Lead Infant Teacher - Bee Cave - job 1 of 2

As a Lead Infant Teacher at Guidepost Montessori in Bee Cave, you’ll be responsible for observing each child to address their unique needs, designing an engaging environment, and nurturing independence. Your role will involve demonstrating how to use Montessori materials and guiding small groups through activities, with a focus on fostering an atmosphere of trust and respect.

To qualify as a Lead Infant Teacher at Guidepost Montessori, candidates should have experience working with children aged 0-3, a Bachelor's Degree in any subject, and familiarity with child-led learning philosophies. Additionally, those interested in pursuing Montessori certification may be sponsored through the Prepared Montessorian Institute.

Guidepost Montessori provides a rich framework for professional development for Lead Infant Teachers, including sponsored Montessori diploma programs through the Prepared Montessorian Institute and ongoing support from a network of peers and mentors. This emphasis on growth empowers our educators to continue developing their skills and delivering high-quality education.

The starting salary for a Lead Infant Teacher at Guidepost Montessori in Bee Cave is $43K+, depending on experience. Additionally, educators enjoy various benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and a tuition discount for their children attending any school in the network.

The teaching philosophy at Guidepost Montessori centers around the Montessori principles that nurture children's innate abilities. Lead Infant Teachers are dedicated to creating an ordered, beautiful environment that promotes self-directed learning and exploration, allowing children the freedom to develop confidence and independence.

When creating a prepared environment, focus on beauty, order, and accessibility. Use child-sized furniture and thoughtfully arranged materials to encourage independence. Highlight how your choices will allow infants to explore safely while promoting their natural curiosity.

Discuss any familiarity with Montessori or Reggio Emilia methods, and express your willingness to learn more. Share specific examples of how you have implemented child-led activities in previous roles, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to follow their interests.

Explain your approach to observation, noting the importance of watching children's play and interactions. Discuss how you respond to their interests and needs, adapting your teaching strategies based on what you learn during these observations.

Effective communication is key! Highlight your experience in building relationships with parents, and explain how you provide regular updates about their child’s progress, set up meetings, and invite parents to participate in school events.

Detail how you create opportunities for infants to practice skills on their own, such as dressing or feeding. Lay out strategies that encourage 'doing it themselves', and emphasize the balance between guidance and allowing freedom.

Explain the significance of high-quality, age-appropriate Montessori materials that engage infants' senses and promote fine and gross motor skills. Share how you would select and present these materials in ways that encourage independent exploration.

Discuss strategies for nurturing both younger and older infants. Mention the benefits of mixed-age environments and how you can facilitate peer learning, build community, and tailor activities to meet varied developmental stages.

Describe how you foster respect and teamwork among children, using activities that require cooperation. Explain your approach to building a sense of belonging and personal connection with each child and their families.

Detail your approach to understanding the root causes of challenging behaviors and employing compassionate strategies to address them. Emphasize your commitment to maintaining a supportive environment where all children's needs are met.

Share your passion for early childhood education and how Guidepost Montessori's mission resonates with you. Talk about the opportunity for personal growth, collaboration with like-minded educators, and the chance to make a substantive impact on young learners.