Assistant Teacher & Aftercare Lead

Now Hiring! Assistant Teacher & Aftercare Lead

Are you passionate about early childhood education, dependable, and excited to make a meaningful impact in a nurturing, community-focused environment?

Woodland Montessori School is seeking a caring, flexible, and reliable Assistant Teacher & Aftercare Lead to join our dedicated team with an immediate start date!

At Woodland Montessori School, we provide a warm, inclusive environment that celebrates curiosity, kindness, and lifelong learning for children ages 2–6.

This is a busy, hands-on position with a variety of responsibilities throughout the school day, but with a generally consistent daily routine. We're looking for someone who enjoys working with young children, takes initiative, and understands the importance of being a dependable part of a small school community.

Most importantly, this individual will be responsible for leading our daily aftercare program until 5:30 PM. Consistency is incredibly important to our children, families, and staff, so we're looking for someone who can commit to being a reliable, familiar presence each afternoon.

What You'll Do

Aftercare Program Leadership

• Take primary responsibility for our daily aftercare program, which runs until 5:30 PM.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for children at the end of their school day.
• Plan and lead age-appropriate activities, supervise play, and encourage positive interactions.
• Provide a consistent, dependable presence for children and families each afternoon.
• Communicate with families and staff to ensure a smooth end to the day.

Classroom & School-Day Support

• Staff Break Coverage: Step into classrooms to provide supervision and support while teachers take their scheduled breaks.
• Nap & Rest Time Preparation: Help set up nap spaces and support a calm, peaceful rest-time routine.
• Playground Supervision: Provide outdoor coverage, ensuring children are safe, engaged, and appropriately supervised.
• Classroom Support: Float between classrooms as needed, assisting teachers and supporting children throughout the day.
• Student Transitions: Help children move smoothly between activities, lunch, rest time, and outdoor play.
• Summer Activities: Assist with fun summer programming, including Bike Days, walking field trips, gardening, STEAM activities, Water Days, and more!
• Light Cleaning & Organization: Help maintain clean, organized, and welcoming classrooms and shared spaces.
• Team Collaboration: Communicate effectively with teachers and administration to keep each day running smoothly.
• Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Respond calmly and appropriately to children's needs and unexpected situations.

What We're Looking For

Reliability and consistency are essential for this position! Because this role includes daily aftercare leadership, we need someone who can be counted on to maintain a consistent schedule and remain on site through 5:30 PM.

Our ideal candidate is someone who:

• Is dependable, punctual, and committed to a consistent work schedule.
• Enjoys working with young children and building positive relationships.
• Can confidently supervise a group of children and take initiative.
• Is flexible and willing to jump in wherever help is needed.
• Can manage a busy day with a positive attitude and calm demeanor.
• Works well independently and as part of a team.

Additional Requirements:

• Experience in early childhood education preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must complete Montana Child Care Provider requirements (we'll pay for your training day!).
• CPR & First Aid Certification (reimbursed after 90 days).
• Current Tdap & MMR vaccinations or notarized religious or medical exemption.
• Ability to lift, bend, and remain active throughout the day.
• Must pass FBI fingerprinting and background check.

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, 10:30 AM–5:30 PM
• Consistent, predictable daily schedule, with aftercare leadership responsibilities until 5:30 PM each day.
• Occasional evening hours for school events (planned and communicated in advance).
• Occasional flexibility to substitute or provide additional coverage during staff absences, and coverage on parent education nights as available.
• No weekends!
• Year-round employment.

While daily responsibilities may vary based on classroom needs, the overall schedule and routine are generally consistent.

Perks & Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 2 sick days per year, plus vacation time after 1 year.
• Retirement Match: 3% SIMPLE IRA employer match.
• Health Insurance Stipend: Up to $150/month for full-time employees (32 hours/week) with a verified policy.
• Tuition Discount & Free Before/After School Care: For enrolled staff children, based on availability.
• CPR Certification Reimbursement: After 90 days.
• Ongoing Training & Professional Development.
• Year-Round Employment.

Join Our Woodland Team!

If you're someone who loves working with children, thrives in a supportive school community, and takes pride in being someone others can count on, we'd love to hear from you!

Come be part of a team where your presence makes a difference every single day.

Pay: $17.50 - $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32.0 – 37.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Childcare: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)

Location:

• Kalispell, MT 59901 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $19