PreK 3 Instructional Assistant

Descripción y requisitos

Carol Morgan School is launching an innovative pilot Pre-Kindergarten Age 3 program grounded in the principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach. The Pre-K3 Instructional Assistant (IA) plays a vital role in supporting this child-centered, inquiry-driven learning environment. Working in close partnership with the Pre-K3 Homeroom Teacher, the Instructional Assistant helps create a warm, responsive, and engaging classroom that honors young children’s curiosity, independence, and developmental needs. Key Responsibilities: 1. Student Support & Care - Support individual children and small groups during play, exploration, and daily routines under the guidance of the classroom teacher. - Provide close supervision and care throughout the day, including arrival, dismissal, snack, rest time, toileting, and outdoor play. - Support students in developing independence with toileting routines, including assisting with and reinforcing potty-training practices as developmentally appropriate, and collaborating with the student’s family during this process. - Assist children with self-help skills such as dressing, handwashing, eating, and cleaning up, while encouraging independence. - Support children’s social-emotional development by modeling calm, respectful interactions and helping children navigate emotions and peer interactions. - Provide gentle co-regulation, comfort, and reassurance to children as needed. - Support children with varying developmental needs through differentiated, responsive care. 2. Learning Environment & Instructional Support - Assist in facilitating a Reggio Emilia–inspired learning environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and collaboration. - Support learning experiences that include: sensory play, constructive and symbolic play, emergent curriculum experiences, and inquiry-based provocations. - Help prepare, organize, and maintain materials, learning centers, and real-world resources used for exploration. - Support the teacher during small-group and whole-group learning experiences (e.g., circle time, storytelling, music, or movement). - Observe children closely during play and learn to support engagement and safety. 3. Relationships & Classroom Culture - Build warm, trusting relationships with children through consistent, responsive, and respectful interactions. - Contribute to a classroom culture rooted in belonging, kindness, emotional safety, and joy. - Model positive language, empathy, cooperation, and respectful problem-solving. - Support classroom routines and transitions to help children feel safe and secure throughout the day. 4. Documentation & Communication - Assist the teacher with classroom documentation by: taking photographs, sharing observations, and contributing anecdotal notes as directed. - Communicate regularly with the classroom teacher regarding children’s needs, progress, and well-being. - Support family partnerships by interacting warmly and professionally with caregivers during arrival and dismissal, as appropriate. 5. Collaboration & Professional Practice - Work closely with the Pre-K3 Homeroom Teacher to support lesson goals, classroom routines, and daily planning. - Collaborate respectfully with colleagues, administration, and support staff. - Be open to feedback, reflective practice, and professional learning opportunities. - Participate in team meetings, professional development sessions, and schoolwide events as required. - Support the ongoing development and refinement of this pilot Pre-K3 program. 6. Health, Safety, and Well-Being - Ensure consistent supervision and adherence to CMS safety protocols at all times. - Help maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom environment. - Support health, hygiene, and wellness routines appropriate for three-year-old children. 1. Required Qualifications - Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Psychology, or a related field. - Experience working with young children in an early childhood, childcare, or school setting. - Strong understanding of the developmental needs of children ages 3–4. - Patience, warmth, flexibility, and a nurturing disposition. - Strong interpersonal and communication skills. - Commitment to inclusion, cultural responsiveness, and respectful caregiving. - Proficiency in English 2.Preferred Qualifications - Experience in a Reggio Emilia–inspired, play-based, or inquiry-focused early childhood environment. - Familiarity with social-emotional learning approaches (e.g., Conscious Discipline). - Experience in an international or independent school setting. Educación.