Lead Educator

About the role

The Lead Educator at Sonnet Montessori plays a crucial role in creating a nurturing, safe, and engaging Montessori learning environment. They ensure that each child's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs are met while fostering independence, respect, and a love of learning.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a safe, high-quality Montessori learning environment.
• Observe and document children’s growth and development, maintaining student records and portfolios.
• Prepare, present, and maintain Montessori materials and curriculum.
• Guide children with respect, fostering independence and supporting their natural curiosity.
• Communicate daily with parents through the parent communication app and regular conferences/newsletters.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with assistant guides and staff.
• Ensure compliance with state licensing standards and school policies.
• Lead parent-teacher conferences and provide consistent updates on student progress.
• Participate in staff meetings, school events, and professional development opportunities.
• Model professionalism and positivity in all interactions with children, families, and colleagues.

Requirements

• Must meet state Department of Human Services (DHS) qualifications for a Lead Teacher in a licensed child care center.
• Experience working with young children in a Montessori or early childhood setting.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs., actively supervise children indoors/outdoors, and meet physical demands of the role.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with children, families, and staff.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and Montessori philosophy.
• Montessori training is preferred.

Qualifications

• Successful candidates not yet certified are encouraged to apply and will be supported in completing training after hire within an agreed-upon timeframe.
• Montessori certification is a valuable professional credential and transferable skill that can be completed in as little as 9-12 months.

Skills

• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with children, families, and staff.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., actively supervise children indoors/outdoors, and meet physical demands of the role.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Montessori training is preferred.

Benefits

• Ongoing Professional Development & Growth Opportunities
• Continuing education opportunities, specifically within Montessori training!
• 401(k) Plan
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Employee Childcare Discount

Pay

The starting pay range for this position is $17 hourly and is applicable for candidates who will be working in the following location[s] Iowa. This range is subject to adjustment for other geographic work locations. In addition to geographic location, Sonnet Montessori considers education, experience, internal equity, market demands, and other qualifying criteria to determine starting wages.

Schedule

Details on the schedule will be provided during the interview process.