TEACHING ASSISTANT (CLASS AIDE)

Under the leadership of the head Montessori teacher, you shall assist in the management of the classroom to which you are assigned. Your duties are primarily the health and safety of all students in our school, specifically, but not limited to the children in the class to which you are assigned. Your teacher may assign you projects and duties to fill in your time; however, this list constitutes your primary responsibilities.

Arrival of students:
 Greet children coming into classroom and discharge those who leave early.
 Collect all incoming notes and money required by school functions.

Maintenance of the three hour work period from 9 a.m. to Noon: Protect the class from interruptions by being proactive about problems that cause interruptions.

Freedom and Discipline: We have a Positive Discipline Policy that you need to be familiar with. It is based upon respect for the student and the students' respect for you. Remember that children do not understand strong emotions and that your gentle redirect toward appropriate activity should be all that is necessary as an assistant. Please refer all behaviors that you aren't comfortable with or familiar with to your classroom teacher immediately. Be sure to listen to the child, observe and listen to the teacher's expectations.

Instructional support:
 This is at the direction of your head teacher. It may include reading, art, science, spelling, math drills, or other non-Montessori activities.
 Go with children to replenish supplies.
 Go with children to the library.
 Go with children as needed for a "going out."

Playground Duty: This is an important duty of the classroom assistants since it allows our teachers to have a short break. It is important to relay any problems at recess to the class teacher. We support a safe school environment. No one should feel unsafe at recess.

Replenish supplies:
 Replenish all paper and supplies so that children can be independent.
 Replenish paper towels, toilet paper, and other supplies as needed.
 Sharpen pencils as needed.
 Take note of missing and broken materials such as grammar boxes, bead chains, sequential reading materials etc. and keep log of those materials for reordering.
 Complete Requisitions for approval by office for needed materials after teacher approval.
 Make/Assist in making materials under supervision.

Lost & Found: Maintain a lost and found in your room. Try to keep it minimal by frequently going through it with the children at the end of the day or week. We send things to charitable organizations periodically.

Notes home: Put children's names on notes home and make sure that notes get sent home or e-mailed at the end of the day. Weekly letters will be approved by Administrator for sending home.

Emergency response: Refer unusual incidents to your teacher unless he or she is unavailable. You are directed to call 911 if in your judgment it is required.

Specific Levels:
Preschool/Kindergarten:
Check-off list with items to be completed daily
Assistant does the sign-in sheet
Sanitize: cubbies, coat racks, dishes, sanitize mats, sinks.

Upper and Lower Elementary
Class management, facilitate student work
Paperwork, copies, notes and filing
Model behavior