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Job Title: Toddler/Casa Assistant

Department: Education

Reports to: Early Childhood Coordinator

Salary/pay grade: $22-$26.50/hr

Employee Status:

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

[x] 35 - 40 hrs/wk
[] 20 - 35 hrs/wk
[] less than 20 hrs/wk

Position Summary

The Toddler Assistant is a key support role in the daily functioning of a Montessori environment. This position is responsible for assisting the Lead Guide in maintaining an orderly, respectful, and developmentally aligned classroom that reflects core Montessori principles. The assistant contributes to the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children by modeling appropriate behavior, supporting independence, and ensuring a calm and prepared learning environment.

The assistant does not deliver formal lessons but provides indirect support that enables children to engage in uninterrupted work and meaningful exploration.

Education & Experience

Education:

• Bachelor's degree preferred in education or a related field or equivalent experience.
• AMS or AMI Credential/Diploma or currently in training is preferred.

Experience:

• Experience working in an early childhood setting is required.
• Experience in a Montessori school is strongly preferred.

Certifications & Competencies:

• Must meet state or local licensing requirements (e.g., CPR/First Aid, background check, mandated DHS trainings).
• For a full list of licensor requirements, view Assistant teacher education and experience requirements.
• Capacity to follow detailed instructions, maintain a high standard of cleanliness and order, and engage with young children in a grounded and compassionate manner.
• Deep respect for children and belief in their potential.
• Patience, calm presence, and ability to regulate one's own emotions in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to observe rather than direct, allowing children space to explore.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.
• Openness to feedback, coaching, and collaborative growth.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Environmental Preparation and Maintenance

• Prepare, clean, and reset classroom materials daily, ensuring they are complete, in good condition, and aesthetically arranged.
• Sanitize surfaces, materials, and classroom tools in accordance with school policies and health regulations.
• Maintain an organized environment with attention to order, beauty, and accessibility to promote independent use by children.
• Support daily routines, including snack preparation, laundry, dishwashing, and rest area setup.
• Assist in setting up the classroom at the beginning of the school year and breaking down at year-end.

Child Supervision and Behavioral Support

• Observe and support children during independent work cycles without interfering unnecessarily with their concentration or activities.
• Redirect behavior respectfully and consistently in alignment with Montessori philosophy (e.g., modeling grace and courtesy, using positive discipline, and encouraging problem-solving).
• Assist with children's physical needs, including toileting, dressing, handwashing, and self-care routines, with sensitivity to each child's developmental stage.
• Supervise transitions and non-classroom times (arrival, recess, lunch, dismissal) to maintain order and emotional safety.
• When staffing is low, support other classrooms or the extended day program as needed.

Instructional Support

• Reinforce ground rules and expectations established by the Lead Guide.
• Offer gentle guidance during work time, such as helping children return materials to their proper places or waiting for their turn to speak.
• Provide a quiet, respectful presence to help maintain a focused work atmosphere.
• At the discretion of the Lead Guide, support individual or group practice with materials.

Observation and Documentation

• Observe children's behaviors, interests, and emerging skills throughout the day.
• Record relevant observations as requested by the Lead Guide to inform individual and group planning.
• Communicate patterns or concerns promptly and professionally to the Lead Guide.
• Complete Daily Tracking requirements per DHS (Toddlers only).

Communication and Professionalism

• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and school operations.
• Communicate respectfully with parents during drop-off/pick-up and defer developmental concerns to the Lead Guide.
• Collaborate with the teaching team and participate in staff meetings, in-service training, and continuing education opportunities.
• Represent the school's mission and Montessori values with professionalism, warmth, and consistency.
• At the direction of the Lead Guide, coordinate birthday, laundry, and conference reminders to families via Parent Square; Share and tag photos in Transparent Classroom.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move easily between standing, sitting on the floor, kneeling, bending, and lifting.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds (e.g., child, classroom materials, laundry).
• Regular exposure to outdoor weather during recess and nature walks.
• May be exposed to cleaning agents and child-generated messes.

Work Environment

The Toddler Assistant works in a thoughtfully prepared, child-centered environment that emphasizes calm, order, and independence. The role requires physical agility and stamina, with frequent transitions between standing, sitting on the floor, bending, and lifting up to 40 pounds. Assistants are actively engaged throughout the day, supporting young children's needs with patience and sensitivity while maintaining a clean, organized, and aesthetically pleasing space. Work takes place both indoors and outdoors in all seasons, with exposure to weather and typical early childhood messes. The assistant collaborates closely with the Lead Guide and other team members in a supportive, mission-driven community where professionalism, warmth, and a deep respect for each child's development are essential. This is a full-time, on-site position with no remote work option.

Benefits

We offer comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid time off, and more.

Sunny Hollow Montessori is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Please visit our website at Welcome to Sunny Hollow Montessori | Guiding children from infancy to adulthood