Lead Preschool Teacher New Mill Valley, California

Guidepost Montessori; Mill Valley (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Diploma sponsorship

Professional development

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Paid time off

Tuition discount for two children

Career growth

Supportive educator network

Job summary

Guidepost Montessori is hiring a Lead Children's House Guide to lead a mixed-age preschool classroom for ages 3-6 in a Montessori environment that nurtures concentration, independence, and a love of learning. You will observe, tailor lessons, and support each child's growth with individualized guidance.

We offer sponsored Montessori diploma training, ongoing professional development, and opportunities for career growth, with a competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Montessori diploma for ages 3-6 or willingness to obtain (fully sponsored).
• Experience with children ages 3-6 in a group setting.
• Aligned with child-led approaches such as Montessori or Reggio Emilia.
• ECE or Child Development credits completed.
• Bachelor's degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education.

Responsibilities

• Observe each child to support physical, intellectual, and emotional development.
• Prepare and maintain an orderly classroom fostering concentration and independence.
• Encourage self-confidence by guiding children to do things themselves.
• Provide individualized and small-group lessons in practical life, literacy, math, and more.
• Build strong relationships with children and families and collaborate with parents.
• Lead the classroom with warmth, professionalism, and purpose.

Skills

Montessori approval or completion

Group classroom experience

Child-led education philosophy

Education

ECE or Child Development credits

Bachelor's in Child Development or ECE

Montessori diploma for ages 3-6

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.

• 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 (Child Development or Early Childhood Education)

What We Offer

• Sponsored Montessori diploma training through the Prepared Montessorian Institute
• Ongoing professional development and mentorship
• Competitive salary Salary Range: $42,000-50,000+
• 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.