Careers

The Montessori Infant & Toddler Lead Teacher (Ages 0 to 3) is responsible for guiding the holistic development of children during the vital first plane of development. Often referred to as a Montessori Guide, this professional designs a beautifully prepared, peaceful classroom environment tailored to the developmental needs of infants and toddlers. Grounded in deep respect for the young child, the teacher observes individual behaviors, fosters self-reliance, and builds a collaborative bridge between the classroom community and families. 

 

Core Responsibilities 

 

Classroom Management & Environment 

• Prepare the Environment: Design and maintain a clean, orderly, and developmentally appropriate Montessori environment according to infant/toddler best practices. 

• Foster Independence: Promote self-reliance, intrinsic motivation, coordination, and physical development using tactile, hands-on Montessori materials. 

• Maintain Safety: Ensure strict visual tracking of attendance and age counts. Adhere to all health, hygiene, and state-mandated licensing and sanitizing regulations. 

• Manage Atmosphere: Cultivate a calm, gentle, and quiet tone within the room, modeling kindness and grace for the children.

​​

Instruction & Child Observation 

• Observe & Record: Actively track, document, and analyze individual and group behavior to diagnostic benchmarks without relying on standardized testing. 

• Individualized Guidance: Gently step in to guide small groups or individual children, mapping customized lessons to their expanding capabilities. 

• Crisis Management: Demonstrate emotional stability, maturity, and safe judgment when de-escalating toddler crises or tantrums.

 

Leadership & Communication 

• Mentor Team Members: Coach, supervise, and direct classroom assistants to maintain seamless Montessori pedagogical protocols. 

• Parent Collaboration: Build strong, communicative partnerships with families to support child development across the home and school. 

• Professional Growth: Actively participate in continuous training and school staff meetings.  

 

Qualifications & Skills 

 

Education & Experience Requirements 

• Montessori Certification: A valid Infant/Toddler (0–3) Diploma or Credential recognized by bodies like the American Montessori Society (AMS), Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), or another MACTE-accredited center. 

• Early Childhood Units: At least 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education (covering Child Development, Child, Family & Community, and Curriculum). 

• Degree: A Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field is highly preferred. 

• Experience: Minimum of 1 to 2 years of lead teaching experience inside a mixed-age Montessori toddler setting is preferred.

​​

Certifications 

• Current CPR and First Aid certification. 

• Background checks, fingerprints, and medical clearances as mandated by regional child care licensing boards.

 

Physical & Personal Attributes 

• High physical stamina to frequently bend, sit on the floor, and lift infants or toddlers. 

• Exceptional observational, diagnostic, and communication skills. 

• Receptive to constructive feedback, adaptive under pressure, and inherently passionate about alternative early education