Little Sophia Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten Early

**LITTLE SOPHIA RUDOLF STEINER KINDERGARTEN**

**EARLY CHILDHOOD DIPLOMA ASSISTANT AND CASUAL STAFF**

**BACKGROUND**

Little Sophia is a not-for-profit, inner-city Steiner long-day kindergarten, rated Exceeding in all seven areas of the National Quality Framework. We are located close to the historic Abbotsford Convent Arts precinct, Sophia Mundi Steiner School, and Collingwood College. Little Sophia has been part of this Community for more than 25 years.

We offer playgroup, nature kindergarten on the Yarra Bend, and two approved all-day mixed-age, play-based kindergarten programs. The quality and depth of our experience is demonstrated by the care and love our community of educators, office staff, and families brings to our kindergarten and the warmth and joy they take home.

The kindergarten assistant is a vital role within the kindergarten program. It provides essential support for the teacher in creating the rhythm and structure of the children’s day. The assistant’s work and care of the children interweaves with that of the teacher to create a secure and gentle environment supporting children to explore and learn through play. There are two assistants in each kindergarten room and two at all times in the nature kindergarten program.

**POSITION OBJECTIVE**

Work cooperatively as a member of the kindergarten team and assist with the provision of a high-quality Steiner educational program for the children.

Develop awareness for how the teacher works with the children and support this, as the teacher carries the ultimate responsibility for the children and their parents.

Operate in a professional manner at all times, meeting the requirements of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) Kindergarten Guide, the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010, Education and Care Services National Regulations and the Quality Improvement Plan, policies and procedures of the service.

Remember that who you are, what you do and say, and how you relate to the children, their parents, and your colleagues, is a deep aspect of the child’s education through imitation, and reflects on the kindergarten.

**ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIP**

The Assistant is responsible to the teacher on a day-to-day basis for implementing the program’s aims and is accountable to the leadership team, and the governance committee (employer).

**RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES**

**General responsibilities**

Demonstrate a natural warmth of manner towards children, parents and colleagues.

Show a joyful interest in care of young children and a genuine commitment to understanding.

Steiner’s developmental picture of the young child and human being, and the pedagogy developed from this.

Act in accordance with Little Sophia’s Code of Conduct.

Work under the direction of the teacher in accordance with the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Law Act and Regulations and the National Quality Framework

Be aware of and assist with implementing the service’s policies and procedures.

Assist with the delivery of the program including preparation of the room and daily activities, preparation of meals, general cleanliness and safety of the service, and the packing away of equipment and materials as directed by the teacher.

Be actively involved in observing and recording observations of the children’s development.

Contribute to the development and implementation of the Quality Improvement Plan of the service.

Other duties as directed.

**Specific responsibilities Children**

Demonstrate warmth, care, and inclusive attitudes towards all children.

Assist with the program and daily routines, as directed by the teacher.

Assist the teacher in the provision of a healthy, safe, and welcoming environment for the children and families attending the service.

Assist in working with individual and small groups of children.

Attend to the physical, social, and emotional needs of the children as required.

Ensure that any children in the educator’s care are adequately supervised, and that every reasonable precaution is taken to protect them from any hazard.

Inform the teacher, or the committee, if the requirements of the Regulations or the Act are not being met.

Participate in the planning of the educational program including taking written observations of children as required.

**Parents**

Develop good relationships and effective communication with families.

Encourage and assist parents to consult with the teacher on issues of children’s development and program.

Maintain confidentiality on all issues relating to children and families and comply with the service’s privacy policy.

**Staff**
- Develop professional and supportive relationships with colleagues and work as a member of a cooperative team.
- Attend meetings as directed by the teacher, leadership group, and/or committee.

Propose relevant professional development and training programs, and participate in professional developme