Employment Opportunities

Assistant Teacher (2021-2022 School Year) - Applications due by June 23, 2021

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The Maple Hill Play Garden assistant supports the lead teacher in meeting the needs of the children, the program, and the wellbeing of the home-based classroom. The assistant teacher understands the importance of slowing down, holding space, and the essential needs of young children; and is committed to helping create a joy-filled and life-nourishing environment. The assistant teacher is also committed to viewing the space through a critical racial lens and having conversations with the lead teacher about how to hold space for the children in ways that promote equity, growth, and resilience. There is cleaning/clean up (after meals; after program day; etc.) associated with this position for the preparation and maintenance of the space.

 

This position runs from 8:00/8:15 – 3:45/4:00 on Mondays-Fridays. It starts in September 2021 (with some training hours possible beforehand) and runs through mid-June, with the possibility for re-hire the following school year.

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To apply, please send your resume and a brief cover letter (describing your philosophy of childcare, commitment to equity and inclusion, and why you would be a good fit for this position) to: NourishingChildhood@gmail.com by June 23, 2021. Please include the words "MH Assistant Position" in the subject heading of your email so we can easily find your application.

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Position Details:

Program runs from early September 2021 – mid-June 2022

Monday-Friday, 8:15 – 4:00

Compensation: $18-$20/hour, plus organic hot lunches; five paid sick/personal days/school year

 

Qualifications:

- Must have completed process with EEC (or be willing to complete process prior to start of program) to become a Certified Family Child Care Assistant (see https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-to-become-a-family-child-care-assistant for details)

- No experience needed, but must have a joy of working with children and willingness to learn and adhere to program philosophy

- Ideally have familiarity with Waldorf early childhood pedagogy

- Able to follow a strong daily rhythm and yet quickly adapt to changes

- Ability to follow curriculum and take over as lead teacher when needed, using same (unwritten) curriculum

- Committed to equity and inclusion, including the ability to hold difficult and uncomfortable conversations

- Be willing to engage in a reflective practice that includes examining privilege and power dynamics to reveal and confront our own biases and how they may be influencing our interactions with the children

- Willingness to work outdoors for long periods of time in all kinds of weather (rain, snow, wind, cold middle of January/February weather, etc.)

- Motivation to do lots of dishes and other cleaning

- Must be willing to provide proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination (individual shot or set, depending on vaccine type) prior to program start date (by early August); and be willing to get any boosters recommended by CDC

- Reliable, responsible, on-time, and consistent

- Must have access to reliable transportation (there is a bus stop within walking distance the program, if needed)

- Desire to clean/keep a clean environment

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills

- Patient, nurturing, and kind

- Eager to learn and grow

- Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.

- Must be at least 18 years old

- Bilingual Spanish/English candidates a plus

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Responsibilities and Duties:

- Assist the lead teacher in maintaining a safe, harmonious social environment for the students.

- Assist the lead teacher in maintaining a clean, orderly classroom environment.

- Help to maintain the physical space with duties such as sweeping, washing dishes, wiping down tables, tidying up the bathroom, minor gardening work, etc., throughout the school day.

- Preparation of snacks/meals as determined in consultation with lead teacher.

- Support circle activities, stories, and puppet shows as needed – learning songs used in transitions and paying attention to the socialization messages in stories and songs (using or honing an ability to view songs/stories through a critical lens)

- Guide children in self-care (toileting, dressing, eating)

- Assist lead teacher with diapering.

- Be prepared to carry the role of lead teacher if the lead teacher is absent due to illness.

- Assist lead teacher during naptime by sitting with children, working with older children in a different room while washing dishes if needed, etc., as determined by consultation with lead teacher.

- Strive for a depth of understanding of Waldorf education, Magda Gerber’s work, and child development.

- Potentially be available and willing to participate in evening childcare for Parent-Teacher conferences, if requested by the Lead Teacher.