Position Summary
The Classroom Assistant Guide is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that supports the development of the whole child. The Guide implements Montessori principles, maintains compliance with all applicable licensing requirements, collaborates with families and colleagues, and contributes to the overall mission and culture of the school.
Classroom Responsibilities
- Implement Montessori philosophy and practices throughout the daily classroom experience.
- Prepare and maintain a developmentally appropriate Montessori environment that fosters independence, concentration, responsibility, and respect.
- Present lessons and facilitate learning experiences that support each child's growth and development.
- Prepare, organize, and maintain classroom materials and learning resources.
- Rotate lessons, materials, and activities as needed to meet the needs and interests of students.
- Maintain an orderly, attractive, and uncluttered classroom environment, including shelves, storage areas, walls, and floor space.
- Monitor classroom materials and equipment and report damaged, missing, or unsafe items to the Lead Guide.
- Care for classroom plants, animals, and other living elements of the environment as applicable.
- Maintain adequate classroom supplies and communicate supply needs to administration.
- Assist with student arrival, dismissal, attendance, and required documentation.
- Attend school functions and events related to the assigned program.
- Perform additional responsibilities reasonably related to the position and necessary to support the school's mission and operations.
- Maintain assigned work hours and fulfill all scheduled responsibilities.
Student Safety and Supervision
- Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of children at all times.
- Maintain active supervision of children during all activities, including classroom work, transitions, outdoor play, meals, rest periods, and field trips.
- Never leave children unattended.
- Follow all health, safety, sanitation, emergency preparedness, and licensing requirements established by Tennessee DHS and school policy.
- Follow school procedures regarding the storage and use of hazardous or toxic materials.
- Report accidents, injuries, illnesses, incidents, and safety concerns according to school policy and licensing requirements.
- Immediately report suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment in accordance with Tennessee mandatory reporting laws and school procedures.
Professional and Administrative Responsibilities
- Report directly to the Lead Guide.
- Follow all school policies, procedures, and applicable Tennessee licensing regulations.
- Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
- Maintain all certifications, credentials, and documentation required for employment in a licensed child care agency.
- Complete all training and professional development requirements required by Tennessee DHS, Tennessee Department of Education, and school policy.
- Submit required documentation of training and professional development in a timely manner.
- Participate in annual performance evaluations and professional growth planning.
- Maintain professional, respectful, and collaborative relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
- Support and uphold the mission, values, and culture of the school.
Facility Care and Housekeeping
- Help maintain a clean, safe, welcoming, and orderly learning environment.
- Assist with maintaining sanitary classroom and restroom areas when necessary.
- Model and encourage responsibility for care of the environment among students.
Employee Benefits
- 50% tuition discount for each enrolled child.
- Company-paid Montessori certification and training opportunities.
- Extensive on-the-job training and ongoing professional development.
- Supportive and inclusive environment for staff, students, and families.
- Ninety-six (96) hours of paid time off annually for full-time employees.
- School calendar designed with breaks and wellness periods throughout the year.
- Employee-driven succession planning and leadership development opportunities.
- Twelve-month pay structure providing consistent income throughout the year.
Minimum Qualifications
- Meets all Tennessee DHS licensing requirements for the position.
- Successfully completes all required criminal background checks and maintains eligibility for employment in a licensed child care agency.
- Maintains current CPR and First Aid certification or obtains certification within the required timeframe.
- Demonstrates the ability to safely supervise, assist, and, when necessary, lift children.
- Prior experience working with children in a school, childcare, or related educational setting preferred.
- Montessori certification preferred; willingness to learn and implement Montessori pedagogy required.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $28,600.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Ability to Relocate:
- Knoxville, TN 37934: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person