Montessori Classroom Assistant - Paraprofessional

Position Summary

The Classroom Assistant supports the lead Classroom Guide in maintaining a prepared, orderly Montessori environment where students can pursue independent and small-group work. This role takes direction from the assigned Guide on a daily basis and helps protect the uninterrupted work cycle, supports individual students who need additional attention, and helps maintain the safety, order, and Montessori character of the classroom and the building more broadly. Wisconsin does not require a teaching license for this role unless the Assistant is directly supporting a student''s special education services, in which case a DPI Special Education Program Aide License applies; the specific licensure and qualification pathways are detailed below.

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Support

• Work closely with the assigned Classroom Guide to support effective implementation of the Montessori curriculum and the daily work cycle.
• Help prepare and maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning, including keeping materials complete, orderly, and arranged according to Montessori sequence.
• Provide individual attention and redirection to students as directed by the Guide, minimizing interruptions to other students'' concentration and work.
• Support the Guide in implementing IEP and Section 504 accommodations for individual students, under the Guide''s direction and the supervision of the school''s special education staff.
• Support English Learner accommodations for individual students as directed by the Guide.
• Assist with preparing materials, classroom displays, and learning environments ahead of lessons.

Behavior, Conflict & Community

• Identify and help de-escalate conflict between students in a manner consistent with Montessori grace-and-courtesy practices and the school''s behavior expectations.
• Support students in learning to address and resolve their own conflicts, consistent with the Guide''s classroom management approach.
• Follow all policies and procedures outlined in the staff and student handbooks, including disciplinary steps, under the direction of the Classroom Guide.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information consistent with FERPA and Wisconsin''s pupil records law (Wis. Stat. § 118.125).

Supervision & Safety

• Perform playground, lunchroom, arrival/dismissal, and field trip supervision duties as assigned, to maintain order and student safety.
• Participate in building security and emergency procedures, including fire, lockdown, and other required drills under the school''s safety plan.
• Assist with student check-in/check-out procedures as assigned by the Facilities & Office Manager.
• Report any suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with Wisconsin''s mandatory reporting law.
• Refer any student who may be experiencing homelessness to the school''s designated McKinney-Vento homeless liaison.
• Respond to student injuries or medical needs in accordance with the school''s health and safety procedures, including administering basic first aid as trained and certified to do so.

Compliance

• Complete and maintain a current caregiver background check as required under Wis. Stat. § 48.685 and DPI background-check rules, including the statutory re-check cycle.
• If assigned to directly support a student''s special education services, obtain and maintain a Wisconsin DPI Special Education Program Aide License, requested by the school on the Assistant''s behalf, and renew it on the required five-year cycle.
• If the school participates in Title I programming, meet the qualification standard required of Title I paraprofessionals (a relevant associate''s degree or higher, two years of postsecondary study, or a passing score on a qualifying paraprofessional assessment such as WorkKeys, ParaPro, or an approved portfolio review).
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Classroom Guide or Academic Director.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate''s degree, or coursework toward one, is preferred and may be required to meet Title I paraprofessional standards if applicable.
• Minimum one year of experience supporting a classroom, working with children, or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Satisfactory caregiver background check, consistent with Wis. Stat. § 48.685 and DPI background-check requirements.
• If assigned to directly support special education services: eligibility for, or willingness to obtain, a Wisconsin DPI Special Education Program Aide License, which the school will request on the candidate''s behalf.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred; the school may provide training to obtain or maintain this certification, as Wisconsin does not set a statewide mandate but the school requires it for this role.
• Strong conflict-management skills, including effective communication, problem-solving, and de-escalation with children.
• Genuine interest in Montessori philosophy and willingness to support the Guide''s implementation of the method, even without prior formal Montessori training.
• Strong oral and written communication skills sufficient to work effectively with students, parents, the Classroom Guide, and school leadership.
• Comfort using basic office and classroom technology and equipment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This role requires frequent talking, listening, and use of hands for fine-motor classroom tasks; regular standing, walking, and sitting at child height; and occasional reaching, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The Assistant must occasionally lift or move up to 10 pounds of classroom materials, and must be physically able to assist in a student emergency, including occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds. The role is based primarily in a classroom setting, with occasional outdoor supervision duties and exposure to weather during recess, arrival/dismissal, or field trips. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.