Lead Toddler Teacher

Guidepost Montessori; Ballwin (MO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary $39k-$44k

Health insurance

Paid time off

75% tuition discount

Career growth

Job summary

Guidepost Montessori is hiring a Lead Toddler Guide to lead a mixed-age toddler classroom in a Montessori environment designed for exploration and independence.

You will observe and support children, provide practical life lessons, language development, and grace and courtesy, while building strong relationships with families and staff. This role emphasizes leadership and collaborative teamwork in Ballwin, Missouri.

Qualifications

• Experience with children 0-3 in daycare or early learning setting.
• Wollows alignment with child-led education approaches (Montessori/Reggio).
• ECE or Child Development credits required.
• Montessori certification or diploma preferred.

Responsibilities

• Observe each child to support physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Maintain an orderly classroom encouraging independence and exploration.
• Encourage toddlers to do things themselves and build practical life skills.
• Provide language development, grace and courtesy lessons.
• Build warm relationships with children and families.
• Collaborate with parents to support each child’s growth.
• Lead routines and work with the team to foster a joyful community.

Skills

Observational skills

Leadership

Communication with families

Team collaboration

Education

ECE or Child Development credits

Montessori certification (preferred)

Job description

Help toddlers discover who they are and what they can do.

At Guidepost Montessori, our Lead Toddler Guides create calm, purposeful environments where curiosity, independence, and confidence grow every day.

If you’re passionate about early childhood development and ready to lead a classroom designed for exploration and independence, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Your Role

As a Lead Toddler Guide, you’ll lead a mixed-age toddler classroom in a Montessori environment thoughtfully designed to support children during one of the most formative stages of development.

Montessori guides prepare beautiful, orderly environments that invite exploration and support independence. Through careful observation, individualized lessons, and respectful guidance, you’ll help each child develop language, coordination, self-regulation, and confidence.

Your leadership will empower toddlers to explore freely, make choices, and take pride in what they can accomplish laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

What You’ll Do

• Observe each child closely to understand and support their physical, emotional, and cognitive development
• Prepare and maintain a beautiful, orderly classroom that fosters focus, independence, and exploration
• Support independence by encouraging toddlers to "do it themselves"
• Provide lessons in practical life skills, language development, and grace and courtesy
• Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families
• Communicate and collaborate with parents to support each child’s growth
• Lead classroom routines and collaborate with team members to create a respectful, joyful community

The Montessori Prepared Environment

Every Guidepost toddler classroom is fully equipped with high-quality Montessori materials and designed according to the principles of beauty, order, and independence.

• Open spaces that encourage movement and exploration
• Child-sized furniture and tools to support independence
• Curriculum that builds skills in dressing, feeding, and toilet learning
• Scientifically designed materials for fine and gross motor development
• Natural elements including cozy rugs, real plants, and abundant light
• Beautiful, breakable materials made from wood, metal, and glass
• Opportunities to climb, crawl, and explore without restrictive devices

What We’re Looking For

• Interest in pursuing fully sponsored Montessori certification through our Prepared Montessorian Institute, or a previously earned Montessori diploma
• Experience working with children ages 0-3 in a daycare, childcare, or early learning setting
• Alignment with child-led educational approaches (Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or similar)
• Required ECE or Child Development credits
• College degree in a child related field (Preferred)

What We Offer

• Competitive salary: $39,000 - $44,000 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, supportive network of peers and mentors
• 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 from 3 months to 6 years old in our Nido, Toddler, and Children’s House programs.

We believe children are capable and we intentionally 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 inspired by toddler development, excited to partner with families, and ready to lead with purpose, we’d love to welcome you to Guidepost Montessori.

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.