Kindergarten Aide

Position Summary / Job Goals

The Kindergarten Aide supports the Lead Teacher in delivering a developmentally appropriate Kindergarten curriculum and creating engaging, effective learning experiences. This role contributes to students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical development while helping maintain a safe, inclusive, organized, and supportive classroom environment.

The Kindergarten Aide uses a variety of instructional support strategies to meet the diverse needs of learners, including working with individual students and small groups. The aide collaborates with colleagues across the Lower School to promote high-quality teaching and learning.

In alignment with our vision to develop resilient and creative global citizens, the Kindergarten Aide helps students build foundational literacy, numeracy, independence, communication, and problem-solving skills. The aide also supports the Lead Teacher in observing student progress and maintaining accurate and meaningful records.

Qualifications / Training

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in education, child development, or a related field preferred
• Training in effective instructional methods preferred
• Commitment to ongoing professional learning and development

Experience / Knowledge

• At least one year of experience working with elementary-aged children, preferably in a Kindergarten or early elementary classroom
• Understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate learning practices for Kindergarten-aged students
• Ability to support foundational literacy, numeracy, and inquiry-based learning
• Strong cross-cultural, interpersonal, and communication skills to engage effectively with a diverse community
• Ability to support and document student progress through observation, feedback, and record-keeping
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Results-oriented and able to align work with defined goals and expectations
• Commitment to working in a purpose-led educational environment

Attributes

• Collaborative team player who contributes positively to the school community
• Takes ownership of and pride in their work and relationships
• Demonstrates resilience, professionalism, and sound judgment
• Maintains high standards of quality and consistently meets expectations
• Self-aware, reflective, and open to feedback
• Strong listener who communicates with clarity and empathy
• Remains calm and solution-focused in a dynamic environment
• Proactive and adaptable, with a willingness to learn, improve, and innovate
• Patient, nurturing, and responsive to the developmental needs of Kindergarten students

Reports to / Evaluated by

Director of Lower School

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Learning and Teaching

• Support the planning and delivery of the daily Kindergarten instructional program under the direction of the Lead Teacher
• Reinforce foundational literacy, numeracy, communication, inquiry, and problem-solving skills
• Work with individual students, small groups, and the whole class to support learning
• Provide additional support to students based on their individual academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs
• Assist in monitoring student learning and maintaining accurate records of student progress
• Support students in developing independence, self-regulation, positive relationships, and appropriate classroom behaviors
• Provide appropriate feedback, encouragement, and redirection to students
• Supervise and support the classroom in the temporary absence of the Lead Teacher, as directed by school leadership
• Supervise students in non-classroom settings, including recess, lunch, arrival, dismissal, transitions, assemblies, and field trips

Planning and Preparation

• Assist the Lead Teacher in preparing and delivering lessons that build knowledge and skills in a structured and progressive manner
• Prepare instructional materials, learning centers, technology, classroom displays, and other resources
• Become familiar with daily lesson plans, classroom routines, learning objectives, and individual student needs
• Help adapt materials and activities under the direction of the Lead Teacher to support diverse learning needs

Learning Environment and Operations

• Assist in creating and maintaining a positive, inclusive, organized, and engaging learning environment
• Help establish and reinforce consistent classroom routines, expectations, and procedures
• Prepare, organize, and maintain materials and resources required for lessons and activities
• Support classroom organization and general housekeeping responsibilities
• Promote student safety and well-being by actively supervising students and following all school procedures
• Assist students with age-appropriate personal and organizational needs while encouraging independence

Collaboration and Professional Practice

• Maintain professional and respectful working relationships with colleagues, students, and families
• Treat all students with dignity, respect, fairness, and care
• Communicate student observations and concerns promptly and appropriately to the Lead Teacher
• Follow the Lead Teacher’s direction regarding instruction, classroom management, and communication with families
• Attend required staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities
• Contribute to a collaborative team culture in which all members feel supported and valued
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, families, and staff
• Follow all school policies, safeguarding expectations, and professional standards

School Culture and Expectations

• Support a positive school culture aligned with the school’s mission, vision, and values
• Model professionalism through attendance, punctuality, communication, conduct, and presentation
• Support consistency and a shared understanding of learning goals across the Kindergarten team and Lower School
• Participate appropriately in school events, activities, and community initiatives
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Lead Teacher or school leadership

Village Believes That Effective Employees Are

• Accountable: Establish a high-performing culture and accept accountability for organizational performance.
• Strategic: Recognize opportunities and remain committed to continuous improvement aligned with the organization’s vision and direction.
• Collaborative: Work effectively with others to achieve organizational outcomes.
• Entrepreneurial: Create organizational value for diverse stakeholders and contribute to the school’s success.
• Enabling: Drive excellence by valuing, supporting, and developing others.
• Agile: Achieve personal and organizational success within a changing, dynamic, and complex environment.
• Resilient: Demonstrate personal resilience within a demanding environment of high expectations.

This position description is designed to outline the position’s primary duties, qualifications, and scope but does not limit the employee or The Village School to only the work identified. The School expects each employee to offer their services wherever and whenever reasonably necessary to support the success of the organization.