Assistant Toddler Montessori Teacher

Assistant Teacher – Toddler Community

Olu Montessori | Redwood City, CA

Who We Are

Olu Montessori is a growing school community in Redwood City serving children from 18 months to 3 years of age. We are a small, close-knit team building something meaningful from the ground up: a place where children are deeply respected, work is unhurried, and every adult models the grace and courtesy we hope to nurture in our children.

Joining us now means becoming part of our founding team. Your voice will help shape our classrooms, routines, and school culture. We laugh often, hold ourselves to high standards, and care for one another with the same thoughtfulness we bring to our work with children.

We also care about your growth as an educator. Wherever you hope to go in your career, we want to understand your aspirations and support you in making them possible.

Why This Role Matters

The Assistant Teacher is much more than an extra pair of hands. You are one of the most consistent and comforting presences in a child's day: the person who protects their concentration, welcomes their family by name, and maintains a beautiful, orderly environment where independence can flourish.

The Lead Teacher guides the children's lessons, and together, you create a warm, safe, and nurturing community where every child feels a sense of belonging.

What Your Days Look Like In the Classroom

• Partner with the Lead Teacher to bring the Montessori curriculum to life by preparing and maintaining an environment that invites exploration, discovery, and independent work.
• Protect each child's concentration by respecting uninterrupted work periods, redirecting quietly when needed, and modeling grace and courtesy in every interaction.
• Support circle time, lessons, and classroom activities as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Assist with diapering and toilet learning with patience, respect, and dignity, following established hygiene and diapering procedures.
• Sit with children during snack and lunch, serve food, and encourage independence in self-feeding and table routines.
• Supervise nap and rest periods and help establish calm, consistent routines.
• Capture meaningful moments through photos of classroom work and outdoor play to share with families via Brightwheel.
• Document lessons and classroom activities in Montessori Compass as directed by the Lead Guide.

Building Relationships With Families

• Greet children and families warmly by name at arrival and dismissal, helping create a welcoming and consistent experience each day.
• Build genuine, trusting relationships with families while directing questions about curriculum, development, and classroom progress to the Lead Teacher.

Keeping Children Safe

Safety is the foundation of everything we do, and we take this responsibility seriously as a team.

• Supervise children by sight and sound at all times, including in the classroom, on the playground, and during field trips, while maintaining required teacher-to-child ratios.
• Practice active supervision through continuous scanning, intentional positioning, and coordination with other teachers to ensure full coverage of the environment.
• Remain attentive while supervising children; personal phone use and distracting side conversations are not permitted during active supervision.
• Follow all health, safety, sanitation, and emergency procedures to protect children's well-being.
• Monitor children's physical well-being and promptly communicate any injuries, incidents, or concerns to the Lead Teacher.

Caring for the Environment

In Montessori, caring for the environment is part of the educational experience. A beautiful, orderly classroom helps children develop independence, responsibility, and respect for their surroundings.

• Take pride in the daily care and maintenance of the classroom, Montessori materials, and equipment.
• Set up nap cots daily and clean and store cots and bedding appropriately.
• Organize classroom supplies, learning materials, activities, and storage areas.
• Clean snack and lunch tables and surrounding floors after every meal.
• Vacuum the indoor classroom each evening and clean shelves and Montessori materials daily, following established cleaning procedures.
• Empty indoor and outdoor trash receptacles as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting environment throughout the day.

Growing With Us

We believe careers are built through experience, mentorship, and continued learning. We take our responsibility to support your professional growth seriously.

• Ongoing mentorship: Receive regular, constructive coaching from your Lead Teacher, Montessori Consultants, and Head of School. Feedback is frequent, supportive, and focused on your development.
• Professional development: Access learning opportunities throughout the year, including opportunities to attend the annual American Montessori Society (AMS) Conference.
• Education support: Take advantage of education reimbursement opportunities as you pursue Early Childhood Education (ECE) units, a degree, or a Montessori credential, subject to applicable program terms.
• Team collaboration: Work closely with Lead and Assistant Teachers, Montessori Consultants, and other school staff to plan, problem-solve, and celebrate our shared successes.
• Team participation: Attend team meetings and participate in school-wide events and community activities.
• Shared responsibilities: Perform other duties as reasonably assigned by the Head of School or Lead Teacher in support of the classroom and school community.

Who We're Looking For

You don't need to be a Montessori expert on your first day. We will teach you, mentor you, and grow alongside you.

What matters most is your warmth, patience, reliability, and genuine delight in working with young children. We hire people who are dedicated, eager to learn, and committed to working collaboratively. If that sounds like you, we would love to meet you and invest in your growth.

Required Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age and a high school diploma or equivalent, consistent with applicable California childcare licensing requirements.
• A warm, patient, and dependable approach to working with young children.
• A willingness to learn, accept feedback, and contribute positively to a collaborative team.
• The ability to follow the Lead Teacher's guidance and consistently implement school policies and procedures.
• Strong English communication skills. Additional languages are a welcome asset in our multilingual community.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or a willingness to enroll in coursework. We encourage and support continued education.
• Previous experience in a licensed childcare, preschool, or Montessori setting.
• Familiarity with Montessori philosophy or a genuine interest in learning about Montessori education.

Health and Safety Clearances

Candidates must meet applicable California childcare licensing and employment requirements, including:

• Criminal record clearance through DOJ/FBI fingerprinting and any required Child Abuse Central Index checks, completed before working in the facility as required by law.
• TB clearance in accordance with applicable California requirements.
• Required immunization documentation for measles and pertussis, and influenza vaccination or a written declination where permitted under California law.
• Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification through an EMSA-approved provider, or a commitment to obtain certification within the agreed timeframe, if permitted by applicable licensing requirements.
• Completion of California mandated reporter training within the first 90 days of employment, as applicable. All staff are expected to understand and fulfill their reporting responsibilities regarding suspected child abuse or neglect.

Physical Requirements

The Assistant Teacher must be able to:

• Lift and carry up to 30 pounds, including lifting children when necessary.
• Assist children with diapering, toileting, and other personal care routines.
• Kneel, bend, squat, sit on the floor or child-sized furniture, and move promptly when necessary to ensure children's safety.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions during playground supervision.
• Maintain the visual and auditory awareness necessary to supervise children by sight and sound at all times.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Olu Montessori is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are committed to building a supportive, inclusive team that reflects the diversity of the families we serve.

Pay: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person