ASUM Child Care invites applications for Three (3) Teacher’s Aide/Assistant Preschool Teacher's to assist the Lead Teacher in the direct care and supervision of children enrolled in ASUM Child Care.

The individual in this role should be good at assisting with instructions and caring for young children, have a solid knowledge of child development, an engaging and energizing disposition, as well as strong organizational, and problem solving skills. This position requires a person who enjoys working with children that respects their unique nature and provide a nurturing environment, have a vibrant personality, strong communication skills and be willing to be a part of the ASUM community.

The ideal candidate will be committed to building deep relationships with their students and use knowledge to develop and execute an emergent agenda that captures students’ curiosity and love for learning. Through innovative project-based learning, social-emotional lessons and discussion, and purposeful play, the Assistant Preschool Teacher will create a joyful, cooperative environment.

The Assistant Teacher will assist the lead teacher in setting up and maintaining the classroom according to state, accreditation and curricular standards. The Assistant Teacher will also oversee the classroom operations from 3:30-5:30 and substitute for the lead teacher on occasion as needed.

Required Skills

• Ability to maintain the quality of the programs
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team, verbally communicate with both adults and children
• Demonstrated ability to use good judgment and remain calm in difficult situations
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply licensing, CACFP, health and accreditation standards
• Ability to understand acceptable early childhood practices and the stages of child development and implement acceptable positive behavior guidance techniques
• Ability to follow instructions and demonstrate accurate record keeping, time management and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to accept constructive criticism and make adjustment as needed
• Ability to lift and carry infants, young toddlers, toy tubs and laundry bags on a regular basis, which requires mobility and physical demands
• Ability to bend, kneel, crawl, sit in low chairs and on the floor for extended periods of time, which requires mobility and physical demands
• Ability to clean indoors and maintain outdoors by raking and sweeping, which requires mobility and physical demands

Minimum Required Experience

• High School diploma and (2) years’ related experience in a licensed child care facility.
• Possess CDA (Child Development Associate) credential or higher per accreditation standards.
• Meet licensing requirements for immunizations (being immunized against MMR and a Dtap/TD booster in the past 10 years).
• First Aid / CPR Certified in Infant/Child/Adult, or ability to become certified immediately upon hire.
• Subject to a minimum of 16 hours of Early Childhood training annually.

Preferred Qualifications

• Early Childhood Education Degree
• Knowledge of applicable UM policies and procedures
• Knowledge of NAEYC Accreditation Standards and Code of Ethics
• Knowledge of CACFP policies, practices and procedures including meal preparation and service

About ASUM Child Care and UM

ASUM Child Care Preschool and Family Resources purpose is to provide high quality care and education for children (newborn to age 8) of University of Montana students, faculty and staff in an accredited developmentally appropriate program. A byproduct of our mission is the opportunity to provide employment opportunities for U of M students interested in working with young children.

The University of Montana is flagship, research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

Position Title: Assistant Teacher (Teacher’s Aide)

Position Number: NEW

Department: ASUM Child Care Preschool

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, 12 months/year

Salary: $17.125/hr – Current employee’s rate of pay for this position will be determined by the staff compensation plan and may be different from the posted salary. For questions and details regarding the staff compensation plan, email the Compensation Department .

Union Affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE

Probationary Period: Six months minimum

Benefits Include : Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via "New Resume/CV" button below.

*Please note, only five (5) attachments allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position.
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience.
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Required Skills

Required Experience

Minimum Education: Graduate of an Accredited School of Nursing. Bachelors of Science in Nursing preferred.