Toddler Lead Teacher / Guide (ages 16-35 months)

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $55,000 - $68,000 starting

Position Summary

Sunny Hollow is seeking a Lead Guide to help open a Toddler Community in September 2026. The Lead Guide serves as the educational leader of the Montessori classroom and holds primary responsibility for creating and sustaining an authentic Montessori environment that supports the academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of children or adolescents. The Lead Guide works in close collaboration with colleagues, families, and support professionals to ensure the holistic success of each student. The start date for this role is negotiable but no later than August 24, 2026. Relocation and training sponsoring funds are available.

Required Education & Experience

Education:

• Bachelors Degree (BA or BS) required.
• AMI or AMS Teaching Diploma/Credential appropriate to program level, or currently enrolled in a recognized training program.

Experience:

• 13 years of teaching experience in a Montessori school setting.

Certifications & Competencies:

• Completion of all annual training as required by DHS and OSHA, as applicable.
• Demonstrated understanding of Montessori philosophy and methodology.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Montessori Environment & Instruction

• Prepare and maintain a high-quality Montessori learning environment that supports optimal growth and development across all domains.
• Deliver presentations to large groups, small groups, and individuals in alignment with Montessori curriculum and developmental appropriateness.
• Develop and implement individualized curriculum plans and classroom interventions to meet each students needs.
• Maintain accurate, timely student records using Transparent Classroom.
• Support children/adolescents in developing independence, responsibility, and a love for learning.
  

Health, Safety, and Classroom Management

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all students at all times.
• Supervise students throughout the school day, including classroom, hallways, outdoor areas, and other shared spaces.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom, hallway, storage, and outdoor environment.

Family Engagement & Communication

• Prepare and send classroom newsletters at least once per month or per academic cycle.
• Upload a minimum of two photos per month per child/adolescent to Transparent Classroom.
• Prepare for and attend biannual family conferences and additional conferences as needed.
• Meet with prospective students and families as part of the schools admissions and enrollment process.
• Attend and support school-wide events including parent education, student performances, exhibitions, and community celebrations.

Collaboration & Student Support

• Work collaboratively with Tier 2 and Tier 3 support professionals to meet the needs of all students.
• Support smooth transitions between program levels by coordinating with colleagues.
• Attend scheduled meetings including: One-on-One, Lead Guide, Team, Level, Cross-Level, All Staff, Committee, IEP, and Child Study meetings as needed.

Professional Development & School Community Engagement

• Participate in self-assessment and peer evaluation as part of the schools professional development process.
• Set annual professional goals and complete relevant professional development aligned with those goals.
• Participate in family education, community-building, and retention events as outlined in the school calendar and employee handbook.
• Attend and actively participate in fundraising events and initiatives as part of school-wide advancement efforts.

Assistant Guide Supervision (if applicable)

• Set the vision and tone for the classroom culture and operations.
• Hold weekly team meetings with the Assistant Guide.
• Support the training and development of the Assistant in Montessori philosophy, classroom practices, and expectations.
• Collaborate with the Assistant to set and review annual goals.
• Provide regular feedback and participate in annual performance evaluation.

Administrative & Program Support

• Manage the classroom budget responsibly and in alignment with school procedures.
• Assist in planning and attending overnight or extended trips, if applicable.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit on the floor and move easily to engage with children at their level.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the day.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching as part of daily classroom activities.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds (e.g., classroom materials or assisting a child).
• Physical stamina to supervise and support students during a full school day.
• Comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments, including during varying weather conditions.

Work Environment

This position takes place in a professional Montessori school setting that includes classrooms, hallways, shared spaces, and outdoor learning or play areas. The work environment is dynamic and child-centered, often involving moderate to high levels of activity and noise. The Lead Guide collaborates closely with students, families, and staff, and may occasionally participate in evening or weekend events as part of the broader school community. Flexibility, presence, and active engagement in both structured and spontaneous educational moments are essential to the role.

Benefits

We offer comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid time off, and more.

Sunny Hollow Montessori is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Please visit our website at Welcome to Sunny Hollow Montessori | Guiding children from infancy to adulthood