3-6 Assistant

Montessori Australia Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Southside Montessori School in Riverwood, NSW is seeking a Classroom Assistant for the Garden program (3-6 year olds). This full-time, permanent role supports the Classroom Teacher and Educational Leader in maintaining the Montessori environment and guiding children's learning and wellbeing.

The position does not require NESA teaching accreditation but requires a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent), NSW WWCC, and up-to-date first aid, CPR and emergency training,

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (or ACECQA-approved).
• Current NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC).
• Current first aid, CPR, and emergency asthma/anaphylaxis management certification.
• Completion of child protection and child safety training as required by NSW law.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing and maintaining Montessori materials and activities.
• Support children's independence, concentration, and purposeful activity under teacher direction.
• Help with observations and documentation as directed.
• Assist with routines (mealtimes, rest, toileting, transitions) and ensure health, hygiene, and safety standards.
• Maintain a safe, ordered environment indoors and outdoors.
• Model respectful, positive relationships and behaviour guidance.
• Communicate respectfully with families and colleagues.
• Complete compliance training and maintain accurate records.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and performance review.

Education

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (or ACECQA-approved)

Job description

Position Title: Classroom Assistant - Garden (3-6 year olds)
Employment Status: Full-time, permanent
Reports To: Classroom Teacher / Educational Leader
Industrial Instrument: Independent Schools NSW (Professional and Operational Staff) Cooperative Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2025
Classification: Preschool/Childcare Services Employees (confirm level with Principal per Agreement)

Position Purpose
Support the Classroom Teacher/Educational Leader in the Garden classroom, maintaining the Montessori environment, assisting children's learning and wellbeing, and upholding a safe, nurturing, child-safe setting. This is a support staff role, not a teaching position, and does not require NESA teacher accreditation.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing and maintaining Montessori materials and activities.
• Support children's independence, concentration, and purposeful activity under teacher direction.
• Help with observations and documentation as directed.
• Assist with routines (mealtimes, rest, toileting, transitions) and ensure health, hygiene, and safety standards.
• Maintain a safe, ordered environment indoors and outdoors.
• Model respectful, positive relationships and behaviour guidance.
• Communicate respectfully with families and colleagues.
• Complete compliance training and maintain accurate records.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and performance review.

Essential Qualifications & Requirements

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent ACECQA-approved qualification), or actively working towards.
• Current NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC).
• Current first aid, CPR, and emergency asthma/anaphylaxis management certification.
• Completion of child protection and child safety training as required by NSW law.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Formal Montessori training (e.g. Montessori Assistant's Certificate, Montessori Orientation course, or other recognised introductory training).
• Experience in a Montessori classroom, ideally with 3-6 year olds.
• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (or higher).
• Familiarity with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
• Experience in an independent school or early childhood setting.

Professional Standards

• Adhere to the school's Staff Code of Conduct and Statement of Commitment to Child Safety.
• Comply with all child protection and child safe policies and procedures.
• Engage in ongoing professional development.

Child Safe Employment Notice

Southside Montessori School is committed to child safety and upholding the NSW Child Safe Standards.
All applicants must hold a valid NSW Working with Children Check, complete mandatory child safety training, and consent to comprehensive pre-employment screening including referee checks and suitability declarations.
Employment is subject to ongoing compliance with child safety requirements and reporting obligations.

Employment Conditions

• Covered by the Independent Schools NSW (Professional and Operational Staff) Cooperative Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2025.
• Classification and salary per Agreement, based on qualifications and duties.
• All offers subject to satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks and child safe recruitment practices.

Southside Montessori School is an independent, non-denominational school in Riverwood, NSW, offering authentic Montessori education for children from birth to 12 years. With over 45 years of experience, Southside provides a continuous Montessori pathway, allowing children to grow and learn...