Reports To: Director of Montessori Education, Executive Director
Location: Creative Montessori School
Position Type: Full-Time

Application Process:

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter to ddeharde@cmskids.org.

We look forward to welcoming a compassionate and dependable team member who values consistency, collaboration, and the unique Montessori approach to education. Join us in supporting a vibrant learning community where children are empowered to grow with confidence and independence.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Toddler Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in maintaining a calm, safe, and nurturing Montessori classroom environment for children ages 18 months to 3 years. This role plays a critical part in supporting each child’s development through consistent care, observation, and engagement.

The Assistant Teacher works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher to ensure the classroom operates smoothly and is prepared to step in to support continuity of care and supervision as needed.

CORE AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Montessori Classroom Support

• Support the implementation of Montessori activities and routines under the guidance of the Lead Teacher
• Assist in maintaining a prepared environment that encourages independence, movement, and exploration
• Interact with children in a calm, patient, and respectful manner aligned with Montessori principles
• Model grace and courtesy, supporting children in developing independence and self-regulation

Student Observation & Growth

• Support children’s development through attentive observation and responsive interaction
• Assist in guiding children in language development, movement, and social interactions
• Share observations with the Lead Teacher to support individualized care and development

Classroom Operations & Environment

• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment
• Support daily routines including toileting, diapering, meals, rest time, and transitions
• Ensure materials are clean, prepared, and returned appropriately
• Help maintain consistency in routines to support children’s sense of security
• Participate in school-wide responsibilities including carline and other assigned duties

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate closely with the Lead Teacher and classroom team to support each child’s needs
• Maintain professional and respectful communication with colleagues, children, and families
• Support classroom communication efforts as directed by the Lead Teacher
• Attend all required faculty meetings, team meetings, and school events

Operational Responsibilities

• Support continuity of classroom coverage in the event of staff absence or transition
• Step into increased responsibility when needed to ensure child safety, supervision, and consistency of care
• Communicate any immediate classroom or staffing concerns to the Lead Teacher and/or administration
• Maintain awareness of classroom needs, including student supervision, materials, and transitions

Professional Expectations

• Experience working with toddlers or young children in a classroom or childcare setting preferred
• Ability to maintain a calm, patient, and responsive approach in a caregiving environment
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Ability to take initiative and respond to classroom needs proactively
• Commitment to Montessori philosophy, including fostering independence, respect, and a nurturing environment
• Willingness to learn and implement Montessori practices under the guidance of the Lead Teacher

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry children up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and engage at floor level for extended periods
• Ability to respond quickly to ensure child safety
• Ability to support toileting, diapering, and other caregiving responsibilities

Why Creative Montessori School?

Creative Montessori School has served the Birmingham community for over 50 years, offering an authentic Montessori education rooted in independence, curiosity, and respect for the child. Our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared, our community is deeply supportive, and our teachers are empowered to do meaningful work every day.  

We are committed to building an intentionally diverse and inclusive community and welcome candidates who share that commitment.  

Benefits include: 

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications. 
• Professional development opportunities. 
• Tuition discount for your children 
• Free lunch for staff members 
• Percentage towards Health and dental insurance, 401k match, short-term/long-term disability, paid time off 
• Opportunities for growth within a well-established Montessori program. 

Our Montessori school strives to be an intentionally diverse community, comprised of people of different ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender identities, family structures, sexual orientations, racial identities, national origins, religions, and abilities. Our hiring practices reflect this philosophy.