Preschool Assistant

About Us
Southern Montessori School is a vibrant and inclusive co-educational ELC to Year 9 community that embraces the Montessori philosophy. We foster independence, self-discipline, and a lifelong love of learning by nurturing each child’s unique potential and promoting respect, trust, and connection.

Our vision is to guide children to become autonomous, compassionate, and capable citizens who feel empowered to shape their world.

Southern Montessori is a thriving co-educational ELC – Year 9 school that follows the Montessori philosophy.

“The aim of Montessori education is to foster autonomous, competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are life-long learners and problem solvers.” (Montessori Education: Key Concepts and Practices, American Montessori Society, 1990)
We take pride in nurturing the development of children’s social and emotional intelligence in an environment of trust and mutual respect which values each child’s unique strengths and needs and encourages acceptance of self and others. Our rigorous academic learning environments, help to foster self-discipline, independence and initiative. At the heart of Montessori education is the child’s learning about their world and their place in it, and that they can have an impact upon its future.

Position Objective:

The Preschool Assistant contributes to the provision of a healthy, safe, and secure learning environment consistent with the Montessori philosophy. They assist in delivering quality education and care that meets the developmental needs of all children, supporting the Early Childhood Teacher in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the program.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Educational Support

• Assist individual children to follow the Montessori work cycle and protect working children from interruption.
• Unobtrusively monitor children’s engagement and progress, reporting observations to the teacher.
• Provide positive behavior guidance consistent with Centre policies.
• Support the planning and implementation of weekly and termly programs in harmony with Montessori principles.
• Assist the teacher with record-keeping and administrative tasks as directed.
• Provide active supervision of children during lunch and outdoor play.

Administration

• Assist with the completion of daily and long-range records, documentation, and preparation of materials.
• Undertake clerical and classroom support tasks such as photocopying, filing, and collation of student work.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information related to children, families, and staff.

Environment and Safety

• Ensure the classroom and outdoor areas are safe, clean, and well-maintained.
• Assist with classroom organisation and preparation, including working bees and end-of-year clean-ups.
• Follow Work Health and Safety (WHS) procedures and report hazards promptly.

 Professional Practice

• Participate in professional learning and Montessori workshops as required.
• Engage positively in team meetings and staff functions.
• Contribute to the development and review of educational programs and practices.
• Demonstrate commitment to the Montessori philosophy and the school’s values.

Key Selection Criteria: Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential Qualifications and Requirements

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent) or working towards it.
• Current First Aid Certificate (including Asthma and Anaphylaxis training approved by ACECQA).
• Current Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care certificate.
• Current Working with Children Check (WWCC).
• Commitment to the Montessori philosophy and willingness to undertake Montessori training workshops.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Strong communication skills and ability to build positive relationships with children and families.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow direction from the Director.
• Proficient observation and documentation skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Standards (NQS).

Highly Desirable but not Essential Skills

• Montessori qualifications or experience in a Montessori environment.
• Experience working with children aged 3–5 years.
• Knowledge of positive behaviour guidance strategies and child development principles.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable, proactive, and self-motivated with strong problem-solving skills.
• Calm and professional under pressure with a willingness to assist others.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all work.
• Commitment to personal growth and continuous learning.
• Demonstrated ability to uphold confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity

Work Health, Safety & Wellbeing:

• Take reasonable care for own personal safety and that of others. Comply with WHS legislation, policies, and procedures. Report hazards and incidents promptly and participate in training and workplace safety initiatives.

Conditions of Employment:

• Position is employed under the terms and conditions of the School’s Enterprise Agreement.
• Participation in performance reviews and professional learning as required.
• All staff are responsible for ensuring that the data they collect, access or retain is done so within the equirements of School Policy.

Southern Montessori School is committed to the safety, wellbeing, inclusion, participation & empowerment of all children and young people.

Applications are to addressed to ELC Director, Vanessa Webb, and will be reviewed and advanced as they are received. Please email to careers@southernmontessori.sa.edu.au.

Link to download the PDF job description: Preschool Assistant