As a Food Service Assistant at Bezos Academy, you’ll help provide nutritious, compliant meals to children at our tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschool and provide direct support with a variety of additional tasks both in and out of the classroom. You will manage all aspects of food preparation and service with strong attention to detail, organization, and adherence to safety protocols. Key responsibilities include preparing CACFP-compliant menus, placing food orders and managing food costs, receiving and verifying food deliveries, ensuring all meals are delivered to classrooms on time, and managing all clean-up, organization, and documentation. Assuming full ownership of the kitchen and food operations at the school, you will serve meals in accordance with USDA requirements, Bezos Academy policies, and local childcare regulations.

Beyond the kitchen, you will assist school staff and administration with a variety of tasks including inventory checks, laundry, and other ad hoc duties. As needed, you will also occasionally step into classrooms to provide direct supervision and support to the children. You will become an integral part of your school team working to improve processes and provide an excellent preschool experience where we nurture every child’s full potential. 

LOCATION

We are hiring a part-time Food Service Assistant to support our preschool in Lahaina, Maui  (127 Kukuia St, Lahaina, HI 96761) with an expected start date of August 2026.  

SCHEDULE, BENEFITS, & COMPENSATION

• This is a part-time, non-exempt/hourly position requiring a minimum of 25 hours per week, with occasional opportunities to work additional hours based on school needs.  
• You will work a five-hour shift, Monday through Friday, totaling 25 hours per week. Specific school schedules are determined by school leaders when considering all staff, classroom, and community needs, but are currently expected to be 7:30am-12:30pm. 
• Compensation for this position is $21-$31 per hour. The upper third of the compensation range is typically reserved for existing employees who have been in the role for multiple years and who demonstrate strong performance over time. Starting compensation will vary by qualifications and prior experience. 
• Benefits include paid sick (care) time, accrued based on hours worked, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  

• Age 18 with high school diploma or GED 
• Experience working in an institutional or highly regulated kitchen/food setting with a clear understanding of food preparation best practices and protocols 
• Ability to meet all credentialing criteria for early childhood teacher-caregivers (at least 6 months of childcare experience) and food service assistants in the state of Hawaii 
• Ability to meet all state-required training and eligibility requirements, including state-required fingerprint clearance and background check, tuberculosis screenings, trainings, and other credentials and/or qualification documents to be submitted to Bezos Academy prior to the start of employment. 
• Experience working across lines of difference and strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness  
• Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely 
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for long periods of time, and perform a variety of repetitive tasks to prepare and serve food safely  
• Active food manager and food handler certifications completed prior to start of hire (http://www.servsafe.com/servsafe-manager) 
• Access to reliable transportation to and from work to ensure timely, effective instruction and to ensure proper staff-to-child classroom ratios 
• Ability to speak, read, and write English fluently 
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)   
•  Familiarity with Hawaii and Hawaiian culture

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Experience working within the guidelines of the US Department of Agriculture and Child and Adult Care Food Program (USDA/CACFP)
• Two or more years of experience working in a school (preschool, early childhood education, daycare, or K-12 environment) or similar kitchen setting
• Working knowledge of food allergens, intolerances, preferences, and accommodations
• Prior experience as an Assistant Teacher in a preschool setting
• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or two years of post-secondary coursework in Early Childhood Education
• Experience with Montessori pedagogy
• Experience with children with special needs
• Fluent in Spanish
• Proficiency in Hawaiian language

RESPONSIBILITIES

NOTE: The combination of responsibilities may vary based on the needs of the school site, students, and prior experiences of the Food Service Assistant.

Food Service and Site Operations

• Place weekly food orders with the vendor based on student attendance trends and food waste analysis
• Receive and verify daily food deliveries to ensure accuracy with order quantities and alignment with the approved menu. If meals are non-compliant, follow the Emergency Food SOP
• Manage all aspects of routine vendor performance to ensure the vendor is meeting or exceeding expectations
• Ensure all meals served to students are compliant and document any menu changes on menu
• Track food consumption and waste daily to ensure food costs remain as lean and efficient as possible
• Prepare and serve meals and utensils to classrooms for each scheduled meal service
• Maintain compliance with strict food hygiene and safety protocols at all times and maintain compliance with all state and local jurisdictional requirements
• Ensure the kitchen, equipment, serving utensils, cookware, and dishes are consistently cleaned, sanitized, and well-maintained
• Manage and organize food inventory, including proper labeling, dating, rotating stock, and discarding items nearing expiration in accordance with food safety guidelines
• Record and log food temperatures prior to each meal service to ensure compliance with safety regulations
• Accommodate children’s special dietary needs, including allergies, medical restrictions, and cultural or religious food requirements
• Assist in serving meals during family engagement and school events as needed

Added responsibilities if food is prepared on-site:

• Place weekly groceries orders based on the menu and current inventory
• Receive and verify food delivery and follow up with vendor if food delivered is incorrect based on the order or spoiled
• Prepare meals according to the planned menu and adapt recipes for dietary restrictions (allergies, religious diets, vegetarian, etc.)
• Prepare meals on a schedule (breakfast/lunch/snack)
• Adapt the menu (make substitutions) to avoid food spoilage and waste following the Menu Substitution SOP
• Help plan menus that are nutritious, budget-friendly, and appealing to students

Added responsibilities if school is under CACFP:

• Ensure vendor provides a delivery receipt and keep it for 3 years
• Children receive the appropriate portion sizes for each meal pattern component by providing correctly sized serving utensils and clearly communicating the required serving sizes to classroom staff upon meal delivery
• Review meal counts for accuracy and upload into SharePoint weekly
• If there are any menu substitutions, provide the necessary menu-supporting documentation (CN label, product formulation statement, Nutrition Facts, standardized recipe)
• Attend the required annual sponsor CACFP training that includes meal pattern, reimbursement, meal counts, claims, recordkeeping, and civil rights
• Clock in/out of Workday based on food-related responsibilities

Classroom Support

• Provide classroom coverage as needed
• Assist teachers with the full implementation of Bezos Academy’s performance standards, policies, and procedures
• Support Bezos Academy classrooms by following regulations and guidelines in the day-to-day operation of the classroom (i.e., cleaning materials, meal prep, nap time transitions, etc.)
• Organize materials and clean the workspace to facilitate the learning process for each child
• Support children’s increasing independence with daily living skills (i.e., washing hands, using the bathroom, eating meals and snacks, cleaning up, etc.)
• Provide 1:1 support for children who are experiencing big feelings
• Develop positive relationships with children

Other

• Assist the Head of School and school staff in other operational duties in the school as necessary when the kitchen work is complete (e.g., support with laundry, front desk support, and other duties as assigned by the Head of School)
• Participate in team meetings, center activities, and staff development

Bezos Academy participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employee Form I-9 Information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S. Bezos Academy only uses E-Verify once a candidate has accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. If E-Verify cannot confirm that an employee is authorized to work, Bezos Academy will give the employee written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so the employee can begin to resolve the issue before any adverse employment action is taken. For more information about your right to work, please see the Notice of Right to Work.

As Montessori Assistant Teacher (internally titled Assistant Teacher II) for Bezos Academy, you share our passion for early childhood education and the Montessori method, drawing your energy from working in a child-initiated learning process. Your responsibilities will include assisting lead teachers in developing and implementing a program that promotes the cognitive, language, emotional, social, and physical development of each child. Drawing on your previous experience working with young children, you will support lead teachers in high-quality, tuition-free, Montessori-inspired programs in our growing network of preschools in under-resourced communities.

LOCATIONS

We are actively hiring for Montessori Assistant Teachers for the launch of our new preschool in Maui – Lahaina (127 Kukuia St, Lahaina, HI 96761).

There are two start date options for the Montessori Assistant Teacher position:

• May 19, 2026, for those who wish to enter our full-time training program to become Montessori certified before the fall. Please note this summer training program involves travel to Seattle from July 13th - July 24th for in-person training (BA will cover your travel expenses). 
• July 21, 2026, for those who elect to participate in an external training program, who are already credentialed, or who wish to enter our part-time training program to become Montessori certified on a later timeline. Please note this option will require some coursework to be completed outside of normal working hours. 

SCHEDULES, BENEFITS, AND COMPENSATION

• School schedules vary depending on community needs but generally range from 8am-5:30pm, with teachers staggered across these hours with varying start and end times totaling no more than 8 hours per day. Your specific schedule will be determined with your school leader when considering all staff, classroom, and community needs.
• This is a full-time (40 hours per week), benefits-eligible, non-exempt/hourly position.
• Compensation for this position is $19-$27 per hour (~$39,000-$56,000 annually). The upper third of the compensation range is typically reserved for existing employees who have been in the role for multiple years and demonstrate strong performance over time. Starting compensation will vary with prior experience and qualification but is estimated to be $22-$25 per hour. 
• This role includes 32 paid days of scheduled breaks, 3 paid days of personal time off, 9 paid days of sick (care) time, 10 paid holidays, and additional time off if required by applicable law. Benefits for this role include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match, paid parental leave, an employer-matched flexible spending account for dependent care, and more. Please see here for details. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Meet one of the following criteria:
  • Four years of professional experience as an aide, assistant, or lead teacher of children from infancy through third grade
  • Two years of professional experience as an aide, assistant, or lead teacher of children from infancy through third grade AND an associate’s degree in a relevant field (i.e., child development, early childhood education etc.)
  • Bachelor’s degree
• Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution or on track to obtain one within two years of hire
  • If you do not hold a Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution, you will be eligible to complete the Bezos Academy Montessori Primary teacher coursework, provided at no cost
• Ability to pass background checks, tuberculosis screenings, and trainings required by the state of Hawaii required to supervise children independently
• Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely, including ability to lift a minimum of 40 lbs
• Access to reliable transportation to and from work and ability to consistently attend work as scheduled to ensure proper staff-to-child classroom ratios and support smooth school operations
• Familiarity with Hawaii and Hawaiian culture

This role requires a Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution. If you do not currently have this credential, your employment in this role is provisional until you successfully obtain one. You must obtain this credential within two years of your start date to remain in this role. Upon hire, you may elect to obtain a credential through the Bezos Academy Montessori Credential Program (MCP), offered at no cost, or through any other MACTE-accredited program at your own expense. 

Participation in MCP is voluntary and unpaid. MCP activities may occur during periods that overlap with scheduled working hours or scheduled breaks, including summer break. To the extent that participation in MCP overlaps with your regular working hours, those working hours will be paid. To the extent participation overlaps with scheduled breaks for which you are eligible, those scheduled breaks will remain paid.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates degree or higher in education or related field
• Experience teaching in a Montessori preschool
• Professional experience working with young children with special needs
• Experience working with children and families in low-income areas
• Experience in culturally responsive & trauma-informed teaching practices
• Proficiency in Hawaiian language

RESPONSIBILITIES 

*NOTE: The combination of responsibilities may vary based on the needs of the school site, students, and prior experiences of the Montessori Assistant Teacher. Some Montessori ATs will provide support across an entire school rather than be assigned to a single classroom.

Instructional 

• Support the lead teacher in preparing and delivering instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences
• Assist in presenting individual and small-group Montessori lessons, adapting activities to meet each child’s developmental stage and interests
• Observe each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs and use this information to facilitate learning and growth
• Encourage the development of early literacy, math, and problem-solving skills through hands-on, purposeful work that supports kindergarten readiness
• Prepare and maintain a well-organized, safe, and attractive classroom environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children
• Organize materials and clean the workspace to facilitate the learning process for each child
• Support children’s increasing independence with daily living skills (i.e., washing hands, using the bathroom, eating meals and snacks, cleaning up, etc.)
• Assist teachers in maintaining records on each child’s progress and development

Student Support

• Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self-esteem and self-discipline
• Provide support for children with diverse learning needs, including occasional or short-term support in small group settings when helpful for classroom participation, emotional regulation, or routines
• Partner with lead teachers to implement student support and/or behavior plans as needed

Operational

• Assist teachers with the full implementation of Bezos Academy’s performance standards, policies, and procedures
• Support Bezos Academy classrooms by following regulations and guidelines in the day-to-day operation of the classroom (i.e., cleaning materials, meal prep, nap time transitions, etc.)
• Prepare and maintain a well-organized, safe, and attractive classroom environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children
• Organize materials and clean the workspace to facilitate the learning process for each child
• Support children’s increasing independence with daily living skills (i.e., washing hands, using the bathroom, eating meals and snacks, cleaning up, etc.)
• Maintain eligibility and professional growth by obtaining a MACTE-accredited Primary Montessori teacher credential within two years (if not already credentialed)
• As needed, independently supervise children throughout the day in classrooms and a variety of other situations, including but not limited to arrival/departure, transitions, outside time, rest/nap time, and (if offered) extended hours    

Other

• Participate in team meetings, center activities, and staff development
• Assist lead teachers in conducting staff/family conferences
• Establish a positive relationship with each child’s family and share information about the child’s day at the preschool
• Assume postures at low levels (e.g. kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor) as needed to communicate effectively with children

Bezos Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Bezos Academy participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employee Form I-9 Information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S. Bezos Academy only uses E-Verify once a candidate has accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. If E-Verify cannot confirm that an employee is authorized to work, Bezos Academy will give the employee written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so the employee can begin to resolve the issue before any adverse employment action is taken. For more information about your right to work, please see the Notice of Right to Work.

As a Student Support Assistant, you will partner directly with the classroom teaching team to help support various children with diverse learning, behavioral, and developmental needs at a Bezos Academy school within our network of high quality, tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschools in under-resourced communities. You will work collaboratively with other teachers to create a classroom environment where children can thrive and are on track to be ready for kindergarten. You will collaborate with families, teachers, and school leaders to help implement student support strategies based on individual child needs and formal support plans, grounded in the multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). While you will generally support children with additional needs, your support will flex across classrooms depending on need, and you may be deployed as a general assistant teacher in your building when appropriate. This role provides flexible, school‑wide support and is not assigned as dedicated one-on-one support for any individual student, nor does it provide specialized medical or personal care services, special education instruction, or therapeutic services.

You are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and achieving equitable outcomes for students in under-resourced communities nationwide, across all lines of difference. You have prior experience working with young children who have or are at risk of developmental delays or exceptional abilities, ideally in a classroom setting.  Above all, you demonstrate passion for our mission to expand access to high quality preschools in under-resourced communities.

LOCATION, BENEFITS, AND COMPENSATION

• We are actively hiring Student Support Assistant for our new preschool in Maui – Lahaina (127 Kukuia St, Lahaina, HI 96761).
• School schedules vary depending on community needs but generally range from 7:30am-5:30pm. You will work a regular, 7-hour shift within this timeframe Monday through Friday. Your specific schedule will be determined with your school leader when considering all staff, student, and community needs.
• This is a full-time (35 hours per week), benefits-eligible, non-exempt (hourly) position. The full pay range for this position is $19 - $27 per hour. The upper third of the pay range is typically reserved for employees who have been in the role for multiple years and have demonstrated strong performance over time. Starting compensation will vary with prior experience and qualifications but is estimated at $22-$25 per hour.
• This role includes 32 paid days of scheduled breaks, 3 paid days of personal time off, 9 paid days of sick (care) time, 10 paid holidays, and additional time off if required by applicable law. Benefits for this role include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match, paid parental leave, an employer-matched flexible spending account for dependent care, and more. Please see here for details.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Age 18 with high school diploma or GED
• Four or more years of professional experience as an aide, assistant, paraprofessional, or lead teacher of children ages 3-5
• Experience implementing strategies from student individualized education plans (IEPs) or other student support and behavior plans
• Ability to pass background checks, tuberculosis screenings, and trainings required by the state of Hawaii to supervise children independently
• Skill in collaborating with families, the community, school staff, school leadership, and others to build trusting relationships and partnerships
• Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely, including ability to lift a minimum of 40 lbs
• Ability to consistently attend work as scheduled to ensure proper staff-to-child classroom ratios
• Familiarity with Hawaii and Hawaiian culture

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two or more years of special education experience from infancy through third grade
• Associate’s degree in early childhood education or two years of post-secondary coursework in early childhood education
• Two or more years prior work experience with children and families in low-income communities in the US OR significant personal experience in low-income communities in the US (grew up and/or attended school in)
• Proficiency or fluency in Spanish
• Knowledge of Montessori pedagogy, principles and overall approach
• Knowledge of the local community
• Experience in culturally responsive & trauma-informed teaching practices
• Proficiency in Hawaiian language

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Support classroom teachers with the individualized learning, behavioral, and developmental needs of various students at the school
• Help implement strategies in alignment with formal student support and/or behavior plans with Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers maintaining primary implementation responsibilities
• Assist teachers in preparing instructional materials, maintaining an orderly classroom environment, and reinforcing consistent routines
• Provide support for children with diverse learning needs, including short-term or occasional support in small group settings when helpful for classroom participation, emotional regulation, or routines
• Actively supervise students in and out of the classroom and attend to students' academic and emotional needs consistent with Bezos Academy policies and licensing requirements
• Assist in supporting children’s toileting routines and in the transition of children from one area of the school to another in accordance with organizational policy and licensing standards
• Support positive social-emotional skill development by modeling and reinforcing communication, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills
• Monitor students' progress and collaborate with the teaching and student support teams to adjust classroom support strategies, as needed
• Support families to help them understand their child’s needs and equip them with the tools necessary to support their child’s progress with a strengths-based approach
• Maintain documentation and ensure compliance with local and federal legislation, regulations, and guidelines and with Bezos Academy policies within the scope of this role
• Support facilitation of child study and multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) meetings  
• Participate in team meetings, staff development, and other activities as directed by the Head of School
• As needed, independently supervise children throughout the day in classrooms and a variety of other situations, including but not limited to arrival/departure, transitions, outside time, rest/nap time, and (if offered) extended hours
• Assume postures at low levels (e.g., kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor) as needed to communicate effectively with children

Bezos Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Bezos Academy participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employee Form I-9 Information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S. Bezos Academy only uses E-Verify once a candidate has accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. If E-Verify cannot confirm that an employee is authorized to work, Bezos Academy will give the employee written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so the employee can begin to resolve the issue before any adverse employment action is taken. For more information about your right to work, please see the Notice of Right to Work.