Nido Assistant Teacher

Job Assignment: The Nido (Infant) Assistant Teacher works in the Nido environment with a Lead Teacher and nine children. Assists Lead Teacher during work cycle, redirecting children to work and aiding children who need support. Works with Lead Teacher to prepare environment daily. Maintains order and cleanliness of environment daily. Substitutes for Lead or Community Assistant Teachers in cases of illness or absence.

Essential Characteristics: As a Nido Assistant Teacher, one has to be especially patient and compassionate. Under the guidance of the Lead Teacher, it is the Assistant Teacher’s job to meet the Nido’s needs physically, socially and emotionally. Maintaining an open, loving and cooperative environment for Nidos is all part of the job of the Assistant Teacher. The 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 diapering, feeding, washing, and dressing. The 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 Nido 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 Nido Assistant Teacher role:

• Maintain the prepared environment by implementing the Montessori Nido 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.
• Engage with babies throughout the day to create a language-rich environment
• 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 Nidos by encouraging and supporting them when necessary through activities.
• Seek balance when supporting Nidos: 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 Nidos are clean and well cared for regarding diapering, feeding, handwashing, and mucus.
• Respond quickly and in a soothing fashion to distressed Nidos 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 Nidos during outside 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, outside time, 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, as appropriate, 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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