Kindergarten Aide

American Montessori Academy, located in Livonia/Westland, is a welcoming and genuine learning environment. Our staff is reflective, productive, and equitably adapts instruction to meet each student's needs. Through the Montessori philosophy and individualized learning paths, we engage students to emerge as self-directed learners, flexible thinkers, and peaceful problem solvers. We pride ourselves on creating lasting relationships among students, parents, and staff.

About the Role

We are seeking a caring, dependable, and enthusiastic Kindergarten Aide to join our early childhood education team. The Kindergarten Aide will work closely with the Kindergarten Teacher to support the educational, social, emotional, and physical development of young children. This role is essential in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment where children can develop foundational skills and a love of learning.

Characteristics We Value

• Flexibility
• Ability to build positive relationships
• Reflective and authentic
• Team player
• Proactive and solution-focused
• Lifelong learner
• Professional
• Equitable
• Employs Montessori approach
• Innovative
• Leadership
• Passionate about student success

Responsibilities

• Assist the Kindergarten Teacher with the preparation and implementation of instructional materials, classroom activities, and learning centers.
• Support the daily supervision and care of kindergarten-aged children.
• Assist with classroom management and help maintain a positive learning environment.
• Provide individual and small-group support to reinforce learning activities and developmental goals.
• Encourage the development of social, emotional, language, and motor skills through age-appropriate activities.
• Help students follow classroom routines, expectations, and transitions throughout the day.
• Supervise children during indoor and outdoor play, meals, rest periods, and other non-instructional activities.
• Assist children with basic self-help skills, including toileting, handwashing, dressing, and eating as needed.
• Observe and report student progress, behavior, and developmental concerns to the Kindergarten Teacher.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
• Support the implementation of health, safety, and licensing requirements.
• Communicate effectively with teachers, staff, and families as directed.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and support staff to meet the needs of all students.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and sensitive information.
• Assist with classroom setup, organization, and preparation of materials.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

Cognitive Demands

• Supervise multiple students at once.
• Provide support to students in individual and small-group settings.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and orderly learning environment.
• Demonstrate patience and flexibility while working with young children.
• Respond appropriately to student needs, behaviors, and emergencies.
• Participate in continuous professional development.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.

Physical Demands

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, and sit on the floor.
• Occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Assist children with daily activities and mobility needs when necessary.
• Participate in indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions.
• Reach, stoop, and move throughout the classroom environment.
• Withstand a moderate to high noise level common in Kindergarten settings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• Previous experience working with Kindergarten-aged children preferred.
• Knowledge of child development and early childhood education practices preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for working with young children.
• Ability to maintain a safe, positive, and engaging learning environment.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification as required.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Medical, Vision, & Dental Plans
• 4% 401K company contribution
• 3% 401K company match
• Life, ADD, STD, LTD 100% paid by the employer