Toddler Community Assistant Teacher

Job Title: Toddler Community Assistant Teacher

Daily Schedule: Monday-Friday 10:00-6:00 (with a 30-minute break), arriving at 9:00 one day per week for team meeting.

Job Assignment: The Toddler Community Assistant Teacher works between two toddler environments with Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers to ensure classrooms are within ratio during transitions, lunches and naptime. Assists during work cycle, redirecting children to work and aiding children who need support. Assists in providing a robust After School program for the children, creating materials and activities. Maintains order and cleanliness of environment and ensures that closing duties are met daily. Substitutes for Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers in cases of illness or absence.

Essential Characteristics: 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 toddler’s needs physically, socially and emotionally.

Maintaining an open, loving and cooperative environment for toddlers is all part of the job of the Community Assistant Teacher. The Community Assistant Teacher has to have an inherent love for this stage of development, and the ability to assist the students with their most personal needs such as toileting, washing, and dressing. 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.

Responsibilities that are required in a Community Assistant Teacher role:

• Maintain the prepared environment by implementing the Montessori toddler 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 toddlers who may have trouble grasping concepts.
• Communicate professionally with the parents, discussing their child's day-to-day interactions with the materials, peers, and adults.
• 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 toddlers: 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.” Ensure that toddlers are clean and well cared for regarding toileting, eating, handwashing, and mucus.
• Respond quickly and in a soothing fashion to distressed toddlers and ensure that they are comforted immediately.
• Follow the children and the energy of the classroom to determine the needs of the students.
• Oversee and engage toddlers 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.
• Engage in weekly team meetings by sharing observations and asking questions about child development and how to best support each child.
• Uphold the MAC Characteristics of Excellence daily.

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