Toddler Assistant 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.
Position Title: Toddler Assistant
Classification: Full-time, non-exempt, benefitted
Hours: 40 hrs/week, Monday - Friday
Location: Onsite
Hourly Rate: $23-$27, DOE
Reports to: Toddler Lead Guide
SUMMARY
The Toddler Assistant collaborates with the Guide, supports all children in the classroom to protect the Guide’s ability to give lessons, and cares for the physical environment of the classroom. The Toddler Assistant supports a classroom of up to 12 children, ages 15 months to 3 years.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Work with Adults: Communication
Understands the goals of the Montessori program and consults regularly with the Guide around specific expectations of children in the environment
Works effectively with the Guide to share and implement plans based on ongoing observation
Develops effective methods of remaining in sync through non-verbal communication (eye contacts, hand signals, etc) throughout the day
Assists families and children with establishing independence in transitions; directs questions about children and classroom activities to the Guide
Reports directly to the Primary Guide as their direct supervisor and supports the priorities and culture the Guide cultivates in the classroom
Participate actively in team collaboration, sharing observations, questions, and insights with colleagues and the administrator; foster a consistent and caring school-wide community culture
Awareness and Protection:
Continually scans the room maintaining awareness of child and adult activity
Sits and records observations as directed by the Guide
Manages children's need in order to allow the Guide to provide uninterrupted lessons
Flexibility:
Responds to a variety of children's needs throughout the day
Gracefully adjusts to needs of the classroom as they arise, to unexpected changes or interruptions (e.g., fire drills, visitors, health challenges)
Work with Children:
Authenticity, Respect, and Language Richness
Interacts with children with grace and courtesy, respecting the dignity of each child; communicates expectations clearly and firmly; moves and bends to make eye contact with child
Meticulously uses language pragmatics - please, thank you, excuse me, etc.
Identifies objects in the environment
Consistency, Predictability, and Developmentally Appropriate Assistance
Moves slowly and deliberately in the environment; uses soft voice in conversations; moderates reactions in difficult situations; sets and maintains consistent limits
Redirects children to solve problems independently; waits to offer assistance until independent problem-solving strategies fail; support perseverance following error; remains alert to children experiencing challenges and is ready to support
Provides toileting support for the children responsive to the individual’s child needs
Health and Safety:
Ensure children are supervised at all times
Respond promptly to accidents or injuries, including timely completion of written reports and immediate parent notification
Care of the Environment:
Order and Beauty, and Attentiveness
Keeps shelves and furniture organized according to plan
Keeps surfaces free of clutter, floors swept, and shelves dusted
Attends to restocking materials without prompt
Cleans and organizes classroom as assigned by the Primary Guide
Preparedness:
Prepares the room and makes materials ready for children’s use each morning
Prepares snack with children in a variety of ways, e.g.: works with one child side by side; works with a small group of children; prepares buffet-style snack children serve themselves. Assists to support children make snack themselves, helps maintain the cleanliness and availability of snack throughout the snack period, and leads clean-up after snack.
Sets up for, actively supports, and cleans up after lunch
Community Engagement and Professional Development:
Attends all staff meetings and In-Service days
Attends school events, including parent education evenings and community gatherings as needed
Observes in at least two other classrooms (internally or externally) each year to support ongoing growth and alignment
Completes at least one approved Montessori-related professional development training annually
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:
Minimum of one year of classroom experience
Interest in being outdoors with children year-round in all weather
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a small school community
Flexibility, growth mind set, and interest in ongoing professional development
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand verbal and written English
Preferred:
Degree from Association Montessori International (preferred), American Montessori Society, or other MACTE-approved program
Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
Work experience in an Early Childhood program, preferably in a Montessori environment
Understanding of toddler and/or 3 - 6 developmental stages and needs
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Presents or completes within 30 days of employment -
Enrollment in the Central Background Registry (CBR)
Food Handler’s Card
Pediatric and Adult CPR/First Aid/Epi pen
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 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 need 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 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 Administrator may at times assign tasks that are outside of the main job description
Maintains a professional appearance, demeanor, and observes grace and courtesy and agreed-upon boundaries in communication
Attends community events as collaboratively decided with administrator
Follows licensing guidelines as outlined by ELD
Understands that they are mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect: 1-855-503-7233
HOW TO APPLY
Please respond to this post by submitting a resume and cover letter (1-page max) addressed to Regina Feldman, Head of School, with the subject line [Last Name, Toddler Assistant Job Application]. The cover letter should include why you are interested in working at SunGarden and how your skills and experience have prepared you for this position. SunGarden will request three professional references for the final candidate. Position open until filled.
