Lead Toddler Teacher

Richmond, Va

Wild Fern Montessori School is looking for a qualified Lead Toddler Guide. The Wild Fern Toddler Program is launching in January 2021. This is a wonderful opportunity for an experienced Montessorian to work at a small nonprofit, with a tight-knit group of colleagues, and have your experience and voice valued while serving our community in making Montessori equitable.
Planning, Preparation, and Instruction Plans and implements age-appropriate Montessori curriculum throughout the year.
Oversees the flow of the classroom.
Keeps a well-prepared and organized classroom with regular material and activities rotating throughout the year.
Meets regularly with assistants for planning weekly/monthly lessons, reviewing children, revitalizing/revising the classroom.
Maintains close communication with assistants and Program Director.
Sets up and cleans the classroom, at the beginning/end and throughout the school year. Establishes and maintains a record-keeping system to track the children’s progress in Brightwheel.
Uses various assessment tools/strategies such as observations, children’s work samples, continuums of development, portfolios, etc. to help make instructional decisions for individual students.
Maintains a safe, clean, caregiving environment, practices handwashing, and safe food handling procedures, and assures the well-being and safety of all of the children in that environment. Orders classroom materials and supplies within the classroom budget.
Helps with daily activities including snack and lunch set up and clean up, dressing and undressing, toilet and diaper needs, nap time, music and art, practical life activities, sensorial work, and cooking projects, and outdoor play.
Supports the Montessori and Me Toddler Playgroup as needed.
* Communications
Ensures respectful and open lines of communication with parents.
Attends and responds to parent concerns and questions in a timely manner.
Sends weekly newsletters from the classroom, highlighting the week’s activities, upcoming events, and the Montessori curriculum.
Conducts individual parent conferences twice a year to discuss each child’s growth and development.
Helps educate parents in the Montessori philosophy and finds ways to involve parents in the program.
Facilitates a respectful environment for children and adults by advocating conflict resolution and Grace and Courtesy lessons.
Respects and protects the privacy of children, parents, and staff.
Professional Responsibility Participates in the ongoing evaluation including classroom observations, feedback meetings with Programs Director and Executive Director, and an annual self-assessment.
Maintains teaching skills and participates in professional development activities (both within the school and attendance at conferences, workshops).
Complies with all continuing education requirements including annual training hours required through the Virginia Department of Social Services for licensed childcare providers.
Attends staff meetings, professional days, fundraising events, and other collegial activities designed to make the entire school a productive learning environment.
Checks email daily and respond as appropriate to requests/questions from the administration. Adheres to all school policies and guidelines established in the employee handbook.
Assists in the development of and participates in school functions, including Open Houses, Orientation, Parent Education, etc.
Qualifications & Skills
AMI or AMS Montessori Certification and Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Development or related field.
Three (3) years of experience working in a setting with toddlers, preferably in a Montessori environment.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with children, parents, and other staff members. Experience working with diverse students and families.
Nurturing, calm, kind, and respectful, with an open attitude towards all children and families.
Is creative, flexible, loving, and patient.
Must be able to analyze student behavior and apply appropriate intervention.
To be completed upon hire, before school starts:
Current Tuberculosis test
Complete Central Registry and state background check and fingerprints
First Aid/CPR Certification
Contact Information for Applicants
email resume to [email protected]
Email and name of person submitting listing
[email protected]