Montessori Certified Toddler Lead Teacher

1. General Position Summary

As a Montessori Toddler Lead Teacher, one has to be patient and compassionate. It is up to the teacher to provide an environment that meets the toddler student's needs- physically, socially, and emotionally. Maintaining an open, loving, and cooperative environment for each child and encouraging families to be actively involved in their education are all part of the job of a Toddler Teacher. The teacher is a representative and advocates for the child and Montessori education to parents and the community. They should clearly communicate issues that are in the child's best interest and in keeping with Montessori philosophy.

1. Qualifications

Minimum Education/Certification:

• Montessori Toddler certification (AMS, AMI, or MACTE) required
• Bachelor's Degree required Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
• Pediatric First Aid/CPR

   Essential Characteristics:

• Meet the child's needs physically, socially, and emotionally.
• Maintain an open, loving, and cooperative environment for all children.
• Have an inherent love for this stage of development.
• Possess the ability to create and implement specific lessons to meet the children's varying needs.
• Be a strong model for assistants and others in the classroom and school community.

   Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in working effectively and positively with a variety of people.
• Ability to creatively problem solve.
• Ability to counsel children and parents.
• Ability to use a computer for record-keeping and communicating with stakeholders.
• Ability to organize materials and coordinate plans with assistants, teaching team, and administrators.

1. Working Conditions

    Physical Demands:

    Ability to think clearly and act respectfully with children, parents, and coworkers. Must be able to sit on the floor, walk, reach, climb, stoop, kneel, and lift up to 30 pounds.

    Environment:

    Working in a school environment while dealing daily with children, coworkers, administration, parents, volunteers, and parents.

1. Terms of Employment

    Number of Days for Position: 184 days 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, some evening and weekend events

    Salary is based on experience and qualifications.

1. Essential Responsibilities:

• Create, design, and develop the prepared environment implementing the Montessori Toddler curriculum according to the specifics provided by the school.
• Develop and implement lesson plans to meet the needs of each child enrolled in the classroom.
• Give lessons one-on-one or group basis and assist early childhood students who may have trouble grasping concepts.
• Conduct observations and assessments on early childhood students to determine academic needs and provide a rich and challenging environment.
• Utilize provided planning time to meet with parents, create lesson plans, change materials, observe specials and after-school programs to support children from the classroom, meet with other early childhood leads to discuss best practices, and complete record keeping.
• Collaborate with Toddler teachers to ensure that children are equipped to successfully transition to early childhood by the time they leave the toddler program.
• Collaborate with Lower Elementary teachers to ensure that children are equipped to successfully transition to the first level by the time they leave kindergarten.
• Partner and communicate effectively with the parents, discussing their children's progress via day-to-day interactions, class email updates, and conferences. 
• Assume significant responsibility to maintain a child until the conclusion of the kindergarten year.
• Communicate with the children using language and tone of voice that is authentic, natural, patient, and, most importantly, kind.
• Promote feelings of security and trust in early childhood children by encouraging and supporting them when necessary through activities and practical life skills.
• Respond quickly and in a soothing fashion to distressed early childhood students and ensure they are immediately comforted.
• Follow the children's and the classroom's energy rather than conforming to a strict schedule designed by the adult. 
• Oversee and engage children during recess; ensure that activities are stimulating, age-appropriate, and safe.
• Maintain a positive work environment among all staff that is professional, kind, and inclusive. 
• Guide assistant teachers in understanding the nuances of early childhood development, the prepared environment, and how to partner with colleagues and parents.
• Host team meetings every week that follow an agenda of school/class updates, child-specific information, discussion of materials and/or rotating materials, and additional training or resources for class assistants.
• Act as a resource for the Early Childhood Community.  
• Embrace continuous learning by utilizing professional development days and funds to enrich practice.
• Embody the Waco Montessori School mission.

1. Communication

• Facilitate a respectful environment for children and adults by advocating conflict resolution and Grace and Courtesy Lessons.
• Work to develop close and effective relationships with families, including opportunities to discuss and understand the child's progress.
• Schedule and work with other colleagues to facilitate parent and community events.

1. Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in professional activities designated by the school administration, including in-service training, parent events, committees, staff meetings, etc.
• Maintain a neat, well-organized, and attractive prepared environment consistent with Montessori pedagogy.
• Participate in the admission process by speaking with prospective families and meeting prospective students as requested by the administration.
• Other duties as assigned.

1. Confidentiality

This position will have access to and knowledge of personal information for students and their families. 

Overview of Waco Montessori School

Waco Montessori School (WMS) is an established, successful school with an exciting outlook for the future. We are committed to maintaining a high-quality education and achieving AMS accreditation by 2026. WMS is accredited by the National Association of Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The mission of Waco Montessori School is to educate children in a nurturing, stimulating Montessori environment that appreciates and celebrates each child, encourages respect for oneself and others, and develops lifelong learning and problem-solving skills. As WMS plans

On its 50th anniversary in 2026, it celebrates a stable annual enrollment of 250 students across toddler, early childhood, and elementary programs, serving children ages 18 months to 12 years. Today there are two Toddler classrooms, five Early Childhood classrooms, three Lower Elementary classrooms, and two Upper Elementary classrooms, along with stellar Specials programs like PE, athletic teams, art, music, and two foreign languages. The current facility comprises the Children’s House (housing Toddler and Early Childhood programs), the Brophy Building (housing Lower and Upper Elementary programs), and a shared gymnasium and administrative offices join. Recently acquired adjacent properties point to future opportunities to enrich and expand the current Montessori experience across all programs.

Waco is a beautiful community that is growing rapidly. In the Heart of Texas, Waco boasts affordable housing, low traffic congestion, year-round outdoor recreational activities, many downtown and area attractions, and a convenient central location. Home to Baylor University and a short 90-minute drive to Dallas and Austin, Waco offers a laid-back, small-town atmosphere with easy access to big-city amenities.