Nido Assistant Teacher

The Montessori Academy of Colorado is a metropolitan school that engages each child through innovative academics, exploration of character, and a fearless, forward mindset.

Job Title: Nido Assistant Teacher

Department: Nido (Infant Classroom)

Reports To: Lower Division Director     

Employee Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $18.50-$22.00 per hour

Daily Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:45-5:30 (with a 45 minute lunch break)

Job Summary

The Nido (Infant) Assistant Teacher works in the Nido environment with the classroom Lead Teacher and assists the Lead during the work cycle, redirecting children to work and aiding children who need support. Assistant Teacher’s work with Lead Teacher to prepare and maintain order and cleanliness of the environment daily. 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 infant's needs physically, socially and emotionally. Maintaining an open, loving and cooperative environment for Nido is all part of the job for an Assistant Teacher. The ideal candidate for this position 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. An Assistant Teacher must possess the ability to support the Lead Teacher in implementing lessons to meet the varying needs of the students. The Assistant Teacher will step in as acting lead for Lead Teachers in cases of illness or absence.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 the infants by encouraging and supporting students 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.). Ensure that the children are clean and well cared for regarding diapering, feeding, handwashing, and mucus.
• Respond quickly and in a soothing fashion to distressed children 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 team meetings, as appropriate, by sharing observations and asking questions about child development and how to best support each child.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 and have one of the following: 
  • A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • A 2 year college degree in child development or early childhood education from an accredited college or university or actively pursuing a degree
  • A current certification as a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) or other Department-approved credential
  • Qualify as a professional child care assistant through a combination of hours and verifiable experience in a professional child care setting
  • Experience working with Infant Aged children (8 weeks- 24 months old) in a classroom setting

• Professionalism, including attendance, positivity, and flexibility.
• Strong communication skills.
• High-energy and enthusiastic about working in an fast-paced environment.
• Criminal background check required upon hire.

MAC is committed to caring for and investing in our employees by offering a generous benefit package, including the potential for paid Montessori training, 35 paid holidays annually, 9 Paid Time Off days, 1 Paid Professional Development day, health, dental and vision insurance, a 403b retirement plan with match, employer paid life insurance plan, and voluntary life insurance, critical illness and short term disability plans, and RTD EcoPass.

MAC is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment, free of discrimination or harassment, for its community. MAC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, immigration/citizen status, age, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, disability, socio-economic status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit fact. Any person with a concern or allegation of discrimination or harassment shall report it to MAC’s Compliance Coordinator. More information is available on our website.