Early Childhood Montessori Assistant Guide

Smithville Montessori Academy is seeking a passionate, dependable, and collaborative educator to join our Early Childhood Program (ages 3–6) as an Early Childhood Montessori Assistant Guide.

We are looking for someone who is excited to support children in developing independence, concentration, confidence, social skills, and a lifelong love of learning through authentic Montessori education. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who enjoys working with young children and is eager to learn the Montessori philosophy while working alongside experienced Montessori educators.

As an IMC-accredited Montessori school, we believe every child deserves an environment that encourages curiosity, responsibility, respect, and joyful learning. The Early Childhood Assistant Guide plays an essential role in supporting the Lead Guide, maintaining a carefully prepared environment, and helping children flourish academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.

Position Overview

The Early Childhood Assistant Guide works closely with the Lead Guide to create a peaceful, engaging, and authentic Montessori classroom. This position supports children's development while helping maintain a prepared environment where independence, responsibility, self-confidence, and a love of learning naturally emerge.

Rather than simply assisting with classroom management, the Assistant Guide becomes an active member of the educational team, modeling respect, patience, professionalism, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Our Hiring Process

At Smithville Montessori Academy, we believe exceptional Montessori educators are developed through curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to learn.

While previous Montessori experience is welcomed, it is not required. We are seeking individuals who are excited to begin their Montessori journey through guided readings, videos, reflection activities, mentorship, and professional development.

As part of our interview process, selected candidates will complete a brief Montessori learning experience following their first interview. This includes introductory reading, videos, and a written reflection. This process allows us to better understand each candidate's communication skills, insight, thoughtfulness, and openness to learning while also introducing them to the educational philosophy that guides our school.

We believe that attitude, humility, and a genuine desire to grow are just as valuable as previous experience.

ResponsibilitiesSupport the Prepared Environment

• Support the Lead Guide in maintaining an authentic Montessori classroom.
• Assist in preparing and maintaining a beautiful, organized, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Care for Montessori materials, classroom organization, and overall classroom readiness.
• Help maintain classroom inventory, learning materials, classroom plants, and classroom spaces.
• Ensure materials are clean, complete, attractive, and ready for children's use each day.

Support Child Development

• Support children during the uninterrupted Montessori work cycle.
• Reinforce lessons presented by the Lead Guide while encouraging independence and problem-solving.
• Assist children with practical life activities such as dressing, food preparation, classroom care, and self-care routines.
• Observe children's development and provide individualized support when directed by the Lead Guide.
• Encourage concentration, independence, responsibility, and confidence.
• Support children during classroom activities, outdoor learning, lunch, rest time, and daily transitions.

Foster a Positive Classroom Community

• Build respectful relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Model kindness, patience, professionalism, and respectful communication.
• Support Grace and Courtesy lessons and peaceful conflict resolution.
• Encourage children to care for themselves, others, and their environment.
• Help cultivate a classroom culture built on respect, responsibility, empathy, and collaboration.

Collaboration & Professionalism

• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, school events, and parent education opportunities.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold the school's high standards of professionalism.
• Demonstrate flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to continually learn and improve.
• Embrace authentic Montessori philosophy and actively contribute to the school's mission.

Safety & Supervision

• Ensure the safety and well-being of every child throughout the school day.
• Supervise children during classroom activities, outdoor play, transitions, and school events.
• Follow all school policies, accreditation standards, and licensing requirements.
• Assist children with toileting, handwashing, meal routines, and other age-appropriate care needs while fostering independence.

Qualifications

Applicants should meet one of the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in:
• Early Childhood Education
• Education
• Child Development
• Psychology
• Human Development & Family Studies
• Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders
• Occupational Therapy
• Special Education
• Social Work
• Family Studies
• Or another closely related field

OR

• Five or more years of professional experience working with children ages 3–6.

Preferred Qualifications

• Montessori experience is preferred but not required—we provide comprehensive training.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• A positive, joyful, and collaborative attitude.
• Professionalism, dependability, and integrity.
• A passion for helping young children become confident, capable, and independent learners.
• A growth mindset and commitment to continuous learning.

Why Smithville Montessori Academy?

At Smithville Montessori Academy, we believe investing in our educators is essential to providing exceptional education for our students. As an IMC-accredited Montessori school, we are committed to supporting our staff through meaningful professional development, mentorship, and opportunities for long-term career growth.

We Offer

• Competitive salary based on education, experience, and qualifications
• Paid Montessori training and ongoing professional development
• Opportunities to earn a Montessori certification with 100% tuition paid by the school
• Paid staff development days throughout the year
• Individual mentorship from experienced Montessori educators
• A collaborative and supportive leadership team
• Beautiful, thoughtfully prepared Montessori classrooms
• Small class sizes
• Opportunities for advancement within our growing school
• A positive workplace culture centered on respect, collaboration, and lifelong learning

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on education, experience, and qualifications
• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Additional benefits discussed during the interview process

Our Commitment

Smithville Montessori Academy is an International Montessori Council (IMC) Accredited School, serving children from infancy through elementary. IMC accreditation reflects our commitment to authentic Montessori education, professional excellence, and continuous school improvement. We encourage applicants to learn more about the International Montessori Council and Montessori accreditation by visiting .

Every member of our team is expected to embrace the Montessori philosophy, pursue professional growth, and contribute to a culture of excellence, respect, and lifelong learning.

If you are excited to work alongside children in a dynamic classroom environment and are looking for a meaningful career where you can make a lasting impact, we would love to meet you.

Join our team and help inspire curiosity, confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Pay: $19.33 - $21.33 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $21