Montessori Toddler (15-24 Months) Certified Directress

Full-Time Montessori Toddler (15–24 Months) Certified Directress Opportunity

ROLE: Montessori Toddler Directress (Lead Teacher) LOCATION: Villa Park, IL Program Hours: Year-Round | 7:00am–6:00pm SALARY: $22–$27 per hour , based on experience and credentials, full-time START DATE: ASAP

Montessori Children’s Academy is seeking an experienced and committed Montessori Toddler Directress to lead our 15–24 month classroom. This role is for a guide who is ready to take ownership of their classroom, mentor assistants, and invest in a long-term teaching home within a collaborative school community.

This position carries significant autonomy and leadership responsibility, balanced by alignment across classrooms and strong administrative support.

Required Qualifications

• MACTE-approved Montessori Toddler certification
• (Candidates willing to pursue certification may be considered with a training agreement)
• Eligibility under Illinois DCFS standards
• Strong understanding of Montessori toddler development
• Experience leading a classroom team
• Comfort with daily outdoor learning

The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Bring patience grounded in respect for the child and the work, allowing learning, independence, and team growth to develop at an appropriate pace.
• Take pride in building and sustaining a prepared Montessori environment
• Communicate clearly and professionally with families
• Lead assistants through modeling, coaching, and collaboration
• Seek growth, longevity, and leadership development
• Value consistency and alignment across classrooms

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Leadership

• Design and maintain a Montessori toddler environment indoors and outdoors
• Observe, plan, and present developmentally appropriate lessons
• Supervise, mentor, and develop Assistant Teachers
• Ensure routines prioritize children’s safety, care, and independence

Family Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for families
• Share classroom updates, observations, and reminders
• Conduct conferences and support parent understanding of Montessori practice

School Collaboration

• Collaborate with fellow leads, the Infant/Toddler Coordinator, and Head of School
• Participate in goal-setting, mid-year check-ins, and annual evaluations
• Support classroom continuity during staff absences

Benefits & Supports

• PTO accrual after 90 working days
• Paid holidays and professional development days
• Medical insurance with school contribution
• Dental insurance option
• Montessori certification tuition support (50%)
• Conference attendance supported (AMS, AIMS, etc.)
• 50% tuition remission for staff children (space permitting)

To apply: Please send your resume to [email protected]

Pay: $22.00 - $27.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person