Lumina Early Learning Group, LLC | Bethesda, Maryland About the Role Lumina Early Learning Group, LLC is seeking an experienced and thoughtful Toddler Lead Guide/Teacher to lead a classroom serving children ages 18-23 months during one of the most formative stages of development. Our program is Montessori-inspired , with a strong emphasis on independence, purposeful learning, respect for the child, and thoughtfully prepared environments. We also place global citizenship at the heart of our program, helping children develop curiosity about the world, appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, kindness, and a sense of belonging within a diverse community. This role is for a guide who understands that toddlers are capable, communicative, and eager for independence. Care routines are treated as curriculum, relationships are the foundation of learning, and the classroom environment is intentionally designed to invite exploration, movement, language, and meaningful participation. This position is available immediately. What You'll Do Prepare and maintain a calm, developmentally appropriate toddler environment Support independence in self-care and daily routines Present lessons rooted in practical life, language, sensory exploration, and movement Observe and document children's development to guide practice Foster secure attachments through respectful, predictable caregiving Incorporate opportunities for children to experience different cultures, languages, traditions, music, stories, and perspectives as part of our global citizenship focus Model kindness, respect, inclusion, and care for others and the environment Collaborate closely with assistants and leadership Communicate clearly and professionally with families Required Qualifications At least one year of experience in a licensed child care setting Meets Maryland COMAR Lead Teacher requirements, including completion of the 90-hour child care training or MSDE-approved equivalent (or willingness to obtain prior to starting) Strong understanding of early childhood development Must Pass Maryland Background Check for Child Care Montessori certification (Infant/Toddler or Toddler 1-3) - AMI, AMS (Preferred) What You Bring Calm, patient, and emotionally attuned presence Respect for toddlers as capable individuals Strong organizational and communication skills Consistency, reliability, and professionalism Joy in supporting early independence An appreciation for diversity and an interest in helping young children develop curiosity about people, cultures, and the wider world A collaborative approach to classroom leadership and mentoring assistant teachers What We Offer The opportunity to take a meaningful leadership role within our toddler program Supportive leadership and collaborative culture Ongoing professional development Competitive compensation Childcare tuition discounts Paid time off and paid holidays Opportunities for professional growth and advancement About Lumina Early Learning Group Lumina Early Learning Group, LLC is an early childhood education program located in Bethesda, Maryland , serving young children and their families in a nurturing, engaging, and thoughtfully prepared learning environment. Our educational approach draws from Montessori principles while incorporating inquiry, creativity, and global citizenship . We believe children are capable learners who should be given meaningful opportunities to develop independence, confidence, curiosity, and respect for themselves, others, and the world around them. Our global citizenship focus introduces children to the richness of different cultures, languages, traditions, communities, and perspectives in developmentally appropriate ways. We want children to grow not only as confident learners, but as kind, curious, and thoughtful members of an interconnected world . We also believe exceptional early childhood programs begin with exceptional educators. Our goal is to create a workplace where teachers feel respected, supported, and encouraged to continue growing in their practice. Equal Employment Opportunity Lumina Early Learning Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Pay:

$20.00 - $25.00 per hour Expected hours: No more than 8.0 per week

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

In person