Classroom Lead Guide

Job Overview

Mountain Willow Montessori is a community micro-school in Colorado Springs serving children from 12 months to 7 years old, with a maximum of 42 students and a low student-to-guide ratio. Founded and operated by educators, the school combines a modern Montessori approach with time in nature, and children spend one to three hours outside every day. Guides here work in a calm, home-like setting that values kindness, grace and courtesy, and a slower pace that lets children follow their own interests. It is a small team where each guide knows every child and family well, and where your classroom leadership shapes the whole school community.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment that supports independent learning and exploration, and prepare it each day so materials and routines are ready for learning
• Prepare, present, and rotate Montessori materials to match each child's developmental stage and interests
• Establish a calm, respectful, and purposeful classroom atmosphere by modeling grace, courtesy, and mindfulness
• Supervise children at all times, maintain required child-to-guide ratios, and follow Colorado child care licensing requirements, including emergency drills and mandated reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect
• Guide and mentor the Assistant Guide in supporting daily routines, with clear communication to keep the classroom consistent and collaborative
• Guide individual and small-group lessons following Montessori principles and child-led learning
• Foster independence, concentration, and problem-solving through self-directed work
• Support children in developing self-regulation, empathy, and respect for others
• Ensure each child's physical, emotional, and developmental needs are met, including transitions, meals, diapering and toileting, and hygiene
• Regularly observe and record each child's progress, interests, and emerging skills, and use those observations to plan individualized lessons and adjust the prepared environment
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of student development and communicate progress to families
• Build strong, respectful relationships with families rooted in Montessori philosophy
• Participate in professional development, trainings, workshops, and staff meetings focused on Montessori practice and child development
• Participate in school events, open houses, and family workshops to strengthen community connections
• Model the school's values and mission, promoting consistency across classrooms and the school community
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Montessori certification from AMS, AMI, or another MACTE-accredited program, either held or in progress (enrolled in an accredited program and expected to complete within one year)
• Meets or exceeds Colorado Early Childhood Teacher (Group Lead) qualifications
• 18 years of age or older
• 3+ years of classroom experience, ideally in a Montessori setting
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred
• Deep understanding of Montessori philosophy and child development
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills
• Warm, patient, and consistent approach with children and adults
• Ability to guide and mentor a teammate and foster a collaborative, respectful environment
• Excellent communication, observation, and documentation skills

Physical Requirements

The following are essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Standing, walking, and moving throughout the classroom and playground for extended periods
• Sitting, kneeling, and getting down to and up from the floor throughout the day
• Lifting and carrying children and classroom materials of up to 40 pounds
• Working outdoors 1 to 3 hours daily in all weather and seasons

Conditions of Employment

• Successful completion of the fingerprint-based criminal history check and Child Abuse and Neglect records check required by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood for licensed child care staff
• Current pediatric First Aid and CPR certification, or completion within 30 days of hire
• Mandated reporter training, completed within 30 days of hire

Mountain Willow Montessori is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the school to request one.

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Experience:

• Classroom: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Montessori Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person