assistant/lead early childhood teacher

Job Overview

Chestnut Montessori School is an enchanting, community-centered Montessori program

in Longmont, Colorado. We are seeking a Lead or Co-Lead Teacher, or an Assistant Teacher/Intern, to join our team for the 2026–2027 school year.

Lead or co-lead Montessori teacher, or assistant/intern teacher

Collaborate closely within a small teaching team

Help maintain a prepared environment that supports independence and growth

Engage in ongoing communication and reflection as part of a co-learning community

This role includes teaching/assisting in classroom instruction within a Montessori environment.

The position includes 175 student contact days per academic year.

• Assistant or Lead Teacher instruction in a Montessori environment
• Assistant or Lead Early Childhood Teacher Qualified through PDIS in Colorado.
• 175 student contact days per year

Ideal Candidate:

Enjoys working with young children

Values collaboration, communication, and respectful partnership

Is reflective, flexible, and committed to professional growth

Enjoys working in a close-knit, relationship-centered environment

Has experience or interest in Montessori education

Duties

Curriculum and Teaching

• Contribute to the implementation of Chestnut’s spiral curriculum model.
• Observe children to better understand their developmental needs, interests, and learning styles.
• Meet children at their developmental level and adjust teaching to support individual needs.
• Interact with children in a positive way.

Classroom Environment

• Prepare and maintain the classroom environment throughout the day.
• Share responsibility for daily cleaning and care of the classroom space.
• Ensure the room is clean, organized, and ready for use at the end of each day.
• Assist with serving food and supporting meal or snack routines.

Child Support and Care

• Support children in developing independence and confidence.
• Assist children with daily needs, including scaffolding bathroom independence and self-care.
• Advocate for the well-being of children and families.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work collaboratively in a co-learning environment.
• Communicate respectfully with families and community.
• Engage in reflective practice and open dialogue about teaching and learning.
• Engage in ongoing self-reflection to recognize personal biases and cultivate a growth mindset as an early childhood worker/educator.

Professional Responsibilities

• Follow Colorado Early Childhood licensing rules and regulations.
• Participate in continuing education and stay current licensing requirements.
• Adhere to the policies outlined in the Chestnut Parent Handbook.
• Adhere to the policies outlined in the Chestnut Employee Handbook.

Daily Schedule

• 8:00–8:15 – Set-up (10 minutes) + planning (5 minutes)
• 8:15–3:25 – Children present
• 3:10–3:25 – Dismissal window
• 3:25–4:00 – Clean-up (20 minutes) + planning (15 minutes)

Daily total: 7 hours 30 minutesLunch: 30-minute unpaid break (per Colorado law)

A 30-minute unpaid lunch break will be provided in accordance with Colorado law. Daily classroom set-up and clean-up responsibilities are shared between both teachers and divided monthly.

Additional Paid Time & Duties:

• Monthly staff meeting – 10 hours (August - May)
• Classroom Set-Up – 2 hours (August)
• Back to School Evening – 4 hours (August)
• Fall Conferences – 5 hours (September)
• Halloween Parade – 1 hour (October)
• Child/Parent Evening – 4 hours (November)
• Holiday Party – 1 hour (December)
• Winter Conferences – 5 hours (February)
• End-of-Year Party – 1 hour (May)

Trainings & Requirements:

• Material Waiver Training – 6 hours (2-hour annual refresher in subsequent years)
• Professional Development – 15 hours annually (completion of school year required)
• EQIT Certificate – 48 hours - one time training (completion required).

Join us in creating a joyful learning environment where every child feels valued and inspired! This paid position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on young lives while growing your professional expertise in early childhood education.

Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour

Work Location: In person