Position Status:  Full-time, 10-month position

Hours: 10:30 AM-6:00 PM

Purpose: 

The Montessori Enrichment (ME) Team Member is responsible for all aspects related to delivering quality lunch, nap & afterschool (Extended Care) programming for the students under the ME Team member’s charge, utilizing the best principles and practices based on the Montessori tradition of education.  

The ME Team member is required to deliver programming that conforms to all Virginia Department of Education regulations and policies while maintaining programming that reflects our Montessori mission and the core Montessori philosophy of respect for the individual learner, preparation of the environment, fostering independence, order, and concentration in the student, respect for sensitive periods, recognizing intrinsic motivation, and the absorbent mind. 

The ME Team member reports directly to the Director of Montessori Enrichment and also follows the direction and guidance of the Early Childhood Education Director. Adheres to the contract-specified hours and days of the ME program.

Essential Job Functions : 

1. Montessori Curriculum: Keeps informed and supports the Montessori approach to education in the ME classroom and programs.  Prepares the classroom environment for independence and exploration.  Cares for all materials and furnishings purchased by RMS for classroom use.  Ensures that materials in use are kept attractive and clean.  Supervises children both indoors and outdoors.  Maintains order and cleanliness of the classroom environment.  Plans engaging activities for students in their care. Adheres to the contract-specified hours and days of the ME program.

1. Student Assessment & Progress:  The Montessori Enrichment Team Member shall make no evaluative comments to parents except under the supervision of the Director of Montessori Enrichment.  The ME Team member may assist in preparing the written Montessori Enrichment progress reports as determined by the Director of ME.   
   
   
2. Parent Relations: Directs parental concerns and questions to the Director of Montessori Enrichment or the appropriate administrative team member.  Relays pertinent information and observations to the Director of Montessori Enrichment.  Maintains positive relations with parents and engages in problem-solving specific situations with the Director of Montessori Enrichment as needed.

1. Personal Growth & Development: Attends pertinent staff meetings, as set by the Head of School or the Director of Montessori Enrichment, and other school meetings/functions and lectures directly related to the ME Team member’s responsibilities and based on the annual performance review process. A total of 16 hours of Professional Development must be completed each school year.

1. Administrative Responsibilities:  Completes various forms such as accident report forms, self-evaluation forms, requests for PTO days, professional development request forms, etc., in a specified and timely fashion. Notifies the Director of Montessori Enrichment (at least 2 – 12 hours in advance, if possible), if she/he is ill and unable to come to school, and contacts a substitute from the Substitute List.  

• Adherence to the Characteristics of Professional Excellence, policies, and procedures of RMS.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  Strong oral & written communication, ability to use basic Microsoft software for email and calendaring, ability to use tact when dealing with difficult parent and student situations, attention to detail and accuracy, ability to recognize classroom situations with students and bring in support for observation as needed,  able to make decisions and work independently, able to solve problems, strong interpersonal skills, exemplary work ethic, positive energy and consistent follow through, understands and demonstrates confidentiality regarding parent and family situations and treats co-workers with respect and dignity.

Education, Training, and/or Experience: Minimum of two years of classroom experience with students at the class level assignment. A bachelor’s degree and experience in a Montessori setting are preferred.   

Certifications, Licenses, or Registrations: The ME Team member shall complete the Department of Education-required training and certifications. This state requirement is 16 hours of Professional Development each school year.

Physical Factors:  Primarily a classroom environment, except for carpool or recess duty, field trip chaperoning, and other needs as assigned. The ability to lift 35 pounds is required. Nap shift requires the ability to get up and down off the floor to soothe children to sleep.

Job Expectations:    Employees attend classroom-specific and after-school functions, community meetings, parent meetings, and other times outside the normal schedule on an as-needed basis.  

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, as needed by Richmond Montessori School.  Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties, and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the job holder’s responsibility.

About Richmond Montessori School

Founded in 1965, Richmond Montessori School is the only Montessori school in the Richmond area and surrounding counties that is fully accredited by two external organizations – the American Montessori Society and Virginia Association of Independent Schools. RMS offers a private education that prepares children (ages 18 months to 14) for high levels of academic achievement, while also supporting their unique styles, interests and talents. The result is students who have the self-confidence, motivation and sense of purpose to successfully navigate life and contribute to their world in a meaningful way.

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