Preschool Teacher - Montessori

Montessori Association of Covina; California (MO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Montessori Association of Covina seeks an Early Education Preschool Teacher to nurture toddlers and preschoolers using Montessori and ECE principles. The role emphasizes creating a compliant, enriching classroom, partnering with families, and guiding assistants within the agency’s values.

The teacher will implement weekly lesson plans, adapt activities to development, and ensure safety and cultural responsiveness in a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• AA degree in Child Development preferred, other subject acceptable.
• 24 units in Child Development or Early Childhood Education including CORE.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan weekly, and implement age-appropriate curriculum (lesson plans) that reflect Montessori methods and ECE principles.
• Prepare classroom materials and environments daily to support planned activities.
• Design a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that fosters observation and inquiry.
• Provide diverse materials and an environment that promotes cultural diversity, exploration, and imaginative play.
• Conduct ongoing developmental evaluations and adapt lesson plans to individual needs.
• Prepare progress reports and discuss children's progress with families in conferences.
• Integrate children's cultural, linguistic, and familial values into the program and plans.
• Promote literacy and strong communication among children.

Skills

Curriculum planning

Parental communication

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Education

AA in Child Development

24 units in Child Development/ECE CORE

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Preschool Teacher: Montessori

The Early Education Teacher plays a crucial role in nurturing the academic, social-emotional growth, and development of toddlers and/or preschool-age children. This position is responsible for creating and implementing an enriching, compliant, and nurturing environment that integrates both Montessori and Early Childhood Education principles. The Teacher builds strong partnerships with parents, ensures adherence to all State and local regulations (including Title V), and serves as a passionate, dedicated role model for assistant teachers, embodying the agency's core values. Upholding high standards of care is paramount to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children.

Key Responsibilities

I. Curriculum & Instruction

• Develop, plan weekly, and implement age-appropriate curriculum (lesson plans) that stimulate all domains of children’s development, incorporating Montessori methods and ECE principles.
• Prepare classroom materials and environments daily to support planned activities, reflecting children's learning and growth.
• Design and conduct a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that encourages observation, questioning, and investigation.
• Provide a rich variety of materials and an environment that fosters cultural diversity, exploration, and imaginative play.
• Perform ongoing developmental evaluations of children as required by funding sources (e.g., DRDP, ECERS, Parent Survey), developing lesson plans that address individual needs.
• Prepare developmental progress reports and conduct periodical parent conferences to discuss children's progress, needs, and interests.
• Demonstrate cultural competency by integrating children's cultural, linguistic, and familial values and beliefs into the program and lesson plans.
• Promote literacy, strong communication, discussion, and interaction with children.

II. Child Development & Care

• Provide responsive, individualized care to all children by adapting routines and plans to their interests and needs.
• Conduct daily health checks regarding hygiene, safety, and overall well-being of the children.
• Ensure a healthy, safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate environment for children, both indoors and outdoors.
• Prepare and serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines, assisting with nutrition and food service monitoring.
• Integrate special needs children respectfully, preparing the environment and meeting their developmental requirements.
• Set and enforce appropriate, non-punitive rules for children's behavior and classroom order, adhering to developmental needs and agency guidelines.
• Clean and sterilize equipment and toys regularly.

III. Parent & Family Engagement

• Complete child transition and classroom orientation with parents.
• Maintain ongoing, open communication with parents/caregivers, fostering strong relationships.
• Create a classroom environment that actively encourages parent participation.
• Serve as a liaison with families to ensure smooth transitions between home and child care setting, and from classroom to classroom (e.g., toddler to preschool, preschool to kindergarten).

IV. Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Conduct weekly supervision and bi-monthly meetings with Associate and Assistant Teachers to discuss child progress, curriculum, and environment preparation.
• Plan, delegate, and assign work effectively to Assistant Teachers weekly.
• Participate in all required school/agency staff development, in-service trainings, and educational development opportunities.
• Collaborate collegially with other staff members and assistant teachers to achieve program standards based on Title V.

V. Administrative & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely client, agency, and attendance records (e.g., daily meal/attendance, emergency forms, child development profiles).
• Become familiar with and implement emergency procedures and protocols.
• Prepare annual inventory of classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Participate in fundraising efforts for the school.

Education & Certifications

• Minimum AA degree in Child Development preferred, other subject acceptable, with
• Minimum 24 units in Child Development or Early Childhood Education including CORE