The Morning Support Aide supports the teaching teams in MSD’s Early Childhood and Elementary programs. When one member of a teaching team needs to step out of the classroom, the Aide will be available to step in as a substitute and ensure the classroom operates with minimal disruption to schedule, program objectives, or the comfort of the children. 

When the Morning Support Aide is not required to be in ratio in any of the classrooms, they may work under a Lead Teacher’s direction to supervise a small group activity or support a child who needs one-on-one attention. They may also take on other duties such as preparing materials, setting up activities, processing laundry and dishes, or general cleaning and organizing. The Morning Support Aide will also support the Office Manager with administrative tasks when requested.

The Morning Support Aide works year-round, beginning with the set-up week prior to Orientation. The Aide is expected to be on campus at 7:30 am to welcome children for Before School Care until 8:40 am. Each morning, they will coordinate with the Office Manager to determine their role during class time, from 9:00 am to 12 pm. From 12:00 to 1:30 pm, they will provide coverage for lunch breaks. On Tuesdays, they will stay until 3:00 to provide planning time. They may occasionally be expected to spend additional time on campus for meetings and training.

The Morning Support Aide’s job description is divided into four aspects of the job: professional development and expectations, preparation of the classroom environment, role during class time, and role as a member of the staff and community. 

Professional Development and Expectations

• Abide by the MSD Employee Handbook, The Family Handbook, the AMS Code of Ethics,  MSD Code of Conduct, and the MSD Crisis Response Plan

• Participate in training provided by the Assistant Head of School, the Lead Teachers, and the Office Manager before the school year begins and during the course of the year, generally within the hours of a normal school day. 

• Through reading, discussion, and observation, work toward expanding their understanding of the Montessori philosophy 

• Direct all parent concerns to the Lead Teachers  

• Participate in the staff review process used at MSD 

Preparation of the Classroom Environment

• Maintain and care for the classroom environment in coordination with the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher before, during, and after class sessions

• Maintain and care for the outdoor environment in coordination with the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher before, during, and after class sessions

• Work to develop an understanding of the Montessori philosophy 

• Work to understand and carry out the directives of the Lead Teacher

• In cooperation with the Lead Teacher, schedule time for team meetings, discussions, and training sessions

• Assist in the introductions of new and prospective students

• Inform the Lead and Assistant Teacher of problems with any child or situation

• When requested, assist in planning for the classroom

Role During Class Time

• When substituting for the Lead or Assistant Teacher, the Morning Support Aide will generally perform the duties of the Assistant Teacher, but classroom expectations may vary from class to class

• Cooperate with the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher to manage arrival and dismissal and oversee the playground

• Be available to students, and be ready to handle various interruptions when the Lead Teacher is giving a lesson

• Stand back from time to time during class to observe the children and to take notes according to the record-keeping system provided by the Lead Teacher, if requested

• Assist in maintaining classroom discipline, following MSD policy

Role as a Member of the MSD Staff and Community

• Attend in-service training or workshops sponsored by MSD (e.g., CPR training) 

• Attend other school functions (e.g. Parent Education, Open Houses, celebrations, field trips, etc.) as advisable (see Staff Attendance at MSD events in Employee Handbook)

• Pick up your mail in the main building regularly; keep the office aware of address changes.

Supervisor, Physical Requirements, and Qualifications

You will report directly to your immediate Supervisor who is the Assistant Head of School.

There is a physical requirement to the position, including but not limited to picking up and carrying a child up to 60 lbs, and mobility necessary to reach a child quickly in an emergency. Work will be conducted indoors and outdoors, and with animals of various kinds. 

Personal requirements include: experience working with young children, experience in a Montessori classroom preferred; the ability to work in a collaborative teamwork atmosphere; excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; well organized and detail-oriented with the ability to take responsibility for and follow through on projects assigned; ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality; ability to see; ability to hear; possess electronic and computer literacy. 

Previous Montessori experience or crednetial is strongly preferred but not required.