Classroom Intern / Volunteer

Intern / Volunteer Classroom Support

POSITION SUMMARY

A Classroom Support Intern/Volunteer at Blue Ridge Montessori School assists the Lead Guide and classroom team in creating and maintaining a safe, healthy, respectful, and nurturing learning environment for all students.

This position is designed for college students and community members seeking hands-on experience in education, child development, Montessori education, or related fields, as well as individuals completing internship, practicum, service-learning, or volunteer-hour requirements.

Interns and volunteers will have the opportunity to observe and participate in the daily classroom environment while supporting students and teachers with age-appropriate activities and responsibilities. The individual will work under the direction and supervision of the Lead Guide and in conjunction with the entire faculty and staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To accomplish this role successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions Statement(s)

• Build positive, respectful, and supportive relationships with students.
• Assist the Lead Guide in maintaining a safe, orderly, and nurturing classroom environment.
• Support students with classroom activities, materials, and daily routines.
• Assist students individually or in small groups with activities as directed by the Lead Guide.
• Help prepare, organize, and maintain classroom materials and learning spaces.
• Observe classroom activities and student interactions as part of the learning and professional development experience.
• Assist with transitions, classroom routines, meals, outdoor play, and other daily activities as needed.
• Supervise students in various settings, including classrooms and playgrounds, under the direction of school staff.
• Support students in following classroom expectations, school rules, and established policies.
• Report accidents, illnesses, injuries, safety concerns, or unusual behavior to the Lead Guide or appropriate staff member immediately.
• Assist with age-appropriate care and student needs as directed by school staff.
• Maintain student confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism when interacting with students, families, faculty, and staff.
• Follow all school policies, procedures, health and safety guidelines, and instructions provided by the Lead Guide and administration.
• Participate in staff training, orientation, or other meetings as required for the internship or volunteer assignment.
• Complete assigned internship, practicum, observation, or volunteer-hour documentation as appropriate.

LEARNING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Interns and volunteers may have opportunities to:

• Gain hands-on experience working with children in a Montessori school environment.
• Observe Montessori classroom practices and the role of the Lead Guide.
• Learn about classroom management, child development, and student independence.
• Develop professional communication and teamwork skills.
• Observe how classroom materials and activities support student learning.
• Participate in age-appropriate classroom activities under the guidance of school staff.
• Ask questions and reflect on their experiences as part of their educational or professional development.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education: Current enrollment in a high school, college, university, or educational program is preferred. Students pursuing education, early childhood education, child development, psychology, social work, or related fields are especially encouraged to apply.

Experience: Previous experience working with children is helpful but not required.

Certifications & Licenses: CPR/First Aid certification is preferred but not required.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding students and families.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Positive, patient, and respectful attitude toward children.
• Willingness to learn and accept direction from classroom and administrative staff.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a classroom team.

SCHEDULE & COMMITMENT

Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, with schedule and hours arranged based on the needs of the school, classroom, and intern/volunteer requirements.

Interns and volunteers are encouraged to establish a consistent schedule and commitment for the duration of their placement whenever possible.

Job Status: Internship / Volunteer

Compensation: Unpaid internship or volunteer position. This position may be used to fulfill approved internship, practicum, service-learning, or volunteer-hour requirements, subject to the requirements of the student's school or program.

SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

Because interns and volunteers work directly with children, all individuals are expected to maintain a professional demeanor, respect student privacy, follow school policies, and work under the supervision and direction of Blue Ridge Montessori School faculty and administration.

Interns and volunteers are considered part of the classroom support team and are expected to contribute positively to the classroom community while recognizing that their primary role is to learn and assist.