Vacancy expired!
The Maple Hill Play Garden - a nurturing, primarily outdoor (in almost any weather), licensed family child care program with a focus on equity and inclusion - is currently accepting applications for a full-time assistant position for the 2021-2022 school year. The program serves children ages 1 ½ - 3 ½ years. Visit: https://www.maplehillplaygarden.com/ to learn more.
The assistant teacher supports the lead teacher in meeting the needs of the children, the program, and the wellbeing of the home-based classroom. They understand the importance of slowing down, holding space, and the essential needs of young children; and are committed to helping create a joy-filled and life-nourishing environment. There is quite a bit of cleaning/clean up (after meals; after program day; etc.) associated with this position for the preparation and maintenance of the space.
This position runs from 8:00/8:15 – 3:45/4:00 on Mondays-Fridays. It starts in September 2021 (with some training hours possible beforehand) and runs through mid-June, with the possibility for re-hire the following school year.
To apply, please email your resume and a brief cover letter (describing your philosophy of childcare, commitment to equity and inclusion, and why you would be a good fit for this position) by June 23, 2021. Please include the words "MH Assistant Position" in the subject heading of your email so we can easily find your application. BIPOC and members of other non-dominant and/or underrepresented groups in our community are strongly encouraged to apply.
Qualifications:
- Must have completed process with EEC (or be willing to complete process prior to start of program) to become a Certified Family Child Care Assistant (see https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-to-become-a-family-child-care-assistant for details)
- No experience needed, but must have a joy of working with children and willingness to learn and adhere to program philosophy
- Ideally have familiarity with Waldorf early childhood pedagogy
- Able to follow a strong daily rhythm and yet quickly adapt to changes
- Ability to follow curriculum and take over as lead teacher when needed, using same (unwritten) curriculum
- Committed to equity and inclusion, including the ability to hold difficult and uncomfortable conversations
- Willingness to work outdoors for long periods of time in all kinds of weather (rain, snow, wind, cold middle of January/February weather, etc.)
- Motivation to do dishes and other cleaning
- Must be willing to provide proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination (individual shot or set, depending on vaccine type) prior to program start date (by early August); and be willing to get any boosters recommended by CDC
- Reliable, responsible, on-time, and consistent
- Must have access to reliable transportation (there is a bus stop within walking distance the program, if needed)
- Desire to clean/keep a clean environment
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Patient, nurturing, and kind
- Eager to learn and grow
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Bilingual Spanish/English candidates a strong plus
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Assist the lead teacher in maintaining a safe, harmonious social environment for the students.
- Assist the lead teacher in maintaining a clean, orderly classroom environment.
- Help to maintain the physical space with duties such as sweeping, washing dishes, wiping down tables, tidying up the bathroom, minor gardening work, etc., throughout the school day.
- Preparation of snacks/meals as determined in consultation with lead teacher.
- Support circle activities, stories, and puppet shows as needed – learning songs used in transitions and paying attention to the socialization messages in stories and songs (using or honing an ability to view songs/stories through a critical lens)
- Be willing to engage in a reflective practice that includes examining privilege and power dynamics to reveal and confront our own biases and how they may be influencing our interactions with the children
- Guide children in self-care (toileting, dressing, eating)
- Assist lead teacher with diapering.
- Be prepared to carry the role of lead teacher if the lead teacher is absent due to illness.
- Assist lead teacher during naptime by sitting with children, working with older children in a different room while washing dishes if needed, etc., as determined by consultation with lead teacher.
- Strive for a depth of understanding of Waldorf education, Magda Gerber’s work, and child development.
- Potentially be available and willing to participate in evening childcare for Parent-Teacher conferences, if requested by the Lead Teacher.
