top of page

 

MH Assistant Teacher Job Opening for 2026-2027 school year

 

Program Description:

The Maple Hill Play Garden - a nurturing, play-based, indoor/outdoor (in almost any weather), licensed family child care program - is currently accepting applications for a full-time assistant position for the 2026-2027 school year. Position is typically full-time and hourly, with some days/weeks off for school breaks. The program is located roughly a mile south of Amherst College and serves children ages 1 - 3 ½ years. Visit: https://www.maplehillplaygarden.com/ to learn more.
 

The Maple Hill Play Garden Assistant assists the classroom teachers with a variety of classroom and meal prep/cleanup, and with supervision of children. To apply, please send an email with 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) as soon as possible - we are looking to hire as soon as possible to start in early September. 

 

BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and members of other non-dominant and/or underrepresented groups in our community are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

This is a contract position through early June 2027.

 

Please visit https://www.maplehillplaygarden.com/employment-opportunities for details.


 

Position Details:

 

Position starts early September 2026 – runs through early June 2027

 

Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:00

 

Compensation: $22-$24/hour depending on teaching and life experience; plus organic hot lunches; 8 paid sick/personal days/school year

 

Qualifications:

  • Must have completed (or be willing to complete ASAP) process with EEC 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)

  • Willingness to wash dishes, tidy up after meals (etc.), and keep a clean space

  • Experience with toddlers/young children preferred

  • Must be willing to work outdoors in any weather, including rain, cold, and snow

  • Familiarity with Waldorf/RIE early childhood pedagogy preferred

  • Must have a joy of working with young children and willingness to learn about/adhere to program philosophy

  • Must be able to follow pedagogical instruction/guidance from lead teachers

  • Must be committed to equity and inclusion, including the ability to hold difficult/uncomfortable conversations

  • Must 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 might be influencing our interactions with the children

  • Candidates should be patient, nurturing, and kind

  • Must be reliable, responsible, on-time, and consistent

  • Must maintain a desire to keep a clean work environment

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

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

  • Must be at least 18 years old

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Help to maintain the physical space with duties including but not limited to sweeping, washing dishes, wiping down tables, cleaning the bathroom, etc., throughout the school day (these are primary responsibilities of this job)

  • Assist children with bodily needs, including those associated with diaper changes and toileting

  • Provide support for children in developing self-care skills (such as toileting, hand washing, getting into outdoor gear, etc.) as developmentally appropriate

  • Help to serve and prepare meals (including dry and fresh ingredient prep for the following day)

  • Maintain count of foods needed/used to create bi- or tri-weekly online grocery orders

  • Unpack/stock grocery orders when picked up, including breaking down/recycling boxes

  • Supervise nap times, including caring quietly for children when they wake

  • Demonstrate through positive interactions a commitment to the Maple Hill’s philosophy, including positive nurturing care

  • Be able to step into leading class/supervising additional (substitute) assistant when Lead Teacher is occasionally absent, including leading circle time and maintaining consistent daily rhythm

  • Communicate with students, caregivers, and colleagues clearly and with empathy

  • Support in creating a calm and restful environment

  • Enter meal count data into tablet daily using KidKare software

  • Collaborate in the ongoing documentation of student observations for progress reports

  • Assist in collaborating for/writing of progress reports (as needed)

 

​

​

​

bottom of page