Lower Manhattan, New York City
Full-Time | Monday–Friday
Start Date: September 2026
A Rare Opportunity to Practice Montessori at Its Highest Level
We are seeking an exceptional AMS- or AMI-certified Infant/Toddler Guide to create and lead a beautiful Montessori environment for two children in a thoughtfully prepared private classroom setting in Lower Manhattan. This is not a nanny position.
This is an opportunity for an experienced Montessori educator to practice authentic Montessori with extraordinary child-to-guide ratios, strong parental support, significant professional autonomy, and access to a broader network of Montessori educators and leaders. If you have ever wished for the freedom to fully implement Montessori principles without the distractions of large class sizes, administrative burdens, or competing educational philosophies, this role was designed for you.
Why This Opportunity Is Different?
Authentic Montessori Practice
- Lead a true Montessori infant environment grounded in AMI/AMS principles
- Work with only two children, allowing for deep observation and individualized guidance
- Design and refine the prepared environment with substantial autonomy
- Focus on child development rather than classroom management
Exceptional Child-to-Guide Ratio
- Just two children
- Opportunity to build meaningful relationships with both children and parents
- Ability to support each child's unique developmental trajectory
Professional Respect & Autonomy
- Operate as the educational leader of the environment
- Collaborate with highly engaged parents who value Montessori principles
- Receive support without micromanagement
Connection to a Broader Montessori Community
- Collaborate with experienced Montessori school leaders
- Exchange ideas and best practices with educators across a growing Montessori network
- Participate in curriculum and pedagogical discussions when desired
Long-Term Growth
- Opportunity to help shape innovative Montessori programming
- Leadership and mentoring opportunities as the network expands
- Professional development supported and encouraged
Primary Responsibilities
Montessori Environment Leadership
- Prepare and maintain a beautiful, orderly, developmentally appropriate Montessori environment
- Support the children's development in movement, language, independence, concentration, and social awareness
- Present Montessori materials and experiences aligned with developmental readiness
- Maintain uninterrupted work cycles and observation-based practice
- Continuously adapt the environment as the children grow
Observation & Documentation
- Observe children's development with precision and intentionality
- Maintain development records and progress notes
- Share observations and developmental insights with parents
Parent Partnership
- Collaborate closely with parents to create consistency between home and Montessori practice
- Provide guidance regarding Montessori principles and child development
- Support the creation of a Montessori-informed home environment
Professional Contribution
- Participate in occasional curriculum discussions and educational initiatives
- Share observations and best practices with Montessori colleagues across the network
- Contribute to ongoing efforts to advance Montessori education
QualificationsRequired
- AMS or AMI Infant/Toddler (0–3) Certification
- MACTE-accredited training preferred
- Minimum 3 years of experience as a Lead Guide in an authentic Montessori infant/toddler environment
- Deep understanding of Montessori philosophy and child development
- Excellent observation and communication skills
- Ability to work independently with professionalism and discretion
Preferred
- 5+ years of Montessori classroom experience
- Experience in highly individualized learning environments
- Experience mentoring assistants, guides, or parents
- Passion for continuous learning and educational innovation
Personal QualitiesThe ideal candidate is:
- Calm, warm, and deeply observant
- Passionate about authentic Montessori practice
- Thoughtful and reflective
- Highly organized and self-directed
- Committed to excellence
- Professional and trustworthy
- Interested in building long-term relationships with children and families
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation
$120,000+ annually, based on experience, certification, and qualifications.
Benefits
- Paid federal holidays
- Generous paid time off
- Professional development support
- AMS/AMI conference attendance support
- Montessori materials budget
- Annual performance bonus opportunity
- Transportation benefits
- Relocation assistance available for exceptional candidates
Our Commitment
We believe Montessori guides are professionals deserving of trust, respect, autonomy, and support. This role is designed for an educator who wants to spend their time doing what they do best: carefully observing, thoughtfully preparing the environment, and supporting children during the most important years of development. If you are passionate about authentic Montessori education and excited by the opportunity to work in an extraordinary low-ratio environment, we would love to hear from you.
To Apply
Please submit:
- Resume
- AMS/AMI certification information
- Brief statement of Montessori philosophy
- Three professional references
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you MACTE Accredited as a Lead Montessori Guide? Please note candidates without the proper certification will NOT be contacted for interviews.
- List your 3 professional references below along with phone numbers and emails. Please note this is required prior to your initial interview.
Experience:
- Montessori: 1 year (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Manhattan, NY 10008 (Required)
Work Location: In person
