Toddler Community Co-Lead or Assistant

American Montessori Society Inc; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days paid time off

Up to 12 paid sick days

In-house MACTE Montessori training

Outdoor-focused Montessori campus

Job summary

The Garden Montessori is seeking a Montessori Co-Lead or Assistant to join our outdoor-focused classroom. You will support a Lead Teacher in a 1-3 year old setting, helping prepare the environment and nurture independence with warmth.

We value reliability, collaboration, and a sense of humor in daily interactions with children and families. Open to someone without a credential as an assistant, with in-house MACTE Montessori training offered if interested, or a credentialed teacher joining our

Qualifications

• Demonstrated warmth and patience with young children.
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather.
• Reliable and committed to attendance.
• Collaborative partner to lead teacher.
• Positive, patient approach with families.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher in preparing the classroom and materials.
• Support daily routines and guide toddlers toward independence.
• Build relationships with children and families.
• Attend to toilet training with warmth and consistency.

Skills

Warmth and patience

Outdoor comfort

Reliability

Collaborative mindset

Sense of humor

Job description

Montessori Co-Lead or Assistant

We are a school with a lot of opinions about getting kids outside. If "freedom of movement" sounds like a philosophy and also a daily logistical adventure, you'll fit right in.

We're a nature-focused, indoor-outdoor school where children spend meaningful chunks of their day outside, and we're a small, close-knit community with a low-drama, high-collaboration culture. No one is exempt from diaper changes here!

The best part--our campus. You will be part of the first team to serve children at our newest location -- 7 acres of beauty, where rabbits, chickens, ducks and goats will roam alongside our students. A babbling creek, wooded acreage for exploring, abundant raised garden beds and even an apiary for our honeybees. A true Montessori dream campus.

The Schedule

This role can be part or full-time depending on your preference and need. Our Toddler Community program is half-day, but we also offer afternoon programming which you could be a part of if additional hours are desired.

The Role

You'll work closely with a Lead Teacher in a classroom of 1-3 year olds, helping prepare the environment, supporting daily routines, and guiding our youngest students towards independence.

It's not all fun and games, though—you'll help children learn to use the toilet independently, handled with the same warmth and patience as everything else. You'll build real relationships with the children and their families, and you'll be a steady, familiar presence in the classroom day to day.

We are open to someone without a credential joining as an assistant (and can offer you MACTE accredited Montessori training in-house if interested!) or a credentialed teacher who would like to join our amazing Toddler Guide as her co-lead.

What We're Looking For

You don't need years of experience, but you do need the right temperament. What matters most:

• Genuine warmth and patience with young children, including on the harder days
• Comfort being outside in real weather, not just nice-day weather
• Reliability and follow-through, since the classroom depends on you showing up (we don't play around about attendance here!)
• A collaborative mindset. You're a true partner to your lead teacher, not just an extra set of hands
• A sense of humor, because you will need it

What You'll Get

• Hands-on experience in a classroom that takes early childhood seriously without taking itself too seriously, mentorship from an experienced lead teacher, and a genuine sense of belonging to a small, tight-knit team.
• 30 days of paid time off plus up to 12 paid sick days.
• The opportunity to be part of a living Montessori lab school where we grow Montessori educators with the same care and intention that we do children.
• Summers optional
• Unlimited bunny snuggles.

To Apply

Tell us a bit about yourself and why working with young children matters to you and why you want to do it at The Garden in particular. We'd love to hear it in your own words.