Toddler Teacher Long Term Substitute

Richmond, VA

Wild Fern Montessori School, a non-profit Montessori school rooted in our mission of equitable accessibility to quality Montessori Early Childhood Education, is seeking a Long-Term Toddler Lead Substititute. We are committed to providing an authentic Montessori environment in a safe space for all children and families.

This is an established Toddler classroom with two experienced Toddler Assistants and a supportive school environment. The ideal candidate will have Montessori credentials, preferably an AMI or AMS diploma, understand their role as a support to the environment the Toddler Lead has established, work collaboratively with the WFMS teaching and administrative team, and be passionate about the Montessori pedagogy.

ROLE OF THE LONG-TERM SUBSTITUTE INCLUDES:

• To support the peaceful environment established by the Toddler Lead Teacher
• To support independence in each child
• To model expected grace & courtesy consistently
• To contribute to the energy of the classroom in a positive way
• To share in the joy of learning and discovery with each child

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Prepare and maintain the classroom environment in alignment with the Montessori Toddler Curriculum with the support of the Toddler Assistants
• Oversee the flow of the classroom, leading with Grace & Courtesy.
• Keep accurate records of observations, lessons presented, and communication with and about the children
• Uses various assessment tools/strategies such as observations, children’s work samples, continuums of development, portfolios, etc. to help make instructional decisions for individual students.
• Meet regularly with the Toddler Assistants to discuss observations, planning, and progress of the children
• Meet regularly with the Head of School to discuss observations, planning, the progress of the children, and school-wide agendas.
• Participates in school-wide events such as parent orientation, community events, fundraisers, etc. during and outside of school hours.
• Ensures respectful, confidential, and open lines of communication with parents.
• Provide weekly newsletter updates for the classroom, highlighting the week’s activities, upcoming events, and Montessori curriculum.
• Participates in individual parent conferences to discuss each child’s growth and development.
• Helps educate parents in the Montessori philosophy through scheduled Parent Education Nights and finds ways to involve parents in the program.
• Complies with all continuing education requirements including annual training hours required through the Virginia Department of Education for licensed childcare providers.
• Adheres to all school policies and guidelines established in the employee handbook.
• Any other duties as assigned to support of the school’s programming and staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• AMI or AMS Montessori Certification and Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Development or related field.
• Experience working in a Montessori Toddler Classroom (18 months - 3 years)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with children, parents, and other staff members.
• Experience working with diverse students and families.
• Nurturing, calm, kind, and respectful, with an open attitude towards all children, families, and colleagues.
• Is creative, flexible, loving, and patient. Must be able to analyze student behavior and apply appropriate intervention.

MUST BE COMPLETED UPON HIRE
Current TB test or screening (must be no more than 30 days prior to hire date)
CPR/First Aid Certification
Complete Central Registry Background Check
State Fingerprinting Background Check
Sex Offender Registry Check
Required VDOE Licensing training and certification
COVID-19 Vaccination required

Position Hours:
7:30am - 1:30pm

Location:
7511 Brook Rd. Richmond, VA 23227

Pay Rate:
$18 per hour

Benefits:
Employee Tuition Discount
Paid Time Off, including paid school scheduled holiday breaks
Professional Development & Montessori Training Tuition Assistance

Working Conditions:
Montessori Toddler Classroom - Mixed Aged Classroom ages 18 months - 3 years
The Toddler Lead may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time and lift up to 50 lbs.

Contact Information for Applicants
Kate Lipka
Head of School
[email protected]