Toddler Classroom Assistant 10:45 am - 6:00 pm

St. Joseph Montessori School Toddler Assistant 10:45-6:00

Location: 933 Hamlet St., Columbus, OH 43201
Job Status: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: Head of School

Organizational Overview

St. Joseph Montessori School is a Catholic Montessori School located in Columbus, Ohio, serving students 18 months through 8th grade.  

St. Joseph Montessori School (SJMS) was established in 1968 as a preschool preparation program for St. Joseph Academy, operated by the Sisters of Notre Dame.  The Academy consisted of grades one through twelve. Recognizing the value of the Montessori approach to education, parents requested and were granted the extension of the program into the elementary school. 

Although declining enrollment forced the closing of the 100-year-old high school in 1977, a cooperative effort between the Sisters and the parent body resulted in the transition of SJMS into a private Pre-K-8 Diocesan Montessori school with nonprofit status and an elected parent Board of Trustees. 

In 2021, SJMS opened its first Toddler program, accepting students as young as 18 months of age. In 2023, St. Joseph Montessori School became the first American Montessori Society Accredited Montessori School in Central Ohio and is 1 of 222 AMS accredited schools worldwide. 

We offer an alternative educational program to families in Central Ohio, serving families from 44 different zip codes. Our school is located in a vibrant and historic residential neighborhood minutes from Downtown Columbus and The Ohio State University. We have made many additions to the school, such as adding a new library, a greenhouse, and multiple classrooms to accommodate our expanding population.

The Montessori Method allows students to learn and receive individualized lessons in small group settings with a low student-teacher ratio. Students learn to become independent, confident, and curious learners. They thrive in a peaceful environment while developing a responsibility for themselves and the natural world. 

School Mission: 

St. Joseph Montessori School provides a Montessori Catholic learning community that honors the whole child and their immense potential.

School Vision:

To be a school of choice sought out by Central Ohio families attracted to the power of the Montessori Method of educating children in a diverse, engaging, and compassionate community.

Position Overview: 

The Montessori Toddler 10:45 - 6 PM Assistant Teacher supports the Lead and Assistant Teachers in creating a nurturing, prepared environment that fosters independence, curiosity, and holistic development in children aged 18 months to 3 years. They assist in maintaining a calm and orderly classroom, guiding children through routines, and ensuring a safe and respectful learning space aligned with Montessori principles.

Specific Duties: 

• Assist in preparing and maintaining an orderly, clean, and engaging Montessori classroom.
• Is trained in all functions of the classroom and acts as a back-up for the Assistant and/or Lead Teacher.
• Provides nurturing, safe, and engaging after-school care for students. 
• Uses Positive Discipline techniques to redirect students and models grace and courtesy at all times. 
• Assists with classroom record-keeping regarding eating, toileting, and napping. 
• Completes informal and formal observations and shares observation notes with the Lead Teacher. 
• Stays informed about best practices in early childhood education and participates in ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Participates in daily student activities including snack and lunch set up and clean up, dressing and undressing, toileting needs, nap time, practical life activities, sensorial work, cooking projects, and outdoor play. 
• Is an active participant in the school community; attends school events, meetings, and professional development days, participates in school committees, and supports the Lead Teacher at parent education events. 
• Establish a harmonious relationship with the Lead Teacher, other assistants, and interns.  
• Facilitates positive and supportive interactions with parents during dismissal. 

Position Requirements: 

• High School diploma or equivalent 
• Ohio Department of Education Aide Certification  
• Agrees to comply with all continuing education requirements including annual training hours required through the State Board of Education (SBoE), Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS), Ohio Child Licensing and Quality System (OCLQS), and other licensed childcare providers.
• Has a minimum of two years experience working in a setting with toddlers, preferably in a child-centered environment. 
• Excellent communication (both verbal and written) and organizational skills.
• Nurturing, calm, kind, and respectful, with an open attitude towards all children and families. Is creative, flexible, loving, and patient. Enjoys working with children aged 18 - 32 months.
• Understanding of Positive Discipline for the Early Childhood Teacher or has a willingness to learn.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced atmosphere 
• Physical ability to work around small children including sitting, standing, and climbing stairs
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 25 pounds on an occasional basis
• As part of the hiring process, the candidate will be required to submit: a list of three professional references, Copies of transcripts for the highest level of education, Copies of his/her Montessori Credential, Documentation from a medical provider stating that the teacher is approved to work in a childcare setting. 
• Prior to working in the classroom, the teacher must: Complete an FBI/BCI background check, Attend a Protecting God’s Children Professional Development Course, complete OCCRRA/ODE Preschool Orientation online training, Be First Aid and CPR certified, Complete Communicable Disease, and Child Abuse prevention training
• To be completed after hiring: Franciscan Religious Education Introduction training, FEMA virtual training (100c and 700b), set up accounts with ODE and OCCRRA

Equal Employment Opportunity

St. Joseph Montessori School is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity.  We will recruit, select, promote, train, compensate, and discipline individuals in full compliance with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability in an effort to provide fair and equal treatment to all employees and job applicants.