JOB DESCRIPTION: PRESCHOOL AIDE
Classification: Non-Exempt
Last Approved On:
REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports To: Teacher/Child Care Supervisor
Supervises: None
JOB SUMMARY
The Montessori Program is built upon a strong developmental curriculum that develops skills through a broad range of learning opportunities. Classrooms are multi-age grouped and the Montessori philosophy directs the way in which learning occurs. Aides in this environment support student growth and development through interactions based on respect for the unique learning styles and needs of each child.
Essential Functions
Student Instructional Support
● Assist children in their daily independent classroom work as directed by lead teacher.
● Support individual and small group lessons as planned/directed by lead teacher.
● Support full group activities in cooperation with and as directed by lead teacher.
● Assist in implementing individual plans to address the needs of students as directed by lead teacher.
● Assist in maintaining the order and schedule of the day and assist children during transition times.
Learning Environment
● Responsible for daily care and maintenance of the physical learning environment, materials and supplies.
● Assist in obtaining or preparing new materials and supplies for classroom use when indicated.
● Assist in taking inventory and year-end clean-up and beginning of year set-up of classroom and materials.
● Set up rooms and areas for various activities such as lunch, nap, physical games, etc.
● Obtain or prepare snacks and/or supplies as directed.
Assessment and Record Keeping
● Contribute to the observational and record keeping system of the classroom as directed by lead teacher.
● Attend parent-teacher conferences and parent evenings as requested.
Health and Safety
● Supervise and be aware of the safety of the children at all times. If an accident occurs, follow established procedures and prepare an accident report form for notification of parents.
● Monitor children for signs of illness, injury or suspected abuse/neglect and report concerns to supervisor.
● Supervise children during outdoor play periods and monitor the safety conditions of the outdoor space.
● Supervise children during lunch time and monitor the safety conditions of the lunch room.
● Supervise children at arrival and dismissal times.
● Review the school’s Emergency Operations Plan and all safety procedures and participate in monthly drill procedures and related trainings.
● Participate in certification programs for Emergency First Aid, CPR, and Fire Safety as required.
Student Support
● Assist children in their daily self-help skills, i.e. eating, dressing, toileting, etc.
● Assist children during transition times to and from scheduled activities and programs.
● Assist with implementing activities in accordance with objectives, developmentally appropriate practice and school philosophy.
● Contribute to maintaining appropriate records such as attendance and maintain confidentiality.
Staff Development and Communication
● Keep lead teacher informed of any issues related to children, parents, and staff
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● Attend all designated staff meetings as scheduled during, before and/or after school
● Attend all school in-services as scheduled during teacher work weeks and during the school year.
● Participate in professional development and maintain documentation to meet program requirements.
● Read school communication to stay aware of the events of the school.
● Support school events such as fundraisers and participation in educational events in the community .
Additional Responsibilities
● Participate in all field trips as planned and scheduled by the Director of Education.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Lead Teacher.
Performs in accordance with school policy, administrative regulations, state and federal laws.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education
● Minimum of a high school diploma.
Work Experience
● Experience working with children at the specified program level preferred.
● Possess personal qualifications for working with children.
Licenses Required for the Position
● Current and valid PA Motor Vehicle Driving License
Special Requirements
● Position may be full or part time: full or partial day / full or partial week/ 9 or 12 months.
● Hours vary depending on program/level. Additional time may be required for parent evenings, Open House, Annual
Corporation Meeting, special school events, etc. as needed.
● Aides working in the Educational Program component may also have a position/responsibilities in the Child Care program component.
Knowledge/Ability
● Understanding of the Montessori philosophy of education and the developmental needs of the child and an awareness of the school’s Mission and Beliefs and policies that govern the school.
Temperament
● Must possess excellent interpersonal skills.
● Must be cooperative, congenial, and service oriented.
● Able to make judgments and work in situations that may be stressful.
● Must be courteous and able to effectively manage job responsibilities.
● Must be cooperative, congenial, service oriented, and promote these qualities.
● Ability to work in an environment with frequent interruptions.
● Ability to be respectful and empathetic.
Cognitive Ability
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● Ability to communicate effectively.
● Ability to organize tasks.
● Ability to exercise good judgment.
● Ability to provide written and verbal directions, to read and write, to communicate effectively, to organize tasks, to handle multiple tasks, and to exercise good judgment.
● Ability to establish and maintain rapport with PennMont Academy Board of Directors, supervisor, co-workers and parents.
● Ability to work on multiple tasks and prioritize appropriately.
● Ability to recognize areas of concern and propose or recommend appropriate solutions to problems.
Specific Skills
● Must possess active listening skills.
● Must possess conflict mediation skills.
● Plans and prioritizes assignments effectively. Able to handle several ongoing tasks and projects at once.
● Able to adjust to changes in the work environment.
● Reports to work on time, gives a full day’s work and makes effective use of time while on the job.
● Maintains a good attitude toward management, fellow employees and parents.
● Proofreads work for grammar and spelling accuracy.
● Ability to compose clear, concise sentences and paragraphs
Workplace Expectations
● Acknowledges individuals’ requests and handles them in a friendly and courteous manner.
● Promotes a positive team environment through active cooperation with others.
● Maintains awareness of the PennMont’s policies and procedures. Follows the chain of command.
● Shows initiative and works with minimal supervision.
● When appropriate, incorporates progressive ideas/concepts into daily responsibilities.
● Responds appropriately to supervision and direction.
● Dresses appropriately for job environment.
● Ability to follow directions and give direction to others.
● Ability to work independently and make work-related decisions.
● Ability to exercise good judgment in prioritizing tasks.
● Ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.
● Ability to appropriately handle confidential information in accordance with school policies.
Physical Requirements
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
The physical activity of this position.
● Stooping. Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
● Kneeling. Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
● Crouching. Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
● Reaching. Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
● Walking. Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
● Pushing. Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
● Fingering. Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
● Grasping. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
● Feeling. Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
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● Talking. Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
● Hearing. Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.
The physical requirements of this position.
● Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10-20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
The visual acuity requirements including color, depth perception, and field vision.
● The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position.
● None. The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work.)
The school recognizes that reasonable accommodations must be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability or disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $12.36 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
