About the job
Guidepost Montessori in Old Town, Chicago is hiring a Lead Toddler Teacher to nurture confident, independent learners in a Montessori setting.
Role overview
This position leads a mixed-age group of toddlers through their early developmental years. The Lead Toddler Teacher creates a calm, purposeful classroom where curiosity and autonomy are encouraged. Daily work involves preparing an inviting, organized space and guiding children to explore, make choices, and take pride in their progress. Individualized lessons and careful observation help each child build language, coordination, and self-regulation.
Leadership here means inspiring toddlers to develop independence and a love of learning, while building a strong classroom community.
What you will do
- Observe each child’s development, physical, emotional, and cognitive, and offer support tailored to their needs
- Set up and maintain a classroom that promotes focus, independence, and order
- Encourage children to do things for themselves, supporting growing autonomy
- Present lessons on practical life skills, language, and social interaction
- Build trusting relationships with toddlers and their families
- Partner with parents to support each child’s growth
- Lead daily routines and collaborate with colleagues to foster a joyful, respectful classroom
The Montessori prepared environment
Guidepost toddler classrooms feature carefully chosen Montessori materials that support independence and discovery. The environment is designed to meet the needs of young children and includes:
- Spacious areas for movement and exploration
- Child-sized furniture and tools to empower self-sufficiency
- A curriculum covering dressing, feeding, and toilet learning
- Materials for developing fine and gross motor skills
- Natural elements such as real plants, soft rugs, and abundant daylight
- Beautiful, fragile materials made from wood, metal, and glass
- Freedom for children to safely climb, crawl, and explore
