Assistant Toddler Teacher

Job Description

Job Description
About This Role

The West River Montessori School is currently seeking a nurturing and observant Montessori Assistant Toddler Teacher to support our toddler classroom. Working in close partnership with the Lead Teacher, you will play a vital role in protecting the children's concentration by maintaining an orderly environment and modeling grace and courtesy. Your primary focus will be supporting the children's physical and emotional independence through practical life skills, personal care, and peaceful behavior redirection. Applicants must maintain a clean, safe and nurturing environment while having the ability to exercise patience, proficient written and verbal communication and have enthusiasm for working with children age 2. Must be able to collaborate with other colleagues to plan and implement curriculum as well as excel in communication and interpersonal skills while assisting with child drop off and pick up.

What You'll Do

Supporting the Prepared Environment

• Maintain the beauty, order, and cleanliness of the classroom environment by dynamically resetting Montessori materials, washing shelves, and ensuring items are complete and accessible for child-led learning.
• Observe children silently and respectfully during their independent work cycle, stepping in gently only when necessary to preserve their concentration and focus.
• Prepare practical life and snack areas daily, ensuring tools and ingredients are precisely arranged to invite toddlers to practice their independence.

Nurturing Independence & Care

• Model grace and courtesy through your own voice, body language, and physical movements to help toddlers absorb peaceful classroom social routines.
• Assist patiently with practical life skills and personal care, including diapering, toilet learning, handwashing, and dressing, always encouraging the child's autonomy.
• Gently redirect behavioral challenges using positive, supportive language that protects the toddler's emotional safety and sense of belonging.

Team Collaboration & Safety

• Work in close partnership with the Lead Teacher, taking direction on daily classroom rhythms, curriculum support, and specific student needs.
• Supervise the outdoor environment and transition periods vigilantly, prioritizing child safety and structural routine while children explore freely.
• Share objective behavioral and developmental observations with the Lead Teacher to help ensure comprehensive records and individual planning.

Requirements

• Preferred applicants will have a CDA and at least 12 months experience working with children.
• Background Registry: Must pass the mandatory Vermont Child Care Background Check Process, including fingerprinting and a check of the child abuse registry, prior to starting.
• Health & Safety Orientation: Completion of the state-mandated Vermont Child Care Orientation Training module within the first few weeks of hire.
• Emergency Certifications: Must hold a valid, current certification in Pediatric First Aid and CPR.
• Continuing Education: Willingness to log a minimum of 12 to 15 clock hours of professional development annually to maintain compliance with Vermont licensing rules.

Benefits

• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Child Care Discount

• Benefits:

  PTO

  Paid Holidays / Snow Days

  Childcare Discount

  IRA Contribution