Assistant Infant Guide (housing benefit)

Wildflower Montessori is a boutique school in the Hudson Valley opening in January 2027 serving students from infancy through age 5. Situated on 5 acres, our curriculum lives at the intersection of Montessori practice, nature-based learning, and project-based inquiry. We are looking for founding guides who hold a deep respect for the child, love to learn alongside their students, and are eager to help us grow this vision from the ground up. We are a team that cares, learns, and grows together. If you're passionate about the early childhood world, we want to hear from you—even if you don't meet every qualification listed. To apply, please send a resume, references, and a letter introducing yourself and your fit for the role to hello@wildflowerschoolny.com. The Role We are looking for an Assistant Guide for our Nido classroom (6 months to 18 months). In this role, you will partner with the Lead Guide to foster a warm, responsive environment tailored to the developmental needs of our youngest students. The ideal educator for this role has a naturally nurturing and friendly personality, carrying a deep respect for infants as they learn to navigate their movements and communicate their needs. You should be excited about supporting a child-led approach and joining our babies during daily outdoor exploration in our natural spaces, garden, and eventually forest.

Key Responsibilities Classroom Support & Collaboration:

Assist the Lead Guide in maintaining a peaceful, immaculate, and orderly environment that safely encourages free movement and independent discovery.

Nurturing Caregiving:

Partner with the Lead Teacher to model calm interactions and responsive language. Provide attentive care during crucial routine moments, such as feeding, diapering, and comforting, treating every transition as a moment for connection.

Outdoor Exploration:

Join the infants in daily outdoor immersion across our campus, assisting with weather-appropriate gear and supporting safe, sensory nature-based learning.

Compliance & Safety:

Maintain strict compliance with

NYS OCFS

regulations, prioritizing safe sleep practices, sanitary feeding/prep procedures, and constant, alert supervision.

Engagement:

Participate fully in school events, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications Experience:

Experience working with infants or very young children in a professional setting preferred.

Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent required (a desire to learn more about infant development or Montessori philosophy is a plus).

Mindset:

You are comfortable with the startup nature of a new school and hold a desire to help shape school culture. You enjoy collaborating with team members and are receptive to coaching, feedback, and learning on the job.

Essential Physical Requirements Active Nature:

Ability to sit on the floor for extended periods to interact at the infant's level and navigate uneven outdoor terrain safely.

Outdoor Transport:

Ability to push or pull a multi-child wagon or outdoor crib and manage gear for outdoor excursions in various weather conditions.

Benefits & Additional Information Housing:

Eligibility to apply for a potential on-campus affordable housing benefit available for a limited number of teachers.

Professional Development:

Wildflower dedicates resources and time for regular professional growth, training, and potential paths toward Montessori certification. Compensation is commensurate with experience and current market standards. •There is a potential to start this position in September 2026 alongside the Primary teacher, shifting to the Assistant Infant role in January '27.

Pay:

From $18.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person