Lead Preschool Teacher

Guidepost Montessori; San Rafael (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sponsored Montessori diploma training

Health, dental, and vision insurance

75% tuition discount for children

Job summary

Guidepost Montessori in San Rafael, California is seeking a Lead Children's House Guide to lead a preschool classroom for children ages 3–6. This role emphasizes independence, joy, and personalized education in a Montessori setting.

The successful candidate will nurture children's development through observation and individualized lessons, alongside maintaining a prepared environment that fosters curiosity. The position offers opportunities for professional development, a competitive salary between $45,000 and $55,000, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Montessori diploma or willingness to obtain one.
• Experience in a group learning environment with young children.
• Introduction to child-led educational philosophies.

Responsibilities

• Lead a mixed-age preschool classroom in a Montessori environment.
• Observe each child to support their development.
• Communicate with parents regarding child's growth.

Skills

Experience with children ages 3–6

Aligning with child-led philosophies

Strong communication skills

Education

Montessori diploma for ages 3–6

Bachelor's degree in ECE or Child Development

ECE or Child Development credits

Job description

Inspire curiosity. Build independence. Shape a lifelong love of learning.

At Guidepost Montessori, our Lead Children’s House Guides empower children ages 3–6 to grow into confident, capable learners through thoughtfully prepared environments and respectful, individualized guidance.

If you’re passionate about early childhood education and excited to lead a classroom where independence and joy take center stage, we’d love to meet you.

Your Role

As a Lead Children’s House Guide, you’ll lead a mixed-age preschool classroom in a Montessori environment designed to nurture concentration, confidence, and deep learning.

Montessori guides carefully prepare their classrooms to spark curiosity and independence. Through close observation, individualized lessons, and intentional language, you’ll support each child’s academic, social, and emotional development meeting them where they are and helping them grow.

Children in Montessori classrooms have the freedom to choose meaningful work, repeat activities until mastery, and take pride in their accomplishments. Your guidance helps every child develop focus, confidence, and a strong belief in their own abilities.

What You’ll Do

• Observe each child closely to understand and support their physical, intellectual, and emotional development
• Prepare and maintain a beautiful, orderly classroom that fosters concentration and independence
• Encourage self-confidence by supporting children as they learn to “do it themselves”
• Provide individualized and small-group lessons in practical life, literacy, math, and beyond
• Build strong, respectful relationships with children and families
• Communicate and collaborate with parents to support each child’s growth
• Lead your classroom with warmth, professionalism, and purpose

The Montessori Prepared Environment

Every Guidepost Children’s House classroom is fully equipped with high-quality Montessori materials and designed around the principles of beauty, order, and accessibility.

A Guidepost Children’s House environment includes:

• Child-sized furniture and ample floor space for independent and small-group work
• Practical life materials for sweeping, food preparation, table setting, and care of the environment
• Curriculum that builds independence in dressing, feeding, and self-care
• Hands-on materials for literacy, math, science, and cultural studies
• Low shelves and child-level artwork for full accessibility
• Cozy reading spaces, real plants, and abundant natural light
• Beautiful, breakable materials made from wood, metal, and glass

What We’re Looking For

• Montessori diploma for ages 3–6, or willingness to obtain certification (fully sponsored)
• Experience working with children ages 3–6 in a group learning environment
• Alignment with child-led philosophies such as Montessori or Reggio Emilia
• Required ECE or Child Development credits
• Bachelor’s degree in (ECE or Child Development)

What We Offer

• Sponsored Montessori diploma training through the Prepared Montessorian Institute
• Ongoing professional development and mentorship
• Competitive salary $45,000-55,000
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 75% tuition discount for up to two children at any Guidepost school
• A supportive network of passionate educators
• Clear opportunities 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 ages 3 months to 6 years in our Nido, Toddler, and Children’s House programs.

We believe children are capable. Our mission is to transform education by designing learning environments that cultivate independence, joy, and lifelong curiosity for children, families, and educators alike.

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.