Lead Infant Teacher

Guidepost Montessori; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and paid holidays

75% tuition discount for two children

Collaborative community and leadership

Job summary

Guidepost Montessori is seeking a Lead Infant Guide to lead a mixed-age infant classroom (0–3) in a purposefully designed Montessori environment. You will observe each child, respect natural rhythms, and provide individualized care that honors their unique needs.

We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive health coverage, PTO, holidays, and a 75% tuition discount for up to two children. This role supports ongoing collaboration with families and a pathway for leadership within our growing

Qualifications

• Observe each child to support physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Follow each child’s natural rhythms for sleeping, eating, and toileting.
• Prepare and maintain an orderly environment that fosters trust, movement, and exploration.
• Lead and collaborate with classroom team members to create a strong, respectful community.

Responsibilities

• Lead a mixed-age infant classroom (ages 0–3) in a Montessori environment.
• Observe and tailor activities to each child’s rhythms.
• Partner closely with parents to support each child’s growth and development.

Skills

Observe child development

Respect natural rhythms

Prepare orderly environment

Support independence

Build relationships

Partner with parents

Lead classroom team

Education

ECE or Child Development credits

Bachelor’s degree in child-related field

Montessori certification sponsorship

Job description

Shape a child’s very first learning experiences. At Guidepost Montessori, our Lead Infant Guides create calm, nurturing environments where infants are respected as capable individuals from the very beginning.

If you’re passionate about early development and want to lead a thoughtfully designed classroom that supports independence, movement, and discovery, we’d love to meet you.

As a Lead Infant Guide, you’ll lead a mixed-age infant classroom (ages 0–3) in a Montessori environment intentionally designed to support each child’s natural development.

In Montessori, the environment and the guide work together to nurture independence, curiosity, and confidence. You’ll thoughtfully prepare the classroom, observe each child closely, and provide individualized care that honors their unique rhythms and needs.

Most importantly, you’ll help infants develop trust in themselves and the world around them laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

What You’ll Do

• Observe each child to understand and support their physical, emotional, and cognitive development
• Respect and follow each child’s natural rhythms for sleeping, eating, and toileting
• Prepare and maintain a beautiful, orderly environment that fosters trust, movement, and exploration
• Support independence by encouraging children to participate in care activities
• Build warm, meaningful relationships with children and families
• Partner closely with parents to support each child’s growth and development
• Lead and collaborate with classroom team members to create a strong, respectful community

The Montessori Prepared Environment

Every Guidepost infant classroom is fully equipped with high-quality Montessori materials and thoughtfully designed to support movement, exploration, and independence.

• Open floor space for movement and exploration
• Child-sized furniture and materials
• Curriculum that supports independence in feeding, dressing, and toileting
• Scientifically designed materials for fine and gross motor development
• Natural elements like real plants, cozy rugs, and abundant natural light
• Beautiful, breakable materials made from wood and metal rather than plastic
• Opportunities for climbing, crawling, and discovery without restrictive devices

What We’re Looking For

• Interest in pursuing fully sponsored Montessori certification through our Prepared Montessorian Institute, or prior Montessori diploma
• Experience working with children ages 0–3 in a group care setting
• Alignment with child-led educational philosophies (Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or similar)
• Required ECE or Child Development credits
• Bachelor’s degree in a child related field

What We Offer

• Competitive salary: $40,000 - $50,000 depending on education and experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 75% tuition discount for up to two children at any Guidepost school
• A collaborative community of peers and mentors
• Clear pathways for career growth and leadership advancement

About Guidepost Montessori

Guidepost Montessori is a growing network of over 100 schools across the U.S. and Asia, serving children from 3 months to 6 years old in our Nido, Toddler, and Children’s House programs.

We believe children are capable and we design environments that empower them to explore, grow, and flourish. Our mission is to transform education by nurturing independence, joy, and lifelong learning.

If you’re passionate about early childhood, excited to partner with families, and ready to lead with purpose, we’d love to welcome you to our community.

Guidepost Global Education and Guidepost Montessori are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We will not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Our leadership is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy. When requested, we are committed to reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with disabilities or special needs that may require an accommodation.