Lead Educator

Sonnet Montessori; Plymouth (MN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Employee Childcare Discount

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

Sonnet Montessori in Minnesota seeks a Lead Educator to foster a safe, nurturing, and engaging Montessori classroom. You will support holistic development and collaborate with families and staff.

You will document growth, guide curriculum, lead conferences, and ensure DHS standards compliance while modeling professional, respectful interactions and a love of learning.

Qualifications

• Must meet Minnesota DHS qualifications for a Lead Educator in a licensed center.
• Experience in Montessori or early childhood settings.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and supervise children.
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a safe, high-quality Montessori learning environment.
• Observe and document children’s growth and development, maintaining student records.
• Prepare, present, and maintain Montessori materials and curriculum.
• Guide children with respect, fostering independence and curiosity.
• Communicate daily with parents and conduct conferences/newsletters.
• Build collaborative relationships with staff.
• Ensure compliance with DHS standards and school policies.
• Lead parent-teacher conferences and provide progress updates.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development.
• Model professionalism and positivity in interactions.

Skills

Montessori experience

Classroom management

Strong communication

Physical stamina

CPR/First Aid

Education

Minnesota DHS Lead Educator qualifications

Montessori training preferred

Job description

Description

At Sonnet Montessori, we’re on a mission to put good humans into the world and leave it better than we found it. Our team creates warm, inclusive, and joyful environments where children, families, and staff can thrive. If you’re energized by purpose, connection, and meaningful work, you’ll love being part of a community that invests in your growth and celebrates what makes you exceptional.

The Lead Educator plays an essential role in creating a nurturing, safe, and engaging Montessori learning environment for our students. With the support of the Director and Administration, the Lead Educator ensures that each child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs are met while fostering independence, respect, and a love of learning.

What You’ll Do

• Establish and maintain a safe, high-quality Montessori learning environment.
• Observe and document children’s growth and development, maintaining student records and portfolios.
• Prepare, present, and maintain Montessori materials and curriculum.
• Guide children with respect, fostering independence and supporting their natural curiosity.
• Communicate daily with parents through the parent communication app and regular conferences/newsletters.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with assistant guides and staff.
• Ensure compliance with state licensing standards and school policies.
• Lead parent-teacher conferences and provide consistent updates on student progress.
• Participate in staff meetings, school events, and professional development opportunities.
• Model professionalism and positivity in all interactions with children, families, and colleagues.

What You’ll Need

• Must meet Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) qualifications for a Lead Educator in a licensed child care center.
• Experience working with young children in a Montessori or early childhood setting.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., actively supervise children indoors/outdoors, and meet physical demands of the role.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with children, families, and staff.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and Montessori philosophy.
• Montessori training is preferred. Successful candidates not yet certified are encouraged to apply and will be supported in completing training after hire within an agreed-upon timeframe. Montessori certification is a valuable professional credential and transferable skill that can be completed in as little as 9-12 months. Ask us for more information and to learn about employer-sponsored training options.

What We Offer

• Ongoing Professional Development & Growth Opportunities
• 401(k) Plan
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Employee Childcare Discount

The starting pay range for this position is $19 to $22 hourly and is applicable for candidates who will be working in the following location[s] Minnesota. This range is subject to adjustment for other geographic work locations. In addition to geographic location, Sonnet Montessori considers education, experience, internal equity, market demands, and other qualifying criteria to determine starting wages.

In addition to compensation benefits, Sonnet Montessori offers a variety of health and welfare benefits, based on eligibility, including medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and career development.