EdPost

Position Summary:  

Cosmos Montessori School seeks a full-time Elementary Assistant.  The assistant will provide instructional support by guiding students in their work as well as logistical support by preparing and maintaining an environment in which the Montessori approach to education is put to practice. The assistant will support the Guides to ensure each child’s development is guided spiritually, socially, physically, emotionally, and academically. Highly qualified candidates are bilingual and have experience in classrooms that are Montessori, highly personalized and/or self-guided. MWMS will prioritize candidates of the global majority as we value diversity not only in our students, but also our staff. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Instructional Duties:

• Works with individual and small groups of children as directed by the Lead Guides in the classroom.

• Supports students’ independent work by redirecting students from off task behavior to focused work.

• Guides students’ use of Montessori materials with support of Lead Guides.

• Supports students’ academically in the areas of language, math and sciences in both Spanish and English.

• Protects the peace and concentration of the children at work.

Care for the Learning Environment:

• Works to keep the classroom clean, tidy and well organized, both independently and as directed including returning materials to shelves, vacuuming, sweeping, taking out trash.

• Prepares daily snack for students and cleans the snack area afterwards with the help of students.  

• Sets out catered lunch for students, cleans up afterward including washing tables, sweeping and mopping floors.  Washes dishes and does laundry of classroom napkins and towels, folds and puts away.

• Assists Guides in preparation and maintenance of the Montessori environment, as directed. 

• Prepares materials for student use such as making copies, cutting paper, etc. 

• Repairs classroom materials as needed.

General Responsibilities:

• Shares the responsibility for the safety and physical well-being of the children at all times.  

• Records accurate daily child attendance.

• Walks students in groups down the hallway to use the bathroom.  Monitors students in line and for appropriate bathroom behavior.

• Ensures children are behaving appropriately using redirection, clear directions, and positive reinforcement. 

• Supports children in preparing for recess, safe transition to and from playground areas and recess supervision, adhering to program health and safety and behavior guidelines at all times. 

Professional Responsibilities:

• Attends staff meetings, parent orientation and parent workshops throughout the year. 

• Engages in professional development classes as provided by the school.

• Initiates growth of own intellectual and professional development, seeking out conferences, courses, etc.

• Protects and maintains confidentiality of school information, staff, children and families of Cosmos Montessori School at all times.

• Models integrity, curiosity, responsibility, creativity, and respect for all persons.

• Communicates with Co-Directors regarding any difficulties with children, parents/caregivers, or staff. 

• Collaborates with colleagues and the school’s leadership to support the mission of the school.

• Abides by and upholds all administration policies and rules governing students.

• Shares questions and observations with Co-Directors.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications 

• High School GED

• School/childcare experience

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Self-directed and collaborative

Preferred Qualifications 

• Montessori experience and/or training 

• Bilingual Spanish/English

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is:

• regularly required to talk and hear;

• frequently required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls

• frequently required to stand; 

• frequently required to walk; 

• frequently required to sit, usually on child-size chairs or on floor; 

• frequently required to reach with hands and arms; 

• frequently required to climb or balance; 

• frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl;

• occasionally required to lift and/or carry up to 35 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. 

• Employees are exposed to illness-causing bacteria and viruses common to communal care settings.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

To Apply

Please send resume and cover letter to Christina Willow at christina@cosmosmontessorischool.org.