Classroom Assistant

City Garden Montessori School Classroom Support Assistant

The City Garden Montessori School Classroom Support Assistant is a vital role within the classroom community. Under the supervision of the Lead Guide or Director of Special Services, this position requires love, patience and respect for children. The Classroom Support Assistant's role is to provide guidance and continuity for an instructional program delivered with both Montessori and an anti-bias/anti-racist pedagogy.

The Classroom Support Assistant will collaborate with the Lead Guide or Director of Special Services to prepare and maintain an orderly, attractive, and joyful environment. They provide another pair of observant, attentive eyes and ears to the classroom. They are also crucial in modeling courteous and respectful behavior as well as contributing to the warm, supportive, and calm atmosphere that is the hallmark of an authentic Montessori environment.

Responsibilities

Provide Support to the Lead Classroom Guide

Helps the Lead Guide provide instruction that supports the development of the cognitive, emotional, social, physical and spiritual growth of the child.

• Manage the classroom in such a way that protects that lessons given by the Lead Guide

• Encourage the students to be independent and model for them appropriate manners and behaviors.

• Work with individual children or small groups as directed by the Lead Guide

• Supervises students in the hall, lunchroom, playground, and/or extended day programming

• Maintains behavior management strategies aligned to the Montessori context

o self-discipline

o independence

o responsibility

o grace and courtesy

o respect for others

o care of environment

o care of self

o community building

• Assists in preparation/production of instructional materials

• Works with the Lead Guide to develop classroom schedules, modify materials

• Assists Lead Guide in observing, recording, and charting behavior

Assist in the Maintenance of the Classroom Environment

• Assists in establishing and maintaining the Montessori classroom culture, paying particular attention to the needs of the students

• Prepares and maintains the environment, observes behaviors, models grace and courtesy, preserves and protects lessons, and assists in the development of independence

• Engage students within the classroom by interacting and thinking about what is happening around them

• Cleans the classroom and replenishes materials and supplies

Assist in Data Collection and Record Keeping

Helps the Lead Guide to complete and maintain all records, reports, evaluations, and inventories of student records and tests in a timely manner as may be required by the school. They will participate in training related to data collection and assessment.

• Gather written observations and input them in student lesson plan system and assessment systems

• Discuss performance, behavior, and community wide observations with lead teacher and other teaching staff

Related Duties

• Takes an active role in developing City Garden as an institution of learning

• Participates in weekly staff meetings, school events, and conferences

• Keeps information confidential

• Is professional and positive in all dealings with students and parents

• Participates in school functions when requested by the Principal, including but not limited to Open Houses, Transition Nights, Curriculum Nights, Parent Orientations and the Family Field Day

• Responsible for reading the employee handbook and adhering to the guidelines and policies as established in the employee handbook

Compensation

$19.00 to $21.50 per hour, dependent on Education and Experience, as well as benefits including:

• Generous Paid Time-off (Fall, Winter and Spring breaks, holidays, and additional days)
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Pre-Tax savings for family health premium costs
• Retirement Plan
• Enrollment preference to City Garden Montessori for K-8 children residing in MO
• Discount tuition for our Preschool program

Requirements

• Possess a minimum of an Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree highly preferred

• At least 1 year classroom or other child/ student setting (camp, YMCA, Boy's and Girl's Club, etc.) experience

• Have demonstrated ability to work effectively under the direction of others

• Have demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others

• Have willingness to assume any responsibilities appropriate for the position

• Flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of children and the school environment

• Demonstrated commitment to equity and anti-biased/anti-racist principles

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Exemplary organizational skills