Floating Assistant in Washington, Connecticut at Washington Montessori Association Inc

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Floating Assistant assists Head Teachers in preparing and maintaining the classroom environment and supports the learning and well-being of students throughout the school day. This position is directly accountable to the Head Teacher and works closely with them to ensure a safe, organized, and nurturing Montessori environment. Time during school hours is spent working with students.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist Head Teachers in the preparation, maintenance, and repair of the prepared environment and educational materials.
• Follow a checklist of routine duties for three toddler classrooms, such as dusting and cleaning, refilling supplies, and keeping storage organized, as planned with the Head Teachers.
• Share responsibility for the safety and well-being of students at all times.
• Use respectful, affirming language with students at all times, whether in conversation, teaching, or redirecting them.
• Refer parent inquiries to Head Teachers and support the relationship between the parent and Head Teachers.
• Work with individual students or small groups during the school day as directed.
• Fulfill lunch and recess duty as assigned.
• Attend staff meetings and other events as required.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 7:45 am arrival, 12:30 pm dismissal on all days that school is in session.
• Uses sick days judiciously; takes no more than 2 personal days, only if essential, and by advance request.
• Is a positive team player and contributes ideas, expertise, and time to the overall mission of the school. Respects and reinforces productive channels of communication, avoiding sharing gossip, rumor, or complaints with parents in the school.
• Works well with all colleagues and actively seeks to resolve conflicts or problems when they arise.
• Listens thoughtfully to other viewpoints and responds constructively to suggestions and criticism.
• Demonstrates professional demeanor and maintains appropriate boundaries with colleagues, students, and parents.
• Is ethical and forthright, uses good judgment, and maintains confidentiality with student information.
• Demonstrates calm, flexibility, focus, an even temper, and social appropriateness in ways that help others.
• Maintains and demonstrates a strong sense of ethics.
• Other duties as assigned by the Head Teacher, Director of Education and Head of School.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Skills & Competencies
• Experience working with children in an educational or childcare setting preferred.
• Genuine enthusiasm for working with children and a patient, nurturing approach.
• Ability to follow direction and work collaboratively as part of a classroom team.
• Reliable and punctual, with strong attention to the needs of the classroom and students.
• Willingness to pursue Montessori Associate training and grow professionally over time.
• Commitment to the school’s mission and the well-being of every student.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This is a part-time, in-person position. The Floating Assistant is expected to be on campus during designated hours and to participate in staff meetings and school events as requested. Occasional afternoon or evening availability may be required.