Assistants to Infancy (0-3) Lead Guide

Position: Lead Guide

Supervised by: Teacher Leader Team

General Description:

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. It is intended as a general guide to employment. What is included in this document is not an exhaustive list of all duties or responsibilities. In the future, the organization may elect to clarify, change, or add to this job description and the list of duties. Job descriptions are dynamic living documents that change as school, learner, and staffing needs change. We operate as a team at Isthmus Montessori Academy (Public), and you may be requested to perform tasks that you may have observed other people doing. Performing all tasks that you may be asked to do is an important component of being a team member.

Schedule:

• 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday (plus evening events as scheduled) 
• Attend all Program Level and staff meetings
• Attend all community education and events to which you are assigned

Required Before Hire:

-AMI Montessori trained in A to I
-Love of learning
-Possess qualities and characteristics that reflects a belief in the philosophy of the IMA organization
-Physically capable to work with children on the floor, stairs, and playground, as well as to lift materials, classroom furniture, and clean
-A strong understanding of Education, child development, and positive classroom management techniques 

Required Within 90 Days: 

-CPR certification 
-Registry Account and Education Station Coursebooks, if applicable
--Background Check and Fingerprints
-Health Report and TB test
-Mandated Reporter Training in Child Abuse and Neglect and other trainings as required by DPI and DCF

Anti-Bias, Anti-Racism, Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging work applies to ourselves, Montessori education programs, and our organization.

General Behavior Expectations:

-Approach each day, child, presentation, and adult with love and understanding
-Speak respectfully and purposefully to children, peers, and administrators
-Model a healthy, positive, and inspirational attitude and energy for Montessori work, presentations, and all interactions with staff, children, parents, and professionals of IMA(P)
-Be physically, mentally, and emotionally present with children, staff, and families at all times, adhere to policies and procedures regarding screen usage
-Adhere to all AMI Montessori policies and philosophies
-Adhere to all WI state licensing regulations
-Maintain attendance, consistently arriving to work on time
-Demonstrate patience, integrity, and the ability to exercise sound judgment and diplomacy
-Openness and flexibility to changes, learning opportunities, and “unlearning” opportunities
-Enthusiasm for working outdoors
-Collaborative spirit with all adults in the building
-Daily emotional and academic preparedness

Safety and Supervision:
-Knowing and being responsible for the location/whereabouts of all children in the classroom or outdoor environment at all times of the day
-Always be on the lookout for potential safety hazards in the classroom and outdoor environments
-Maintain the “Rule of 3” and follow DCF adult and child ratios
-Proper and appropriate communication with other educators working with you or working with learners in your community
-Know the medical needs and allergies of all children under your supervision and how to appropriately assist with those needs and allergies if necessary
-Knowing and ensuring safety drill expectations are being followed
V-igilantly attend to classroom environment and assist learners in resolving potential conflicts or challenges if needed

Lead the Montessori Classroom:
-Encourage a strong sense of community within the classroom, the school, and the neighborhood
-Maintain classroom and workspace in a clean, orderly, and safe fashion, encouraging and assisting learners in doing the same
-Design the Montessori classroom environment, creating materials and designing activities as necessary for the success of the classroom and children
-Incorporate nature and the outdoors into curriculum
-Support positive classroom management and implement school-wide and classroom policies, procedures, and routine
-Maintain daily lesson plans and document meaningful observations of students
-Implement IEPs and 504 plans for learners who work with the Student Services team
-Track children’s development and progress and plan lessons based on objective observations
-Model the principle of lifelong learning and present grace and courtesy lessons
-Establish consistent and clear expectations for the classroom expectations
-Oversee attendance and ensuring learners and checked in and out every day
-Attend Lead Guide and Program Level meetings
-Support the Supporting Educator in maintaining montessori environments and pedagogy

Family Communication:
-Communicate proactively with families on a regular basis, including by email, phone, office hours or family meetings
-Hold Family-Guide Conferences
-Keep families up to date on school and classroom news and events
-Send families learner work and photos through Transparent Classroom
-Maintain respectful communication to families about only their own children
S-hared knowledge that the well-being of the child is the center of our focus

Student Recordkeeping:
-Complete student assessments in the Fall and Spring, quarterly conference reports and progress communications, yearly student portfolios, developmental and transition checklists, and all student file requirements throughout the year
-Record observations and lessons on Transparent Classroom daily
-Ensure learners are participating in purposeful recordkeeping by reviewing regularly

Professional Development:
-All Lead Guides must attend one AMI Refresher Course every 5 years
-Attend Wisconsin Montessori Association conference
-Continuous reflection and seeking knowledge to better our practice and understanding
-Continuous work towards bias-aware, anti-racist, and whole-person education
-Maintain regular check-ins with Teacher Leader Team and Program Level Director

-Ability to prepare and maintain a beautiful, orderly, developmentally appropriate environment
-Skilled in observation and following the child
-Support for independence, movement, language, and self-care development
-Experience with respectful caregiving routines and positive guidance
-Strong understanding of health, safety, and licensing practices
-Interpersonal & Professional Skills
-Calm, patient, and consistent presence with young children
-Strong communication and collaboration with families and colleagues
-Commitment to grace and courtesy in all interactions
-Flexibility, reliability, and strong organizational skills
-Ability to work collaboratively within a Montessori community
-Warm, respectful, and relationship-centered approach to caregiving and education