The Montessori School of Lake Forest is seeking an afternoon Primary After School Assistant (ages 3-6) for the 2026-2027 school year. This person will support a class of children in our Primary After School program (ages 3 to 6) working closely with a classroom Lead Teacher. The ideal candidate has experience working with children in a Montessori Primary (3-6) environment and will be reliable, and possess a patient, positive and respectful manner toward children in their care.

• Hours are Monday through Friday, 12:00pm - 6:00pm (30 hrs/wk) AND Club Days during school breaks and holidays (8:30 - 4:30pm).
  
• Position available for 2026-2027 school year
• Full year (12 month) position with paid holiday and paid time off (PTO)
• Pay starting at $18.00 per hour
• Discounted tuition available for children of employees
• 30 hours per week = benefit eligible
• Experience working with children in a Montessori Primary (3-6) environment preferred
• Position start date August 2026
  

Responsibilities include:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and supportive respect for colleagues, children and families (required.)
• Apply professional knowledge of child development principles to interpret Montessori philosophy in a manner that assures each child’s optimal development.
• Is responsible, with assistant’s help, for the safety and physical well-being of the children at all times.
• Assisting children with self-care, including diapering and toileting.
• Classroom stocking, organization, and daily cleaning.
• Responsible for the care and maintenance of classroom materials, including guiding the assistant and the children to share in this responsibility.
• Supervising indoor and outdoor recess with children.
• Observing children and supporting class rules and class procedures.
• Reporting all accidents immediately and per school protocol, prepares a written accident report if serving as the primary adult involved.
• Sharing staffing responsibility for Club Days (school breaks and dates on which the school is open for enrolled families.)
• Attend staff meetings and in-service programs as scheduled.
• Attend committee meetings and special meetings requested by the Executive Director.
• Assist with any other projects, programs and planning as assigned by Executive Director.

Qualifications include:

• High School diploma required; college degree preferred
• Prior experience working with children preferred
• Prior experience working in Montessori classroom strongly preferred
• Good communication skills and strong work ethic
• Investment in continuous learning and development
• Ability to collaborate, multi-task and learn through observation and modeling

We are a strong school community, dedicated to Montessori principles, committed to inspiring independence, self- confidence, respect and academic excellence.

Benefits include:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance