Classroom Assistant: Pre-Primary

Location: Maragon Olympus, Pretoria East

About Maragon Olympus

Maragon Olympus is a Christ-centred, parallel-medium school where teaching and learning are rooted in innovation, excellence, and the love of Jesus Christ. Our school community—teachers, learners, and parents—works together to nurture confident, compassionate, and capable young people.

In the Preschool Phase, our focus is on laying strong foundations for lifelong learning by nurturing each child's cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development. We believe that young children learn best through meaningful play, exploration, discovery and positive relationships within a safe, stimulating and loving environment.

Through a play-based, inquiry-driven approach, children are encouraged to explore their surroundings, develop their language and communication skills, strengthen early mathematical understanding and grow in confidence and independence.

Our Preschool Classroom Assistants play an important role in creating a warm, supportive and well-organised learning environment. By working closely with the Preschool Teacher, they help ensure that every child feels safe, valued, supported and encouraged to develop to their full potential.

At Maragon Olympus, we recognise that the early years are fundamental to a child's holistic development. Our Classroom Assistants contribute meaningfully to preparing children for their formal schooling journey while nurturing their individuality, character, confidence and understanding of God's love.

Role Overview

The Preschool Classroom Assistant will support the Preschool Teacher in the daily implementation of learning activities, classroom routines, learner supervision and the overall care and well-being of young children.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a genuine love for working with young children, a caring and patient disposition, and an understanding of the importance of early childhood development. The role requires an individual who can assist in creating a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment in which children are encouraged to learn, play, explore and develop independence.

The Classroom Assistant will work under the guidance and direction of the Preschool Teacher, assisting with the preparation of learning resources, facilitation of activities, supervision of children and maintenance of an orderly classroom environment. The successful candidate will be attentive to children's individual needs and support their cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development through positive interactions and age-appropriate guidance.

The role requires a proactive, dependable and collaborative team member who understands the importance of consistency, routine, confidentiality and professionalism when working with young children and their families.

Above all, the successful candidate will embrace the Christ-centred ethos of Maragon Olympus and model the love of Jesus Christ through kindness, patience, integrity and respectful relationships.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Preschool Classroom Assistants are expected to:

• Assist the Preschool Teacher in implementing daily learning activities and age-appropriate educational experiences.

• Help prepare classroom resources, learning materials, activity stations and practical equipment before lessons and activities.

• Support play-based and inquiry-based learning by encouraging children to explore, participate, ask questions and engage with learning materials.

• Work with individual children or small groups under the guidance of the teacher to reinforce learning activities and foundational skills.

• Assist with early literacy and numeracy activities, including storytelling, listening exercises, counting, sorting, patterns, puzzles and language development.

• Encourage children's creativity, imagination and curiosity through art, music, movement, sensory play, construction and other practical activities.

• Support the development of fine and gross motor skills through indoor and outdoor play, creative activities and movement-based experiences.

• Encourage independence by helping children develop self-help skills, including dressing, tidying up, managing belongings and following daily routines.

• Assist children with age-appropriate personal care and hygiene routines, including toileting, handwashing and mealtimes, in accordance with school procedures and individual needs.

• Provide attentive supervision of children in the classroom, playground, bathrooms, during transitions and at school activities.

• Help maintain a safe, clean, organised and welcoming classroom environment.

• Support the teacher in establishing consistent classroom routines, expectations and positive behaviour management strategies.

• Reinforce appropriate behaviour by modelling kindness, respect, patience, sharing, cooperation and responsibility.

• Assist children in managing emotions, resolving minor disagreements and developing positive relationships with their peers, referring concerns to the teacher when necessary.

• Provide encouragement and reassurance to children who may be anxious, unsettled or experiencing difficulty adjusting to classroom routines.

• Observe children's participation, interactions and general well-being, communicating relevant observations or concerns to the Preschool Teacher.

• Support the inclusion and participation of children with different developmental needs, abilities and learning preferences.

• Assist with the preparation, organisation and storage of teaching resources, classroom materials and educational equipment.

• Help maintain classroom displays, learning corners and activity areas that support the school's educational approach.

• Assist with the safe supervision and organisation of outdoor activities, excursions, special events and other school activities as required.

• Follow all school health, safety, hygiene, emergency and child safeguarding procedures.

• Report accidents, injuries, incidents, safeguarding concerns or unusual changes in a child's behaviour or well-being promptly to the appropriate staff member.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding learner information, family circumstances, classroom matters and school operations.

• Communicate with parents in a courteous and professional manner, referring academic, developmental, behavioural or sensitive matters to the Preschool Teacher or relevant school leadership.

• Work collaboratively with the Preschool Teacher, fellow Classroom Assistants and other staff members to support the effective functioning of the phase.

• Demonstrate initiative by anticipating classroom needs, preparing resources and assisting with daily tasks without compromising the teacher's instructions or learner supervision.

• Participate in staff meetings, training, school events and other responsibilities as required.

• Model and uphold the Christian ethos, values and professional standards of Maragon Olympus, supporting age-appropriate opportunities for prayer, Bible stories, worship and character development.

Accountability Areas

Classroom & Learning Support

Providing effective day-to-day assistance to the Preschool Teacher by preparing resources, supporting learning activities and helping create an engaging environment that encourages children's participation and development.

Learner Care & Well-being

Ensuring that children are treated with warmth, patience and respect, and that their physical, emotional and developmental needs are attended to appropriately.

Health, Safety & Supervision

Maintaining vigilant supervision of children throughout the school day and adhering to all school safety, hygiene, emergency and safeguarding procedures.

Learning Activity Preparation

Preparing, organising and maintaining learning resources, activity stations, classroom materials and equipment to support the teacher's planned learning programme.

Classroom Management & Routines

Supporting the establishment of consistent classroom routines, positive behaviour expectations and an orderly environment in which children can learn and play safely.

Development of Independence & Life Skills

Encouraging children to develop age-appropriate self-help skills, responsibility, confidence and independence during daily routines and activities.

Social & Emotional Support

Helping children develop positive relationships, cooperation, empathy and emotional regulation through appropriate modelling, reassurance and guidance.

Classroom Organisation & Resource Management

Maintaining a clean, organised and stimulating classroom environment, ensuring that resources and equipment are stored appropriately and used safely.

Teamwork & Collaboration

Working cooperatively with the Preschool Teacher and the wider school team, following instructions, communicating effectively and contributing positively to the daily functioning of the phase.

Parent Interaction & Professional Conduct

Engaging with parents courteously and professionally while respecting confidentiality and referring sensitive matters, concerns and formal feedback to the appropriate teacher or school leader.

Administration & Communication

Assisting with routine classroom administration and promptly communicating relevant learner observations, incidents, resource needs and other concerns to the Preschool Teacher.

School Brand Ambassadorship

Representing Maragon Olympus with pride and modelling the school's Christian ethos, values and commitment to excellence in interactions with learners, parents, colleagues and visitors.

Professional Development

Participating in relevant training and development opportunities to strengthen knowledge of early childhood development, learner care, classroom support and child s