Toddler Classroom Assistant —

Job Description Position:

Toddler Classroom Assistant Program:

Toddler Community Reports To:

Lead Teacher, Infant/Toddler Coordinator, and School Administration Location:

Hudson Country Montessori School, Danbury, Connecticut Status:

Full-Time or Part-Time, as assigned Position Summary The Toddler Classroom Assistant works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher to create a warm, safe, respectful, and developmentally appropriate Montessori environment for young children. The Assistant supports the daily functioning of the classroom while helping children develop independence, language, movement, social skills, self-care, and confidence. The Assistant is expected to understand that caregiving is part of the curriculum . Diapering, toileting, dressing, meals, handwashing, transitions, conflict resolution, and classroom care are important opportunities for connection, language development, independence, and learning. The Assistant works under the direction of the Lead Teacher while also developing the ability to recognize what needs to be done and respond without requiring continual direction. Essential Responsibilities Supporting Children and Montessori Practice Treat every child with warmth, patience, dignity, and respect. Support the Lead Teacher in maintaining a calm, orderly, beautiful, and developmentally appropriate Montessori environment. Encourage children to do as much for themselves as they are developmentally capable of doing. Allow children adequate time to attempt tasks before stepping in to help. Protect children's concentration and avoid unnecessarily interrupting engaged children. Use clear, respectful language and model appropriate social interactions and Grace and Courtesy. Support children's language development through conversation, songs, books, naming objects, and meaningful interactions. Support opportunities for movement, Practical Life, sensory exploration, fine-motor development, art, outdoor experiences, and independent work. Observe children and communicate relevant developmental, behavioral, social, or emotional observations to the Lead Teacher. Follow the Lead Teacher's guidance regarding presentations, classroom expectations, routines, and individual child needs. Caregiving Responsibilities Assist with diapering and toileting according to Hudson and OEC procedures. Support children with handwashing, dressing, undressing, eating, drinking, and other self-care routines. Assist with meals and snacks while encouraging age-appropriate independence. Support rest and sleep routines according to individual children's needs and school procedures. Maintain required care and classroom documentation accurately and promptly. Respond promptly and appropriately to children's physical and emotional needs. Follow all individual allergy, medical, feeding, toileting, and care plans. Maintain children's dignity and privacy during all personal-care routines. Classroom Responsibilities Prepare and restore classroom materials and activity areas. Keep shelves attractive, orderly, complete, and accessible to children. Clean and sanitize materials, tables, care areas, and other classroom surfaces according to school procedures. Assist with dishes, laundry, bedding, classroom supplies, and other daily classroom needs. Monitor materials for missing pieces, damage, cleanliness, and safety. Assist with preparing art, Practical Life, language, sensory, and seasonal activities. Supervise children actively both indoors and outdoors. Maintain required staff-to-child ratios and positioning at all times. Help make transitions calm and efficient. Participate in opening and closing classroom responsibilities as assigned. Team Expectations The Toddler Classroom Assistant is an active member of a classroom team. Assistants should not wait for the Lead Teacher to continually assign the next task. When an assigned responsibility is complete, staff should follow Hudson's basic classroom priority: CHILD →

ENVIRONMENT

→ TEAM First, look at the children. Does a child need care, comfort, supervision, assistance, or engagement? Next, look at the environment. Does something need to be cleaned, restored, prepared, stocked, or put away? Then, look at the team. Is another staff member overwhelmed or managing several needs at once? Step in and help. Assistants are expected to communicate respectfully, accept direction from the Lead Teacher, offer help to coworkers, and contribute to a positive and collaborative classroom culture. Concerns or disagreements among adults should be discussed privately and never in front of children or families. Positive Guidance & Behavior Support The Assistant will: Use positive, respectful, developmentally appropriate guidance. Help toddlers develop language for their needs and emotions. Redirect behavior when appropriate. Set clear and consistent limits. Help children practice waiting, turn-taking, problem-solving, and appropriate ways to communicate frustration. Intervene immediately when necessary for safety. Never use physical punishment, humiliation, threats, intimidation, shaming, withholding food, or other prohibited disciplinary practices. Seek support from the Lead Teacher when behavior is persistent or requires additional intervention. Family Relationships Assistants should greet families warmly and professionally and help create a welcoming classroom community. Daily communication should be positive, factual, and respectful. Significant concerns regarding development, behavior, incidents, injuries, classroom placement, or school policy should be referred to or discussed with the Lead Teacher or administration before being communicated to families. Confidential information about children, families, or staff may not be discussed with other families or unauthorized individuals. Professional Expectations Toddler Classroom Assistants are expected to: Arrive on time and be ready to work at the beginning of their scheduled shift. Maintain reliable attendance. Dress appropriately for active work with young children. Participate in staff meetings, professional development, required training, and school events as assigned. Maintain all certifications, health documentation, background checks, and training required by Hudson and the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. Follow Hudson policies and procedures and all applicable licensing requirements. Maintain confidentiality. Use personal cell phones only according to school policy. Receive feedback professionally and demonstrate willingness to learn and improve. Communicate respectfully and directly with coworkers. Bring concerns to the appropriate Lead Teacher, Coordinator, Director, or Head of School rather than allowing classroom frustrations to interfere with the environment. Model the calm, respectful behavior expected of the children. Qualifications Candidates should have a genuine interest in working with toddlers and an understanding of—or willingness to learn—the Montessori philosophy. Preferred qualifications include experience working with children from approximately 12 months to 3 years of age; experience in Montessori, early childhood education, childcare, or a related setting; and coursework or credentials in early childhood education. Candidates must meet all Connecticut OEC requirements applicable to their position and complete required background checks, health and safety training, mandated reporter training, CPR/First Aid requirements, and other required professional development. Physical Requirements Because this position involves active care of toddlers, employees must be able to perform the essential physical responsibilities of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. These may include sitting and working on the floor, frequently standing and walking, bending and kneeling, assisting children with dressing and toileting, lifting or carrying children when necessary, moving classroom materials and equipment, supervising children outdoors, and responding quickly in an emergency. What Success Looks Like at Hudson A successful Toddler Classroom Assistant is someone who increasingly sees what needs to happen without waiting to be told . They know the children well. They notice when someone needs help. They understand when to engage and when to allow a child to work independently. They keep the environment beautiful and orderly. They support rather than replace children's independence. They communicate well with their Lead Teacher and coworkers. Most importantly, they help create a classroom in which toddlers feel safe, respected, capable, and increasingly independent . Hudson Country Montessori School is committed to providing a respectful, inclusive educational and workplace environment and to complying with applicable equal employment opportunity requirements.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$17.00 - $22.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person