Toddler Lead Teacher

Guidepost Montessori; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sponsored Montessori diploma training

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

75% tuition discount for up to two孩子

Collaborative network of peers andMent

Job summary

Guidepost Montessori is hiring for a Lead Toddler Guide in Downers Grove, IL. You will lead a mixed-age young toddler classroom in a Montessori environment designed to support independence, language development, and self-regulation.

You will observe children, plan individualized lessons, and partner with families to ensure consistent growth. The role emphasizes leadership in a collaborative team, maternal and child milestones, and a commitment to Montessori principles with sponsorship for

Qualifications

• Observation of each child to support development
• Collaboration with families to support growth
• Alignment with child-led educational approaches (Montessori, Reggio Emilia)
• ECE or Child Development credits required
• Montessori certification sponsorship or diploma is expected

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Observation

Communication with families

Team collaboration

Child development knowledge

Education

ECE credits

College degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education

Job description

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

At Guidepost Montessori, our Lead Young Toddler and Toddler Teachers 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 (Teacher), you'll lead a mixed-age young 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 young 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 young toddler classroom is fully equipped with high-quality Montessori materials and designed according to the principles of beauty, order, and independence.

Our toddler environments feature:

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 babies, infants, and children ages 0-3 in a daycare or preschool classroom, child care or early learning setting

Alignment with child-led educational approaches (Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or similar)

Required ECE or Child Development credits

College degree (Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a child related field)

What We Offer

Sponsored Montessori diploma training and ongoing professional development

Competitive salary: $40,000 - $50,000 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.