Garden Guide Job Description
SunGarden Montessori Children’s House is dedicated to the education of the whole child
within purposeful, respectful environments based upon the insights and inspiration of Dr. Maria Montessori.
SUMMARY
The Garden Guide develops and cultivates a prepared outdoor environment in support of the holistic development of the young child. The Garden Guide position is an extension of our Toddler and Children’s House classrooms. Children work outside throughout the day year-round, rain or shine.
We aim to develop the Garden program in several directions: to broadly integrate with classroom curricula and be part of extended work cycles; to support the School’s garden-to-snack program as well as flower arranging, a part of the Montessori Practical Life curriculum; and to develop a native plants garden that can serve as a teaching platform in collaboration with indigenous educators.
As a full-time position, combination with facilities work is possible and desired.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Exhibits initiative, creativity, and drive in developing the Garden program while collaborating with SunGarden staff members, community partners, and parents, rooted in core values of peace and responsible care for the planet.
Tends to the Garden as a prepared environment and place of active work and exploration of the natural world for young children; prepares a garden curriculum; guides children through Three Period Lessons in the Garden, keeps records on children’s engagement in the garden; readies it for children's work; keeps equipment in good order; and leads the maintenance of the grounds.
Cultivates an orderly environment and establishes a predictable schedule that offers children a physically and emotionally safe experience to engage in age-appropriate and meaningful work. Allows children to explore freedom through choice in activity in proportion to assuming responsibility.
Maintains an inventory of the learning environment. Properly stores and maintains materials not in use.
Opens the Garden to children as much as possible given staffing constraints. Substitutes in all classrooms as requested by the administrator to maintain classroom ratios as required by DELC.
Works with children in a patient, respectful, calm, and compassionate manner.
Is a careful observer, attentive to detail, and organized.
Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Is excited to learn about Montessori and grow as a professional; appreciates feedback.
Provides toileting support to young children as needed.
Actively contributes to Guide and (Whole School) Team meetings and participates in all scheduled in-service trainings and meetings. Attends parent meetings and events as requested by the Head of School.
Observes in each SunGarden classroom at least once each year.
Follows policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee and Family Handbooks and other SunGarden Policies.
Adheres to AMI guidelines and standards for the purpose of offering a high quality Montessori experience for all children.
Establishes and maintains respectful and cooperative relationships with children, co-workers, administrators, and parents.
Follows licensing guidelines as outlined by the DELC.
Honors confidentiality of families, children, and the School.
Understands and executes verbal and written instructions; follows policies and procedures.
Submits monthly updates from the Garden to Salutations, our bi-weekly newsletter for families.
Reports directly to the Head of School.
Facilities work: responsible for routine upkeep and repairs of the house and grounds
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of the employee or others. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Required:
Horticultural expertise, Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, and/or work experience in early childhood environment required.
Interest in being outdoors year-round is essential.
Preferred:
Degree from Association Montessori International (preferred) in 0-3 Assistants to Infancy or 3-6 Primary, American Montessori Society, or other MACTE-approved program is preferred.
2 year work experience in a Montessori and/or garden environment for young children (pre-K through Kindergarten) is preferred.
Expertise and experience in facilities work is preferred.
COMPENSATION and BENEFITS
30 - 40 hours/week. Hourly base rate is $25. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with responsibilities, education, and experience.
64 hours PTO + 5 paid holidays + 16 hours dedicated to professional development
$200 professional development funds
Opportunity to participate in group health insurance (currently with Providence), effective after 30 days, for employees working more than 30 hours
Absence of less than 1 hour at the beginning or end of your work day for a doctor’s appointment once a month does not count towards your PTO, but needs to be communicated and be approved by the Head of School
Opportunity to participate in Oregon Saves IRA
Participation in our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
School tuition discount
15 prep days per year for hourly employees
Paid time off for closures due to inclement weather
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Present or complete within first 30 days of employment:
Enrollment in the Central Background Registry (CBR)
Food Handler Card
CPR/First Aid/Epipen
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (RRCAN)
Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety (INCCHS)
Foundations for Learning (FFL)
Professional Development: Complete a minimum of 15 hours of documented training each school year. 8 hours in Child Development (CD) and 1 hour in Health, Safety and Nutrition (HSN).
All program members must submit documentation to Oregon Registry Online (ORO) and present a copy to SG Admin.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may or may not be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
SunGarden activities require frequent shifts between walking, sitting, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
Must be able to run with children or run to them quickly as needed.
Frequent reaching and use of both hands.
Ability to lift items up to 25 pounds.
Occasionally needs to lift a child who is under 75 pounds (in case of safety or medical injury) or to assist with moving outdoor furniture or materials.
Close, distance, and peripheral vision are required for observing the children and ensuring their safety.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may or may not be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Position involves outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions.
Noise level ranges from quiet to loud during normal activities.
JOB DUTIES OF EVERY EMPLOYEE
Maintains punctual, regular, and predictable attendance.
Attends staff meetings and In-Service Days.
Works collaboratively in a team environment.
Prioritizes a focus on the child’s experience at all times.
Understands and takes initiative to accommodate for the legal and logistical constraints of a small staff. Head of School may at times assign tasks that are outside of the main job description.
Maintains a professional appearance and demeanor.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Understands that they are mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect. 1-855-503-7233.
