Early Childhood Lead Guide

American Montessori Society Inc; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

SIMPLE IRA with employer match

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Tuition reduction

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

American Montessori Society Inc is seeking a Lead Early Childhood Guide to inspire and nurture children aged 3 to 6 in a Montessori-based environment. You will design developmentally appropriate curriculum and foster independence, curiosity, and a love of learning.

Responsibilities include leading a Primary classroom, preparing engaging environments, observing and assessing progress, and communicating with families. OCFS compliance and staff mentorship are essential parts of the role.

Qualifications

• Montessori certification for ages 3-6 required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Experience in an Early Childhood classroom (ages 3-6).
• Knowledge of OCFS regulations and licensing.
• Strong communication, organization and leadership skills.
• Proven Montessori experience for 3-6 with curriculum development.
• Knowledge of child development theories and literacy strategies.
• Excellent communication with children, families and team.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Primary classroom in line with Montessori philosophy and best practices.
• Maintain a beautiful, engaging, developmentally appropriate environment.
• Provide individualized and small-group instruction across Montessori areas.
• Observe, assess and support each child’s development.
• Build strong relationships with children and families.
• Conduct parent conferences and communicate regularly with families.
• Supervise and mentor Assistant Guides.
• Ensure OCFS compliance and proper health, safety and documentation.
• Maintain accurate student records, attendance and reports.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development.

Skills

Montessori 3-6

Curriculum development

Lesson planning

Classroom management

Behavior management

Leadership

Communication

Education

AMS/AMI/MACTE Montessori certification

Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Job Overview:

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Lead Early Childhood Guide to inspire and nurture children aged 3 to 6 in a vibrant, child-centered learning environment. As a key leader within our early childhood education team, you will design engage developmentally appropriate curriculum that fosters independence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Your role will be to create a warm, supportive classroom atmosphere when children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This position offers and exciting opportunity to influence young learners' growth through innovative teaching methods rooted in Montessori principles and best practices in early childhood education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a Primary classroom in alignment with Montessori philosophy and best practices.


• Prepare and maintain a beautiful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment.


• Provide individualized and small-group instruction across all Montessori currriculum areas.


• Observe, assess, and suppport each child's academic and social-emotional development.


• Build strong, respectful relationships with children and families.


• Conduct parent conferences and communicate regularly with families.


• Supervise and mentor Assistant Guides.


• Ensure full compliance with New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations, including health, safety, supervision, and documentation requirements.


• Maintain accurate student records, attendance, and required reports.


• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and school events.

Qualifications:

• Montessori Early Childhood Certification (AMS, AMI, or MACTE-accredited).


• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (preferred).


• Experience working in an Early Childhoood classroom (ages 3-6).


• Knowledge of or willingness to learn OCFS regulations and licensing requirements.


• Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills.


• Proven experience as a primary or preschool teacher with a strong background in Montessori education for ages 3-6.


• Demonstrated experise in curriculum development, lesson plannning, classroom management, and behavior management techniques.


• Knowledge of childhood development theories, early intervention practices, special education needs, and literacy education strategies.


• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with young children, parents, and team members.


• Prior experience working in daycare settings or private schools is preferred; familiarity with toddler care and childcare best practices is advantageous.


• Certification or credentialing in early childhood education or Montessori teaching methods is required; additional training in math or physical education is a plus.


• Strong organizational skillswith the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a nurturing environment that promotes child welfare.

Requirement:

• Ability to meet OCFS background check and clearance requirements.


• Completion of required OCFS trainings (or willingness to complete upon hire), including:
  
  
  
  • Mandated Reporter Training
  
  
  • Health and Safety Training
  
  
  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and actively engage with young children
  
  
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors
  
  

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and credentials


• Health insurance options


• SIMPLE IRA with employer match


• Paid Time Off (PTO), holidays, and school breaks


• Tuition reduction for eligible employees


• Professional development opportunities

Join us in shapping young minds trhough inspiring teaching practices rooted in Montessori philosophy! This paid position offers and enriching environment where your dedication makes a meaningful difference in children's lives while advancing your career in early childhood education.

Love. Respect. Integrity. Peace. Excellence