Full Time Lead Toddler Teacher (Montessori Training Provided)

Montessori Training Provided | $40,000–$50,000

Are you an experienced early childhood educator ready to take the next step in your teaching career? We'd love to meet you!

At Guidepost Montessori, we believe great teachers come from many different educational backgrounds. You do not need Montessori experience or certification to apply! If you have early childhood education experience, meet Illinois Lead Teacher qualifications and are passionate about helping young children grow, we can provide the Montessori training you need to succeed.

We offer the opportunity to earn a fully sponsored Montessori diploma through our Prepared Montessorian Institute (PMI) while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive classroom environment.

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

At Guidepost Montessori, our Lead Toddler Guides 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 Teacher (Lead Guide), you'll lead a classroom of children ages 2–3 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 toddlers to explore freely, make choices and take pride in what they can accomplish, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

New to Montessori? That's okay! We welcome experienced early childhood educators who are excited to learn the Montessori approach. Through our sponsored training program, you'll have the opportunity to develop your skills and grow as a Montessori educator.

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 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

Montessori experience is not required! We're looking for a passionate early childhood educator who is ready to lead a toddler classroom and grow professionally.

Required Qualifications:

• Meet Illinois DCFS Teacher Qualified (TQ) requirements with the necessary Early Childhood Education or Child Development college credits

• Experience working with young children, preferably ages 0–3, in a childcare, preschool or early learning setting

• A passion for early childhood education and supporting children's independence

• Strong classroom management, communication and organizational skills

• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families and fellow educators

• Willingness to learn and implement the Montessori approach

Preferred but Not Required:

• Previous experience as a Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in an early childhood classroom

• Montessori training or certification

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field

• Experience with child-led educational approaches such as Montessori or Reggio Emilia

No Montessori certification? No problem! Qualified candidates can receive fully sponsored Montessori diploma training through our Prepared Montessorian Institute (PMI).

What We Offer

• Fully sponsored Montessori diploma training through the Prepared Montessorian Institute (PMI)

• 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

• Ongoing professional development and mentorship

• A collaborative, supportive network of peers and mentors

• 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.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're an experienced Lead Teacher looking for a new opportunity or an early childhood educator ready to grow into a leadership role, we'd love to hear from you.

You bring your passion for early childhood education. We'll help you develop your Montessori expertise.

Apply today and help toddlers take their next big steps!