Early Childhood Assistant Guide

American Montessori Society Inc; Town of Ithaca (NY); Presencial; USD 19.000 - 27.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Ithaca Montessori School (IMS) is seeking an Assistant Guide to support children from 3 months to 5 years old in a Montessori setting in Ithaca. The role promotes independence, concentration, self-regulation, and a love of learning within a warm, prepared environment.

The Assistant Guide collaborates with the Lead Guide, families, and administration to ensure high-quality care and development, following OCFS regulations, Quality Stars, and NAEYC best practices.

Descripción del empleo

Assistant Guide Position Summary

The Assistant Guide at Ithaca Montessori School (IMS) supports the physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and developmental needs of children ages 3 months to 5 years old in accordance with Montessori philosophy, New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations, Quality Stars standards, and NAEYC best practices.

The Assistant Guide fosters a safe, respectful, nurturing, and prepared environment that promotes independence, concentration, self-regulation, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Assistant Guides work collaboratively with the Lead Guide, families, and administration to ensure high-quality care and education for every child.

Program: 12-month program

Hours of Position: M-F 11:00AM-5:30PM

Position Start Date: As soon as possible

Pay: Minimum Hourly Rate: $16.90 per hour. Rate of pay calculated based on education and experience

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Montessori Philosophy & Classroom Practice

The Assistant Guide will:

• Develop an understanding of Montessori philosophy through ongoing training, mentoring, observation, and professional development
• Support Montessori practices that foster:
• Independence
• Concentration
• Self-care
• Grace and courtesy
• Intrinsic motivation
• Respect each child as an individual with unique developmental needs, abilities, interests, and cultural backgrounds
• Assist in maintaining a calm, orderly, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate prepared environment
• Support children in caring for classroom materials and the environment
• Assist the Lead Guide in preparing and maintaining classroom materials and activities
• Observe children objectively to support individualized developmental and educational goals
• Assist children with:
• Transitions
• Toileting
• Feeding
• Rest routines
• Emotional regulation
• Self-help skills
• Support positive classroom tone-keeping and peaceful conflict resolution
• Model respectful communication, patience, and kindness
• Promote inclusion, equity, belonging, and anti-bias practices
• Assist in documenting children’s developmental progress through observation and classroom records

Infant, Toddler & Early Childhood Care Responsibilities

The Assistant Guide will:

• Provide responsive caregiving that supports secure attachments and emotional well-being
• Follow all OCFS safe sleep regulations and infant care requirements
• Support feeding routines in accordance with family preferences and health regulations
• Ensure diapering and toileting procedures are sanitary, respectful, and compliant with licensing standards
• Support children’s:
• Gross motor development
• Fine motor development
• Language development
• Cognitive development
• Sensory development
• Social-emotional development
• Engage children through:
• Conversation
• Reading
• Songs
• Movement
• Outdoor play
• Meaningful daily interactions
• Recognize and respond appropriately to developmental milestones and individual needs

Health, Safety & Supervision

The Assistant Guide will:

• Supervise children actively and attentively at all times
• Maintain proper staff-to-child ratios and group sizes in compliance with OCFS regulations
• Ensure classroom and outdoor environments are:
• Clean
• Organized
• Safe
• Hazard-free
• Developmentally appropriate
• Conduct and assist with daily health checks and wellness screenings
• Follow all OCFS regulations and IMS policies regarding:
• Health and safety
• Sanitation and infection control
• Medication administration
• Emergency preparedness
• Incident reporting
• Child abuse prevention
• Mandated reporting
• Ensure children are released only to authorized individuals
• Immediately report accidents, injuries, hazards, or concerns to administration
• Participate in emergency drills and emergency response procedures
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff

Family Engagement & Communication

The Assistant Guide will:

• Establish respectful and professional relationships with families
• Communicate positively and professionally with parents, guardians, and caregivers
• Share information regarding children’s routines, development, and daily experiences in a timely manner
• Assist with:
• Daily reports
• Classroom documentation
• Communication platforms
• Support family engagement opportunities and school events
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in all communication

Professionalism

The Assistant Guide will:

• Arrive on time and prepared for each workday
• Maintain consistent attendance and reliability
• Adhere to all IMS policies, procedures, and employee handbook expectations
• Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, accountability, and teamwork
• Collaborate respectfully with classroom team members and administration
• Participate actively in:
• Staff meetings
• Classroom meetings
• Reflective supervision
• Professional discussions
• Accept feedback professionally and demonstrate willingness to grow
• Dress professionally and safely according to IMS dress code policies
• Model ethical and professional conduct at all times

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING

The Assistant Guide is responsible for:

• Completing all OCFS-required trainings
• Completing:
• 15 hours of professional development within the first six months of employment
• 30 hours of professional development every two years thereafter per OCFS requirements
• Maintaining current CPR/First Aid certification
• Participating in ongoing Montessori training and mentoring opportunities
• Developing and following an individualized professional development plan
• Attending required:
• Staff meetings
• Trainings
• Workshops
• Conferences

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The Assistant Guide must be able to:

• Lift, carry, and assist children and classroom materials safely
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Respond quickly in emergency situations
• Maintain attentiveness, engagement, and supervision throughout the workday

OTHER DUTIES

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Education Director or Administration Team in support of school operations and classroom functioning