Toddler Montessori Guide (January 2027)

Montessori International Children's House; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Montessori International Children’s House in Washington, DC seeks a Toddler Montessori Guide to lead a class of 9–12 children aged 18 months to 2.5 years. You will work with the Education Director and assistants to create a prepared Montessori environment that fosters academic, spiritual, emotional, and physical growth.

The role emphasizes collaboration with a dedicated team, maintaining environment quality, and ongoing professional development within the Montessori framework.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Masters preferred.
• Background check as required by licensing authorities.
• Commitment to Montessori mission and collaborative culture.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare classroom environment for 18 months to 2.5 years learners following AMI guidelines.
• Maintain and repair Montessori materials; manage supplies and snacks.
• Plan developmentally appropriate curriculum in each area.
• Collaborate with Education Director and Toddler Assistants to support children.
• Communicate timely with parents about classroom life and child progress.
• Participate in professional development and school meetings.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Team spirit

Openness to feedback

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Job description

About Montessori International Children’s House

Montessori International Children’s House (MICH) is an AMI accredited school serving children from 18 months through age 12 that has created an idyllic setting for young learners in its 40-year history. Situated on a verdant, wooded campus, and with a highly dedicated faculty and staff, the school community has a clear sense of purpose: to provide the best, age-appropriate education for young learners, following the philosophy of Maria Montessori.

Position Summary

The Toddler Montessori Guide leads a class of 9-12 students ages 18 months to 2.5 years in accordance with the philosophy and guidelines of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). The Toddler Montessori Guide works with the Education Director and the Toddler Assistants to prepare and maintain an orderly, attractive, and joyful environment. Alongside the other adults, they observe and model courteous and respectful behavior and contribute to the warm, supportive, and peaceful atmosphere.The Toddler Montessori Guide directs the students’ activities academically, spiritually, emotionally, and physically in a prepared Montessori environment that challenges each child to reach their fullest potential per Montessori philosophy, pedagogy, and methods appropriate for the developmental stages.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Curriculum Coordinator and Classroom Administration

• Preparing the Montessori classroom environment to meet the needs, interests, and the developmental stages of the primary child
• Supporting the care and maintenance of the environment, including but not limited to creating and repairing materials, cleaning the environment, refilling supplies, preparing and supervising snacks, washing, and laundering.
• Planning, scheduling, and offering each child a challenging and appropriate Montessori curriculum in each area through lessons based on individual learning levels.
• Working with students of varying abilities assigned to the classroom including those with learning exceptionalities
• Meeting regularly with the classroom team (including substitutes and members of the extended day team), and training them as necessary, to best support the children in the community

Family Engagement and Communication

• Assisting in the development of and participation in school functions, including but not limited to open houses, orientation meetings, family education events, and school-wide activities.
• Preparing documents and reports necessary to facilitate parent-teacher conferences or other meetings requested by parents or school administration.
• Providingtimely and meaningful communication with parents/guardians about the life of the classroom community as well as the progress/needs of their individual children.

Professional Growth

• Seek feedback to improve performance in supporting the environment and in working with the children
• Reflecting on and pursuing the development of professional growth; working with a direct supervisor to evaluate and improve skills.
• Participating in structured and informal professional development opportunities.
• Assisting with any projects as assigned by the Head of School or Education Director
• Attending all other meetings as appropriate.

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required, Masters preferred
• Ability to meet school/state health requirements and pass a criminal background check as required by the Office of Child Care.
• A commitment to the school’s mission as a dedicated member of the Montessori community
• A willingness to contribute to a culture of collaboration and teamwork
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, strong attention to detail and organization, and passion for creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment
• A positive, team spirit with a desire to work together to support all aspects of the school operations
• Openness to feedback, desire to continue development as a professional, and willingness to take responsibility for programmaticoutcomes and achievement.

EEO Statement

Montessori International Children’s House is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.