Classroom Assistant Policy

This policy outlines the guidelines and procedures for the inclusion of Classroom Assistants in our educational programs.

Classroom assistants play a crucial role in creating a supportive and effective learning environment. They provide essential help to instructors, assist with classroom management, and offer additional support to students, ensuring that each student receives the attention and resources they need to succeed.

Classroom Assistant Responsibilities and Duties


Classroom Assistants are expected to support the Enrichment Provider (EP) in various ways, including but not limited to:

    • Assisting with classroom activities and instruction as explicitly directed by the Enrichment Provider
    • Escorting students to the bathrooms if necessary
    • Helping with the distribution and cleanup of supplies
    • Collaborating with EP on classroom management and issue resolution
    • Arriving and being ready to assist 15 minutes prior to class start time
  • Attendance and Consistency 
    • We rely on Classroom Assistants to show up consistently in order to maintain a stable, supportive learning environment. If an assistant misses more than two sessions during a single course assignment (regardless of the reason), they are at risk of being removed from that course.
    • If a classroom assistant is unable to attend a scheduled session, they must let us know as early as possible by submitting a request through the Substitute Request Form. Advance notice allows us to maintain coverage and support the Enrichment Provider in delivering a smooth class experience.

Frequent absences, last-minute cancellations, or failure to submit the Substitute Request Form may impact a Classroom Assistant's standing in the Togetherhood network and limit future assignments.

 

  • Code of Conduct and Professionalism
    • Classroom assistants are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and adhere to the school Partner’s code of conduct. They should be reliable, punctual, and respectful towards students, instructors, and other staff members. Classroom assistants are also expected to dress modestly in classroom appropriate attire.

Assistant Provision Guidelines

  • Kindergarten and Younger Students:
    • For classes that include any kindergarteners or younger students, an assistant is recommended when the class size reaches 9 or more students.
    • If the class size meets or exceeds this threshold, and the school requests an assistant, we will provide a Togetherhood assistant. The compensation structure for this assistant is outlined in the ‘Payment and Compensation’ section of this policy below.
  • First Grade and Older Students:
    • For classes where all students are in the first grade or older, an assistant is recommended when the class size reaches 11 or more students.
    • If the class size meets or exceeds this threshold, and the school requests an assistant, we will provide a Togetherhood assistant.
  • Assistant Requests Outside of our Recommended Thresholds
    • If the class sizes do not meet the specified thresholds but the Partner continues to request an assistant that is provided by Togetherhood, the Partner will be responsible for covering the cost of the assistant.
    • The cost for the assistant under these circumstances will be determined and communicated to the school prior to the commencement of the class.
  • Number of Assistants 
    • Most classrooms will have up to one assistant. In rare cases of large enrollment or niche subjects, there may be more than one assistant. In these cases, the school Partner will be responsible for covering the cost of any additional assistants.
    • In some cases there may be more than one assistant for one day events. In these instances, the responsibility for covering the cost of these assistants will be reviewed on a case by case basis and communicated to the EP in the course request.
  • Partner-Appointed Assistants: 
    • In some cases, the school Partner will appoint and pay for their own assistants. If the school Partner appoints their own assistant(s) for the class, Togetherhood does not influence the assistant’s selection or the role that they play during the class.
  • Enrichment Provider-Appointed Assistants
    • If an Enrichment Provider wishes to bring their own assistant into a class where no formal need for an assistant exists, Togetherhood will not provide additional compensation for the assistant.
      • The assistant must be screened by Togetherhood's Talent Acquisition team before attending a session as an assistant.

Notification and Assignment

  • Process for Informing Instructors about Assigned Assistants
    • Any Togetherhood-provided assistant information will be included in the course request. Before accepting a course, providers will have access to detailed information within the course card, including whether an assistant will be assigned to the class at a designated enrollment threshold. This allows providers to make an informed decision about accepting the course. If a provider prefers not to have an assistant, they may choose not to accept that particular class. This ensures that all providers are comfortable with their teaching environment and can provide the best possible experience for their students.
    • Togetherhood will connect each provider and their assistant through email before the course begins.
  • Handling Preferences or Requests from Instructors
    • If a provider has a preferred assistant, it is their responsibility to inform Togetherhood within 24 hours of accepting the course. While there is no guarantee that the request will be fulfilled, efforts will be made to accommodate the preference. EP may request an assistant through the Request for an Assistant Form.

Payment and Compensation

  • Compensation Structure for Assistants 
    • Having an assistant helps ensure that classes run smoothly and efficiently and can enable higher enrollment and the potential of greater income for providers. Togetherhood-appointed assistants are compensated at a rate of $25-$35 per hour of class time. This cost is deducted from the course’s Net Revenue and shared between Togetherhood and the provider. If your course includes a Togetherhood-appointed assistant, 60% of this cost will be reflected in your invoice and payment. 
    • Payments to assistants are made in the following pay period.
  • Exceptions 
    • If the class enrollment has not reached the recommended Togetherhood thresholds as delineated in the Assistant Provision Guidelines section of this policy, but the school Partner insists on a Togetherhood-appointed assistant, then the school Partner will be responsible for covering the cost of the assistant.

Special Cases and Considerations

  • Leaving Class Early
    • If an assistant experiences an emergency and must leave class early, they are responsible for informing the classroom provider before they leave, and emailing Togetherhood as soon as possible. The contact email is info@togetherhood.us. 
    • If a provider leaves class early, leaving the assistant alone with the students, this must be immediately communicated to Togetherhood through a text to this phone number: 347-835-5830. There must always be at least one adult in every classroom at all times.

Review and Evaluation

  • Regular Review of Assistant Needs and Effectiveness
    • The need for and effectiveness of assistants will be reviewed regularly. This includes assessing the impact on classroom dynamics and student outcomes. 
  • Growth Opportunities
    • A high performing assistant has the potential to move into a Provider role with Togetherhood.
  • Addressing Conflicts between Assistants and Instructors
    • Any conflicts that arise between assistants and instructors should be submitted through the EP Support Form. Togetherhood will work with each provider and assistant to resolve the conflict amicably.

This Classroom Assistant Policy ensures that classroom assistants are effectively integrated, well-supported, and contribute positively to the educational environment.