Montessori Toddler Lead Guide

American Montessori Society Inc; Town of Catskill (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Catskill Montessori School in Catskill, New York is seeking a dedicated Montessori Toddler Lead Guide for a part-time role. The position runs Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM with a Toddler program serving ages 18–36 months and a 8:45–11:30 AM student program.

Compensation ranges from $30,000 to $40,000 annually, commensurate with Montessori credentials and experience. The ideal candidate values the prepared environment and outdoor learning.

Qualifications

• AMI or AMS Montessori credential for Infant & Toddler (0–3), or equivalent Montessori training.
• We also welcome candidates who pursue Montessori training and have a strong background in early childhood education.
• Experience supporting toileting independence, language development, and respectful caregiving practices.
• Strong understanding of early childhood development, particularly for children under three.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain an inviting, developmentally appropriate Montessori environment for ages 18–36 months.
• Observe each child thoughtfully and guide individual lessons and environmental adjustments.
• Support children's growing independence in practical life, toileting, dressing, language development, movement and social interactions.
• Establish consistent routines and a calm, respectful classroom culture grounded in Montessori principles.
• Model positive, respectful communication and guide children in social-emotional skills.
• Collaborate with the classroom assistant and school leadership to maintain a cohesive learning environment.
• Build partnerships with families through regular communication and developmental updates.
• Incorporate outdoor exploration and connection with nature into daily experiences.
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and school life.

Skills

Lead Guide experience

Early childhood development

Toileting independence

Language development

Observational skills

Education

AMI or AMS Montessori credential for Infant & Toddler (0–3) or equivalent Montessori training

Job description

Montessori Toddler Lead Guide

Catskill Montessori School | Catskill, New York
Part-Time | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM | $30,000–$40,000 Annually

Catskill Montessori School (CMS) is seeking a dedicated, nurturing, and passionate Montessori Toddler Lead Guide to join our school community. This is a wonderful opportunity for a Montessori educator who values the transformative work of the first three years of life and is looking for a meaningful, part-time teaching position.

About Our School

Nestled on a beautiful 63-acre campus in the Hudson Valley, Catskill Montessori School offers an authentic Montessori education rooted in respect for the child, independence, meaningful work, and connection to the natural world.

Our school is a close-knit community of educators and families who value collaboration, thoughtful observation, and the development of the whole child. Our expansive campus, gardens, farm, and natural surroundings offer rich opportunities for exploration and connection with the environment.

About Our Toddler Program

Our Toddler program serves children ages 18–36 months in a warm, peaceful, and carefully prepared Montessori environment.

We currently offer two morning Toddler communities, with programming running Monday through Friday, 8:45–11:30 AM.

Our approach honors the toddler's natural drive toward independence, movement, language development, and purposeful activity. Children are supported in developing concentration, coordination, self-confidence, and a growing sense of belonging through practical life experiences, opportunities for choice, and consistent daily rhythms.

The Toddler Lead Guide works alongside a classroom assistant to create an environment where children feel secure, respected, and empowered to participate meaningfully in their community.

Position Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain an inviting, developmentally appropriate Montessori environment that supports the unique needs of children ages 18–36 months.

• Observe each child thoughtfully and use those observations to guide individual lessons, activities, and environmental adjustments.

• Support children's growing independence in practical life, toileting, dressing, language development, movement, and social interactions.

• Establish consistent routines and a calm, respectful classroom culture grounded in Montessori principles.

• Model positive, respectful communication and guide children through the development of social-emotional skills.

• Collaborate closely with the classroom assistant and school leadership to maintain a cohesive and supportive learning environment.

• Build meaningful partnerships with families through regular communication, conferences, and developmental updates.

• Incorporate opportunities for outdoor exploration and connection with nature into the daily experience.

• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and the broader life of the school.

Qualifications

Preferred:

• AMI or AMS Montessori credential for Infant & Toddler (0–3), or equivalent Montessori training.

• Experience as a Lead Guide in a Montessori Toddler environment.

• Strong understanding of early childhood development, particularly the developmental needs of children under three.

• Experience supporting toileting independence, language development, and respectful caregiving practices.

We also welcome candidates who:

• Have a strong background in early childhood education and are actively pursuing Montessori training.

• Demonstrate a deep respect for young children and a commitment to Montessori philosophy.

• Are patient, observant, adaptable, and comfortable working collaboratively within a small school community.

• Value outdoor learning, nature, and the importance of the prepared environment.

Schedule & Compensation

• Position: Part-time Toddler Lead Guide

• Position Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM

• Student Program Hours: 8:45–11:30 AM

• Compensation: $30,000–$40,000 annually, commensurate with Montessori credentials and experience

• Location: Catskill, New York

Catskill Montessori School is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for children, families, and educators.