ECE Community Assistant

Montessori Academy of Colorado
The Montessori Academy of Colorado is a metropolitan school that engages each child through innovative academics, exploration of character, and a fearless, forward mindset.

Job Title: Full-Time Community Assistant Teacher

Department: Nido, Toddler, Primary

Reports To: Staff Coordinator & Program Director

Employee Classification: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $19.00-$22.00 per hour

Daily Schedule: 

Monday - Friday, 8:45am - 5:30pm (with 45 min break)

Job Summary

The Early Childhood Community Assistant Teacher works within our early childhood community with Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers to ensure classrooms are fully staffed and supported. A high level of flexibility is needed as the Community Assistant may work in multiple classrooms, depending on what is needed that day. This person may assist during the work cycle, redirect children to work and aid children who need support.

As a Community Assistant Teacher, one has to be especially patient and compassionate. Under the guidance of the Lead Teacher, it is the Community Assistant Teacher’s job to meet the child’s needs physically, socially and emotionally. Maintaining an open, loving and cooperative environment for children is all part of the job of the Community Assistant Teacher. The Community Assistant Teacher has to have an inherent love for young children. The Community Assistant Teacher must possess the ability to support the Lead Teacher in implementing lessons to meet the varying needs of the students. Candidates who have a degree and experience working in Early Childhood Education are most often considered for this position.

Consistent attendance is important to the students and the functioning of the classroom. The Community Assistant Teacher is expected to follow MAC’s policies regarding absences and to schedule optional activities so as to minimize disruption to the classroom.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain the prepared environment by implementing the Montessori ECE curriculum according to the specifics provided by the school and lead teacher.


• Follow lesson plans created by the lead teacher; engage with the students during the work cycle to meet the needs of each child enrolled in the classroom.


• Give lessons as directed by lead teacher on a one-on-one or group basis and assist children who may have trouble grasping concepts.


• Communicate with the children using language and tone of voice that is authentic, natural and, most importantly, kind.


• Promote feelings of security and trust in toddlers by encouraging and supporting them when necessary through activities and practical life skills.


• Seek balance when supporting the children: avoid over-assisting or abandonment while children are practicing new skills (dressing, putting on shoes, face washing, nose wiping, etc.). Remember the credo should be “help me help myself to learn to do it well.”


• Follow the children and the energy of the classroom to determine the needs of the students.


• Oversee and engage children during recess time; ensure that activities are stimulating, age-appropriate, and safe.


• Be available, present, and focused on the children during daily transitions (i.e., work cycle, walks, recess, lunch, and naps).


• Perform cleaning and maintenance necessary to keep the classroom and common spaces clean, beautiful, and safe.


• Maintain a positive work environment among all staff that is professional, kind, and inclusive.


• Uphold the MAC Characteristics of Excellence daily.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 and have one of the following: 
  
  
  
  • A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred
  
  
  • A 2 year college degree in child development or early childhood education from an accredited college or university or actively pursuing a degree preferred
  
  
  • Qualify as a professional child care assistant through a combination of hours and verifiable experience in a professional child care setting preferred
  
  
  • Experience working with various ages of children (infant- 11 years) in a classroom setting
  
  
  
  

• Professionalism, including attendance, positivity, and flexibility.


• Strong communication skills and ability to effectively interface with students, parents, faculty, and staff


• High-energy and enthusiastic about working in a fast-paced environment.


• Criminal background check required upon hire.

MAC is committed to caring for and investing in our employees by offering a generous benefits package for full time employees, including the potential for paid Montessori training, 24 paid holidays annually, paid summer break, 8 Paid Time Off days, 3 Paid Professional Development days, health, dental, and vision insurance with an HSA option, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, employer-paid life insurance, and additional voluntary plans for life insurance, critical illness, and short- and long-term disability plans. Full time employees also receive an RTD EcoPass.

MAC is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment, free of discrimination or harassment, for its community. MAC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, immigration/citizen status, age, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, disability, socio-economic status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. Any person with a concern or allegation of discrimination or harassment shall report it to MAC’s Compliance Coordinator. For more information, please visit our website.