Assistant Guide

Illuminate Montessori; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Illuminate Montessori in Ashburn, VA seeks a dedicated Assistant Guide to support the Lead Guide in maintaining a prepared Montessori environment. This full-time, on-site role emphasizes observing children, guiding their independent work, and helping with practical life and academic activities while ensuring a safe, welcoming classroom.

You will collaborate with colleagues and families, participate in staff meetings and professional development, and uphold Montessori principles and school

Qualifications

• Interest in Montessori education and child development.
• Ability to monitor progress and support independence.
• Calm, patient presence and effective communication.
• Willingness to participate in staff meetings and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Observe children and support independent work.
• Set up activities and maintain prepared environment.
• Guide practical life and academic activities.
• Assist with transitions, meals, and outdoor play.
• Communicate respectfully with children and families.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development.

Skills

Montessori education

Observation skills

Communication & collaboration

Classroom management

Patience and calmness

Education

High school diploma

Montessori pedagogy coursework

Job description

Company Description

Illuminate Montessori is a Montessori school community dedicated to nurturing each child’s curiosity, independence, and love of learning. The school provides thoughtfully prepared environments where children can explore at their own pace with guidance from trained Montessori educators. Illuminate Montessori emphasizes respect for the child, hands-on learning, and collaboration with families to support holistic development. Team members join a supportive and mission-driven environment that values professionalism, continuous learning, and compassionate care for children.

Role Description

The Assistant Guide is a full-time, on-site role located in Ashburn, VA. This position supports the Lead Guide in maintaining a prepared Montessori environment, including organizing materials, setting up activities, and ensuring the classroom is safe, clean, and welcoming. Day-to-day responsibilities include observing children, supporting their independent work, guiding them in practical life and academic activities, and assisting with transitions, meals, and outdoor play. The Assistant Guide communicates respectfully with children and families, follows Montessori principles and school policies, and collaborates with colleagues to plan and implement classroom routines. The role also involves participating in staff meetings, professional development, and occasional school events.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in Montessori education, child development, and learner-centered teaching approaches.
• Ability to maintain a calm, patient, and positive presence while supporting children’s independence and self-regulation.
• Strong observation skills and attention to detail to monitor classroom needs and individual child progress.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with lead guides, team members, and families.
• Ability to manage classroom routines, prioritize tasks, and uphold a safe, orderly learning environment.
• Physical ability to engage in daily classroom activities, including bending, lifting materials, and supervising outdoor play.
• Previous experience working with children in educational or childcare settings is preferred.
• High school diploma required; relevant coursework or training in education or Montessori pedagogy is a plus.