Nido Assistant Teacher

Montessori Academy of Colorado
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 Community

Reports To: Lower School Director   

Employee Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $21.00 -$23.00 per hour *The hourly rate is adjusted upward so your weekly earnings are equivalent to a full 40-hour workweek. For example - while this position is posted for $21.00–$23.00 per hour, it is our Adaptive Workweek schedule adjusted rate, equivalent to $19.30–$22.00 per hour at 40 hours/week. 

Daily Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:45am-4:45pm with a 45-minute break (approximately 36.25 hours/week) 

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 works 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 of 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

• Help maintain the prepared environment according to the specifics provided by the school and lead teacher.
• Engage with the students and meet the needs of each child enrolled in the classroom.
• 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 Nido by encouraging and supporting them when necessary through activities.
• Seek balance when supporting Nido: avoid over-assisting or abandonment while children are practicing new skills (dressing, putting on shoes, face washing, nose wiping, etc.). Remember the credo should be “help me help myself to learn to do it well.” Ensure the children are clean and well cared for regarding diapering, feeding, handwashing, and mucus.
• Respond quickly and in a soothing fashion to distressed infants and ensure that they are comforted immediately.
• Follow the children and the energy of the classroom to determine the needs of the students.
• 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. 
• Support classroom staff lunch breaks.

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

• Current certification as a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) or another 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 a fast-paced environment.
• Criminal background check required upon hire.

At MAC, we invest in the people who make our mission possible by offering a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for our Full Time Employees. This includes the potential for paid Montessori training, paid holidays and seasonal breaks, flexible paid time off for personal or sick time needs, and paid professional development. MAC also provides health, dental, and vision insurance options, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, HSA plan, employer-paid life insurance, and additional voluntary life insurance, critical illness, and disability plans. Employees also receive an 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.