Ece Montessori Educational Assistant

Montessori Children’s House of Saskatoon has been offering an authentic Montessori Program for children 3 to 6 years of age since 2008. We are seeking a dedicated Educational Assistant to join our team of educators. The role of the Montessori Educational Assistant is essential to a harmonious Montessori Prepared Environment. The team works collaboratively to provide an experience where children grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

**Qualifications and Skills**
- A background in Early Childhood Education
- Experience working with young children (3 to 6 years of age) in an educational environment
- Knowledge of the Montessori philosophy and areas of study is an asset
- Knowledge of Montessori activities is an asset
- Must be committed to learning about and practicing the Montessori philosophy and willing to take Montessori courses and workshops
- Certified in Standard First Aid, including Infant and Child Level C
- Current Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector check
- Effective classroom management skills - observant of what is happening throughout the entire classroom
- Ability to follow the child, to nurture independence, self-esteem and success in self-directed learning
- Excellent interpersonal skills - communication (verbal, written, listening), empathy, conflict resolution, teamwork, leadership, flexibility and positive attitude
- Self-initiating and flexible in doing what is needed to meet the needs of the ever-changing day
- Calm, patient, firm but gentle, and respectful of children’s individuality
- Passionate about our mission to provide children with an educational program rooted in Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy that nurtures a love of learning and fosters respect for self, others and the environment.

**Duties & Responsibilities**
- Assume a supportive role to the Classroom Director
- Communicate effectively, openly and regularly with the Classroom Director
- Encourage self-directed learning that promotes self-confidence, independence and critical thinking, while fostering social-emotional and intellectual growth.
- Model grace, courtesy and respect with the children, parents and colleagues
- Communicate and interact effectively with children, parents and colleagues
- Classroom management - able to manage a busy classroom by reinforcing consistent limits with the children and implementing positive reinforcement strategies to create a peaceful environment
- Observe and provide assistance to the children as necessary throughout the day
- Observe and document the children's progress/performance, providing feedback to the Classroom Director on the children’s individual needs
- Assist in the preparation of the prepared environment associated with the Montessori philosophy
- Maintaining an attractive, organized, clean and safe prepared environment according to daily and weekly cleaning schedules
- Responsible for supervising students in the absence of the Classroom Director such as lunch, recess and extended day.
- Provide assistance to children with personal hygiene if necessary
- Engage positively, professionally and respectfully with children, families and colleagues
- Attend and contribute to staff meetings, in-house professional development and school wide events, contributing to the school community and spirit
- Read and adhere to the guidelines of the Staff Handbook

**Benefits / Compensation**
- Competitive salary based on education and experience
- Health care
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Life insurance
- Paid sick/personal time
- Paid holidays
- Professional development/educational funding

**Schedule**:

- Monday to Friday
- Full time - estimated 37.5 to 40 hours per week
- Available to work shifts between the hours of 8:00 and 5:00
- Available to work school breaks and for summer programs
- Training to occur mid January 2025
- Position to commence February 3rd, 2025

If you feel that this position fits you personally and professionally and you are looking for a career working with young children in a Montessori environment, we look forward to hearing from you.

Expected hours: 37.5 - 40 per week

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

**Language**:

- English (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-12-08
Expected start date: 2025-01-20