Primary Purpose

The Directress impacts the lives of children by providing a safe and nurturing environment for children that encourages their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. The Directress is responsible for preparing and maintaining the environment in which the Montessori approach to education is implemented. He/she will work with a talented team of teachers to design and implement appropriate instruction. Also, he/she will be accountable for maintaining the overall classroom environment to support Montessori teaching methods and demonstrate a devotion to lifelong learning, respect for the natural world and a commitment to unconditional and equal acceptance of every child. The individual has the opportunity to grow professionally as they review important decisions with supervisors and work collaboratively to maintain positive relationships with families, children, colleagues and clients. Incorporate Bright Horizons’ mission, culture, goals, values (HEART Principles), philosophies, policies and practices. Ensure the safety and supervision of children at all times by meeting the physical demands of the position.

Come join the Bridges Montessori-Bright Horizons Team in the Stuart, FL!  

• Full time positions with:

• Toddlers from 8:00AM-4:00PM

• We offer competitive pay ranging $38,000-40,000/yr based on education and experience!  

• Montessori Certificate required  

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

Interaction between Staff and Children

• Interact frequently, affectionately, and respectfully in a friendly, calm and courteous manner with children.

• Respect and observe children's interests. Intervene when needed to maintain safety. Enhance children's learning with language, toys and activities with a Montessori approach to education.

• Communicate directly with each child at the child's level.

• Engage and communicate constructively with individual children during activities and routines. Take every opportunity to positively extend children's thinking, learning and behaviors.

• Be available and responsive to children's needs, questions, and requests.

• Encourage and model social behavior and expectations which are developmentally appropriate.

• Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expression of emotions.

• Practice positive discipline techniques in guiding children's behavior according to Bright Horizons’

Guidelines for Positive Discipline.

• Be attentive, flexible and supportive of children and their families during transitions to and from classrooms.

Curriculum

• Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum which reflects the Montessori approach to education, which will include observations and assessments of individual children and goals jointly developed with families.

• Design an environment which responds to children's individual developmental levels, physical and emotional needs and current interests by consulting appropriate Montessori and Bright Horizons’ resources.

• Design and implement instruction that responds to the individual child’s sensitive period for acquiring each skill.

• Provide a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and activities which foster social skills and encourage children to think, problem solve, question and experiment.

• Foster positive self-concept by supporting individuality, independence, and the ability to make choices.

• Encourage creative expression.

• Demonstrate respect for diversity by providing anti-bias, non-sexist language, images, and experiences which reflect both Montessori and global communities.

• Plan a daily schedule which provides a balance of activities: quiet/active, indoor/outdoor, fine/gross motor, etc.

• Create documentation of children's accomplishments through anecdotal notes, documentation panels and/or portfolios according to Montessori and Bright Horizons’ guidelines.

Staff/Family Interactions

• Acknowledge families and all classroom visitors. Demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional demeanor.

• Respond to family members’ comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest, and respect. Maintain confidentiality.

• Establish and maintain a supportive relationship with individual children and their families which includes initial meeting with families during orientation period.

• Invite input from families regarding their child’s development and care.

• Communicate verbally and in writing with families daily regarding the development and specific activities and learning of the children in their supervision.

• Plan and facilitate in regular family conferences to discuss orientation, transitions, and developmental goals for their child based on appropriate assessment tools.

• Assist in planning and attend school/classroom events and meetings.

• Share resources with families through discussions, articles, family boards, newsletters, and community contacts.

Physical Environment, Health, Safety and Nutrition

• Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the program.

• Supervise children at all times. Demonstrate awareness of entire group while working with a small group or individuals.

• Know the number of children in your group and maintain ratios at all times.

• Maintain accurate attendance records throughout the day.

• Complete appropriate paperwork (i.e., accidents, medication, and allergies).

• Encourage children to utilize appropriate health, safety and nutritional practices.

• Keep environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive. Encourage respect for classroom materials. Notify designated individual in advance when supplies are needed.

• Arrange space in clearly defined, well organized activity areas.

• Organize a variety of materials on low, open shelves for children to use independently.

Professionalism

• Maintain confidentiality about issues concerning other staff members, children and families or Bright Horizons management and operations. Must not involve families in school concerns.

• Demonstrate knowledge of ages and stages of development. Understand the general areas of physical, social, cognitive and emotional development for this age group.

• Support organizational mission, philosophies, values, goals, and policies to families, colleagues, and community.

• Ensure continuity of care for children by reporting to work on time and maintaining consistent attendance, arranging and communicating leave requests in advance.

• Respect and adhere to staffing schedules which may be adjusted as program needs change and may include working in another classroom.

• Demonstrate flexibility and openness to new ideas in educational practices.

• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and other program events.

• Respond to program and organizational needs by attending regional training, contributing to a newsletter, serving on a task force, or substituting at another program.

• Continue professional growth by attending courses, asking for feedback, and reading professional literature.

• Receive constructive criticism with an attitude that indicates a willingness to improve. Give feedback in a respectful manner.

Teamwork

• Establish and maintain a relationship of cooperation and respect with colleagues.

• Assume a fair share of work. Look for ways to be helpful. Demonstrate initiative.

• Assume additional classroom and program responsibilities as needed.

• Offer and share ideas and materials with colleagues.

• Participate actively in teaching team through communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning.

• Communicate directly, work to resolve conflicts quickly, and avoid gossip.

• Exercise care in expressing views regarding the personal attributes or professional conduct of colleagues. Statements are based on first-hand knowledge and relevant to the interests of children and programs.

Physical Demands

• Follow state, federal and Bright Horizons’ guidelines including immunizations, employment physical, and required health and safety training.

• Ensure children's safety while performing the following job functions:

• Frequently lift, move, or hold children with a range of weight from 10 to 40 pounds. (Occasionally lift, move, or hold weight more than 40 pounds).

• Supervise and interact daily with children outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions.

• Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities.

• Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies.

• Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements.

Decision Making Authority

Must have prior approval from supervisor to:

• take time off from scheduled work hours/days or alter schedule

• release a child to someone other than a known family member

• discuss behavior or developmental concerns with a family

• purchase supplies or spend petty cash

• contact a parent regarding a child's temperature or illness

• administer medication (in compliance with state requirements)

• seek outside support services for individual children

• schedule a field trip

• transition a child into another classroom

• May take action, but must inform Principal/Head of School when you:

  • care for a child with a significant injury

  • acknowledge and listen to a family concern

  • file a neglect and abuse complaint

  • record an unusual incident

Job Requirements

Education

Bachelor's Degree OR Montessori Certificate required

Experience

One year of documented professional elementary teaching experience required

Additional Job Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age and a Bachelors, and/or is Montessori training and certification required.

• A minimum of one year of documented professional elementary teaching experience is required. Experience in a Montessori environment is preferred.

• Meet federal, as well as individual state requirements; additional school and program requirements may apply (i.e., TB test, physical, OSHA); maintain credentials for the position (i.e., ongoing training).

• Demonstrated interest and knowledge of developmentally appropriate curriculum practice.

Life at Bright Horizons:

Our people are the heart of our company. Because we’re as committed to our own employees as we are to the children, families, and clients we serve, our collaborative workplaces are designed to grow careers and support personal lives. Come build a brighter future with us.

Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights,  Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or bhrecruit@brighthorizons.com. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.