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Job Description
Lead Toddler Teacher The Maria Montessori Center Farmington Hills, Michigan Program Level:
Toddler, approximately 18 months-3 years
Position Type:
Full-Time Position Overview The Maria Montessori Center is seeking a warm, dependable, and highly organized Lead Toddler Teacher to guide our Toddler classroom. The Lead Toddler Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a peaceful, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate Montessori environment for children ages 18 months to 3 years. The ideal candidate understands the importance of early childhood development, independence, routine, language development, social-emotional growth, and the Montessori prepared environment. This individual should be patient, observant, professional, and committed to supporting each child with respect, consistency, and care. Key ResponsibilitiesClassroom Leadership Prepare and maintain a clean, organized, safe, and beautiful Montessori toddler environment. Plan and present age-appropriate Montessori lessons and activities that support independence, movement, language, concentration, coordination, and practical life skills. Maintain a calm and consistent classroom routine that supports toddlers' emotional security and developmental needs. Observe children carefully and guide them based on their individual needs, interests, and readiness. Encourage independence in toileting, dressing, eating, cleaning, movement, and classroom responsibilities. Support children in developing grace, courtesy, self-regulation, and positive social interactions. Child Supervision and Safety Provide constant and active supervision of children at all times, indoors and outdoors. Follow all licensing, health, safety, sanitation, and school policies. Maintain accurate attendance, incident, accident, and daily care records as required. Ensure that classroom materials, cleaning supplies, personal items, and any unsafe objects remain out of children's reach. Support proper diapering, toileting, handwashing, meal/snack procedures, rest time, and hygiene routines. Curriculum and Development Provide lessons and activities that support the whole child: physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and language development. Use observation to guide lesson planning and classroom adjustments. Support early language development through conversation, songs, stories, naming objects, and respectful communication. Encourage practical life work, sensory exploration, care of self, care of environment, movement, and early independence. Document children's progress and communicate developmental observations with administration and families when appropriate. Parent Communication Communicate with families in a professional, respectful, and reassuring manner. Provide updates through the school's approved communication system. Partner with families while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries. Address parent questions appropriately and refer concerns involving policy, tuition, enrollment, or administrative decisions to administration. Teamwork and Professionalism Work collaboratively with assistant teachers, administration, and other staff members. Provide clear direction and support to classroom assistants. Model professionalism, kindness, patience, and consistency. Attend staff meetings, trainings, school events, and professional development as required. Follow all school policies, employee handbook expectations, licensing requirements, and Montessori classroom standards.
Qualifications Preferred qualifications include:
Experience working with toddlers in a licensed childcare, preschool, or Montessori environment. Montessori toddler training or willingness to pursue Montessori professional development. Knowledge of early childhood development, toddler behavior, and developmentally appropriate practice. Ability to maintain a calm, patient, and respectful approach with young children. Strong classroom management and organizational skills. Ability to communicate professionally with families and staff. CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain. Ability to meet Michigan childcare licensing requirements, background check requirements, and required training hours. Physical Requirements This position requires the ability to: Sit, stand, bend, kneel, lift, and move throughout the day. Safely supervise toddlers indoors and outdoors. Lift or assist young children as needed. Support toileting, diapering, cleaning, and classroom care routines. Maintain energy, attentiveness, and active supervision throughout the school day. Ideal Candidate The ideal Lead Toddler Teacher is someone who: Loves working with toddlers and understands their developmental needs. Values Montessori philosophy and the importance of independence from an early age. Is patient, consistent, nurturing, and dependable. Communicates clearly and respectfully. Can lead a classroom while working as part of a team. Takes initiative in maintaining a safe, peaceful, and purposeful environment. Understands that toddlers need both freedom and structure to grow successfully. About The Maria Montessori Center The Maria Montessori Center is an authentic Montessori school serving children from toddler age through elementary. Our program is rooted in respect for the child, independence, hands-on learning, and the development of the whole child. We are committed to providing a prepared environment where children can grow academically, socially, emotionally, and independently. How to Apply Interested candidates may submit a resume and a brief statement of interest to The Maria Montessori Center. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.
