Position Description: Southwest Montessori Academy is seeking a classroom assistant for its early childhood program (3-6 year olds). Candidates are expected to work cohesively with the lead teacher and other staff. Together, the classroom assistant and the lead teacher foster a nurturing, peaceful, stimulating, non-competitive learning environment for 20 students. Hours would be 8am-4pm.
Job duties include but are not limited to:
- keeping children physically and emotionally safe
- organizing and preparing the learning environment
- observing children and communicating observations
- supporting children in a variety of contexts (the classroom, outdoors, or during rest or meal times, during transitions, etc.)
- using Positive Discipline philosophies and tools to support social/emotional learning and challenging behaviors
- light daily cleaning and occasional deeper cleaning
Assistants are also expected to offer support as children work with self-directed activities, allowing the child to develop at their own pace while allowing for independence. Classroom management skills are important as the lead teacher carries out the lesson plans for the day.
Professional development opportunities are provided.
Education Requirements:
- Minimum of a high school diploma.
- Child Development Associate (CDA) or Montessori assistant training is helpful.
Qualifications and Skills/Experience: Qualifying candidates need to be kind, compassionate, enthusiastic, promote a positive attitude, and have a love for working with children ages 3-6 years old. Having a growth mindset and self-awareness is important for learning positive/long-term ways to connect with children and redirect misbehavior using Positive Discipline philosophy and tools (training will be provided). An assistant is also required to have the physical capacity to work with young children.
- Prior experience working with young children, even possibly in a Montessori environment, will be an advantage.
- CPR/First-Aid certification is required (if not already, it will be required as part of the training)
- Professional development opportunities are provided
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $13.40 - $14.75 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
Grade levels:
- Kindergarten
- Pre-Kindergarten
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
School type:
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Early childhood classroom: 2 years (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Fort Wayne, IN 46804: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person