Assistant Guide

Illuminate Montessori; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Illuminate Montessori in Reston, VA is seeking a full-time Assistant Guide to support the Lead Guide in maintaining a prepared Montessori environment. You will help organize materials, set up activities, and ensure the space is orderly and welcoming for children throughout the day.

Daily duties include observing children, assisting with lessons, guiding independent work, and promoting social and emotional development through respectful interactions.

Qualifications

• Ability to support Montessori methods and a child-centered learning environment, including respect for independence and curiosity.
• Strong classroom support skills, such as organization, attention to detail, and maintaining a calm, orderly environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with children, colleagues, and families.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive, non-discriminatory environment that honors diverse backgrounds and needs.
• Reliability and professionalism, including punctuality, discretion, and adherence to school policies and safety standards.
• Experience working with children in educational or childcare settings is preferred; Montessori experience or training is a plus.
• Ability to stand, move, sit on the floor, and lift lightweight classroom materials as needed throughout the day.
• High school diploma required; college coursework or degree in education, early childhood, or related field is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Observe children and assist with lessons as directed.
• Guide children in independent work and support social and emotional development through respectful, positive interactions.
• Assist with transitions, snacks and meals, outdoor play, and cleanliness.
• Promote safety and adherence to school policies.
• Communicate with the Lead Guide about student progress and collaborate with colleagues.
• Participate in team meetings and professional development.

Skills

Montessori methods

Organization

Communication

Punctuality

Education

High school diploma

Further education in education/early childhood (beneficial)

Job description

Company Description

Illuminate Montessori is a Montessori school located in Reston, VA, dedicated to nurturing the whole child through a child-centered, hands-on learning environment. The school emphasizes independence, curiosity, and respect, guided by Montessori principles and materials. Illuminate Montessori focuses on creating a calm, engaging classroom where each child’s unique pace and interests are honored. Team members collaborate to support children’s social, emotional, and academic growth in a safe, inclusive community. The school values clear communication with families and a strong partnership between guides, assistants, and administrators.

Role Description

The Assistant Guide is a full-time, on-site position based at Illuminate Montessori in Reston, VA. This role supports the Lead Guide in maintaining a prepared Montessori environment, including organizing materials, setting up classroom activities, and ensuring the space remains orderly and welcoming. Day-to-day responsibilities include observing children, assisting with lessons as directed, guiding children in independent work, and supporting their social and emotional development through respectful, positive interactions. The Assistant Guide helps with transitions, snacks and meals, outdoor play, and cleanliness, while promoting safety and adherence to school policies. This position also involves communicating with the Lead Guide about student progress, collaborating with colleagues, and participating in team meetings and professional development.

Qualifications

• Ability to support Montessori methods and a child-centered learning environment, including respect for independence and curiosity.
• Strong classroom support skills, such as organization, attention to detail, and maintaining a calm, orderly environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with children, colleagues, and families.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive, non-discriminatory environment that honors diverse backgrounds and needs.
• Reliability and professionalism, including punctuality, discretion, and adherence to school policies and safety standards.
• Experience working with children in educational or childcare settings is preferred; Montessori experience or training is a plus.
• Ability to stand, move, sit on the floor, and lift lightweight classroom materials as needed throughout the day.
• High school diploma required; college coursework or degree in education, early childhood, or related field is beneficial.