updates with the lead guide and parents
• Participate in developmental assessments as needed

Communication and Collaboration:

• Collaborate with the lead guide to implement lesson plans and activities
• Communicate effectively with parents about their child's progress and daily activities.
• Maintain open and respectful communication with other staff members.

Qualifications

• Candidate's must have at minimum a CDA or associate's degree.
• At least 1 year prior experience working with infants in a childcare setting required.
• Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field and 1-3 years experience working in early childhood education or childcare.
• Understanding of infant development stages and appropriate activities for each stage.
• Physical requirements: Ability to lift and carry infants, provide basic first aid, excellent communication and observation skills; Comfortable being down on the floor working with children and moving to stand throughout the day.
• Ideal candidates will be flexible, adaptable, proactive, and have a positive attitude.
• Familiarity with the Montessori approach is preferred, but not required. We offer professional development to every teacher.
• Willingness to practice positive disciple and use the Montessori language and approach modeled by the lead guides.
• We are looking for an individual who is gentle, nurturing, energetic, curious, open-minded, and excited to dive into our classrooms.

Job Responsibilities:

• Be on site at least 15 minutes before your shift
• Take direction from the teachers in the classroom & on the playground/walks
• Provide safe and attentive supervision of children in the classroom or while on the playground or on walks
• Assist with arrival and dismissal procedures as needed
• Assist with tasks such as unpacking and distributing classroom supplies, making copies, laminating materials, running errands, reading, researching
• Assist with care of environment tasks to include cleaning/sanitizing, organizing, restoring work, etc.
• Assist with diaper changes and toilet learning
• Successfully complete 21 hours of professional development each year
• Attend required all-staff and team meetings
• Attend in-service training days
• Upon hiring, the candidate must pass a criminal background check, drug test, and complete a TB test and physical annually.

Important Considerations:

• Compliance with regulations: Adhere to all local and state childcare regulations regarding infant care.
• Professionalism: Maintain a positive and nurturing attitude towards infants and parents.
• Flexibility: Be prepared to adapt to changing needs of infants and classroom dynamics. The ideal candidate must have an interest in learning the daily routines in a Montessori environment, have a team-oriented approach to working in a classroom, and be open to learning and practicing the Montessori approach to working with young children.

This is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door at ToTH Montessori. If you have been looking for the right opportunity to join our school community, this is a great entry level position with room for growth.

This is a full-time, salaried position with great benefits including school breaks; health, dental, and vision insurance; 401K plan; life insurance; and professional development/training.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $52,400.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Infant care: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $52,400