Full-Time Assistant with toddlers at The Maple Hill Play Garden

Program Description:

The Maple Hill Play Garden - a nurturing, play-based, indoor/outdoor (in almost any weather), licensed family child care program - is currently accepting applications for a long-term sub for our full-time assistant position from November 2024 through early June 2025, with the possibility of re-hire the following year. Position is typically full-time and hourly, with some days/weeks off for school breaks. The program is located roughly a mile south of Amherst Center and serves children ages 1 - 3 ½ years. Visit: https://www.maplehillplaygarden.com/ to learn more.

The Maple Hill Play Garden Assistant assists the classroom teachers with a variety of classroom and meal prep/cleanup, and with some supervision of children. To apply, please send an email with your resume and a brief cover letter (describing your philosophy of childcare, commitment to equity and inclusion, and why you would be a good fit for this position) as soon as possible - we are looking to hire as soon as possible.

BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and members of other non-dominant and/or underrepresented groups in our community are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is a contract, long-term sub position while our regular assistant is out.

Please visit https://www.maplehillplaygarden.com/employment-opportunities for details.

Position Details:

Position starts November 2024 – runs through early June 2025

Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:00

Compensation: $20/hour, plus free organic hot lunches; five paid sick/personal days

Qualifications:

Must have completed (or be willing to complete ASAP) process with EEC to become a Regular or Certified Family Child Care Assistant (see https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-to-become-a-family-child-care-assistantfor details)

Willingness to wash dishes multiple times/day, tidy up after meals (etc.), keep a clean space

Experience with toddlers/young children preferred

Familiarity with Waldorf/RIE early childhood pedagogy preferred

Must have a joy of working with young children and willingness to learn about/adhere to program philosophy

Must be able to follow pedagogical instruction/guidance from lead teachers

Must be committed to equity and inclusion, including the ability to hold difficult/uncomfortable conversations

Must be willing to engage in a reflective practice that includes examining privilege and power dynamics to reveal and confront our own biases and how they might be influencing our interactions with the children

Candidates should be patient, nurturing, and kind

Must be reliable, responsible, on-time, and consistent

Must maintain a desire to keep a clean work environment

Must have access to reliable transportation (there is a bus stop within walking distance the program, if needed)

Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.

Must be at least 18 years old

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Help to maintain the physical space with duties including but not limited to sweeping, washing dishes, wiping down tables, cleaning the bathroom, etc., throughout the school day (these are the primary responsibilities of this job)

Assist children with bodily needs, including those associated with diaper changes and toileting

Provide support for children in developing self-care skills (such as getting into outdoor gear) as developmentally appropriate

Help to serve and prepare meals (including dry and fresh ingredient prep for the following day)

Supervise nap times, including caring quietly for children when they wake

Demonstrate through positive interactions a commitment to the Maple Hill’s philosophy, including positive nurturing care; racial, cultural, and gender diversity and inclusivity

Communicate with students, caregivers, and colleagues clearly and with empathy

Support in creating a calm and restful environment

Job Type: Contract

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

Paid time off