YCC Toddler Lead Teacher (Montessori Trained) - 2025/2026 School Year

Near North Montessori School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated YCC Toddler Lead Teacher for the upcoming school year. This full-time role involves creating a nurturing educational environment aligned with Montessori philosophy for children aged 18 months to 3 years. The ideal candidate will possess a Montessori primary certification and a Bachelor's degree in Education, with a strong commitment to child development and inclusive practices. Join a vibrant community that values collaboration and professional growth, where your contributions will help shape the future of young learners in a supportive and engaging atmosphere.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Disability Coverage

EAP

Pet Insurance

Flexible PTO

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Montessori primary certification required for teaching toddlers.
• Experience in a Montessori classroom preferred for effective guidance.

Responsibilities

• Guide daily instruction based on Montessori training and policies.
• Maintain a safe, prepared environment for children's well-being.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support the school's mission.

Skills

Communication Skills

Child Development Understanding

Teamwork

Adaptability

Professional Growth Commitment

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education

Montessori Primary Certification

CPR and First Aid Certification

Tools

Educational Technologies

Job description

YCC Toddler Lead Teacher (Montessori Trained) - 2025/2026 School Year

Join us as a YCC Toddler Lead Teacher (Montessori Trained) at Near North Montessori School for the 2025/2026 school year.

We are an independent Montessori school in Chicago serving over 500 students from infancy through 8th grade. Our community values shared goals and strives for an equitable, inclusive culture through reflective practices. We challenge students to think independently, pursue their ideas, and become lifelong learners.

Job Description

We seek a Montessori-trained, Toddler Lead Teacher to support and nurture children aged 18 months to 3 years. You will create a beautiful educational environment aligned with Montessori philosophy, fostering the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of students. Responsibilities include monitoring student progress, developing improvement plans, and maintaining records.

Schedule

40 hours weekly, Monday to Friday, between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, with potential summer camp opportunities.

Essential Responsibilities

• Guide daily instruction based on Montessori training and school policies.
• Implement activities meeting children's developmental needs.
• Model honesty, respect, kindness, and understanding.
• Maintain a safe, prepared environment ensuring children's well-being.
• Collaborate with colleagues and administration to support the school's mission.
• Communicate effectively with children, parents, and staff.
• Train and supervise assistants and support staff, providing feedback.
• Report pertinent daily information to the appropriate authorities.
• Use equipment safely and keep the environment clean.
• Follow emergency procedures to ensure safety.
• Perform duties as outlined in the staff handbook and by lead teachers.
• Pursue ongoing professional development through conferences and workshops.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Education or related field; Montessori primary certification required.
• Experience in a Montessori Toddler classroom preferred.
• Montessori 0-3 Credential or willingness to begin training immediately.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Strong communication skills with children and adults.
• Deep understanding of child development across physical, social, emotional, and cognitive domains.
• Commitment to professional growth, anti-bias, and inclusive practices.
• Team-oriented, adaptable, and committed to a positive faculty culture.
• Proficiency with educational technologies.

Additional Information

Full-time position starting August 2025, ideally filled by June 2025. Salary ranges from $50,000 to $65,000, based on experience. Benefits include health insurance, disability coverage, EAP, pet insurance, flexible PTO, and professional development opportunities.

Near North Montessori is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in all employment practices.