Montessori Educator - Toddler Program

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 96,000 - 138,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a passionate Montessori Educator to lead the toddler program (18–36 months) in Durban. The role centers on hands-on exploration, creating a prepared environment, and guiding self-directed learning with a warm, collaborative team.

The ideal candidate holds a recognized Montessori certification (AMI/AMS), has toddler experience, and can document progress while communicating effectively with parents and colleagues.

Qualifications

• Recognized Montessori teaching certification for Early Years or Toddler level.
• Experience working with toddlers in Montessori settings is essential.
• Strong understanding of 18–36 month development and prepared environment."
• Excellent observational and documentation skills to track progress.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain a Montessori classroom that is safe and child-friendly.
• Guide children with Montessori materials to foster independence and self-care.
• Observe and document each child’s progress and share with parents.
• Plan individual and small-group lessons tailored to toddlers’ development.
• Facilitate positive social interactions and conflict resolution among children.
• Ensure health, safety, and hygiene standards in the classroom.

Skills

Observation

Communication

Patience

Creativity

Interpersonal skills

Education

AMI/AMS Montessori certification

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a passionate and certified Montessori Educator to join their vibrant early learning centre in Durban. This part-time position focuses on leading the toddler program (ages 18-36 months), providing a stimulating and nurturing environment based on the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. You will be instrumental in guiding young children through their formative years, fostering independence, curiosity, and a love for learning through hands-on exploration and discovery. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of toddler development and a proven ability to create a prepared environment that supports self-directed learning. This role is perfect for an educator who is dedicated to the Montessori philosophy and wishes to contribute to a child-centric educational community in the heart of Durban. We are looking for an individual who can bring creativity, warmth, and a commitment to excellence in early childhood education, shaping the foundational experiences of our youngest learners.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain the Montessori classroom environment, ensuring it is safe, orderly, and child-friendly.
• Guide children in using Montessori materials and activities, fostering independence and self-care skills.
• Observe and document each child's progress, development, and needs, communicating effectively with parents.
• Plan and conduct individual and small-group lessons tailored to the developmental stages of toddlers.
• Facilitate positive social interactions and conflict resolution among children.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and hygiene standards within the classroom.
• Collaborate with other educators and staff to support the overall program goals.
• Organize and lead parent orientation sessions and periodic parent-teacher consultations.

Requirements

• A recognized Montessori teaching certification ("e.g., AMI, AMS") for the Early Years or Toddler level.
• Experience working with toddlers in a Montessori setting is essential.
• Strong understanding of child development from 18 months to 3 years.
• Excellent observational skills and the ability to record detailed progress notes.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to interact with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Knowledge of child safety regulations and best practices.
• Ability to create a welcoming and stimulating learning space.
• Patience, creativity, and a genuine love for working with young children.
• Willingness to contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment in Durban.

Benefits

• This part-time position offers flexible working hours and a supportive professional environment.
• The role provides a competitive hourly rate and opportunities for professional development and ongoing Montessori training.
• You will join a dedicated team committed to providing high-quality early education.
• This role offers the unique reward of nurturing the very beginnings of a child's educational journey within the beautiful coastal city of Durban.
• We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning for both our students and our staff.