Assistant Guide

Overview

Who are we?

Montessori Children’s Center (MCC) in San Francisco has been a leader in Montessori education since 1976. We are dedicated to helping children feel that they belong in the world and that the world belongs to them.

Who do we serve?

We are a classical Montessori preschool and kindergarten for children aged 2 to 6, where each student’s evolution is nurtured individually, families feel proactively supported, and teachers are consistently well cared for.

How do we serve our teachers?

We deeply value the experience, care, and dedication that educators bring to a thriving school community. We recognize that teaching is both joyful and demanding, and we believe that all teachers deserve ongoing appreciation and support. That support includes generous time off. Our calendar includes two weeks of paid summer break, two weeks of winter break, one week of spring break, mandated closures, and all federal holidays, in addition to sick and emergency leave.

We also believe that great educators never stop learning, so we offer opportunities for both personal and professional development, as well as pathways for career advancement.

To help sustain a healthy work-life balance, MCC integrates wellness into the workday. Staff have access to wellness amenities within the school, designated wellness days, and an external benefit for professional coaching or therapy. Our goal is to create a workplace where teachers feel respected, nurtured and ready to grow.

The Assistant Guide plays an essential role in creating a calm, joyful, and respectful learning environment for children ages 2 to 6. Working closely with the Lead Guide, they will help guide children’s growth through hands-on activities, consistent routines, and warm, attentive care. This role offers the opportunity to build strong relationships with children and families while supporting each child s independence and curiosity within a Montessori classroom.

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children in the classroom.
• Provide care and support to meet the individual needs of the children.
• Supervise children actively in the classroom and outdoor spaces during work, meal and rest periods.
• During the Montessori work period, support the Lead Guide with maintaining active supervision, protecting children’s concentration, and normalizing work cycles.
• Support children during transitions - e.g. drop-off/pick-up, rest period, meals.
• Observe and record observations of students’ behaviors and progress.
• Model grace and courtesy, and demonstrate kindness and respectful interactions.
• Create and maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Prepare and organize classroom materials to support children’s learning.
• Facilitate group activities and encourage social interaction among children.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
• Assist children with self-care and hygiene.
• Ability to perform light opening/closing duties, e.g. preparing snacks, sweeping, sanitizing tables, putting down/picking up nap cots, washing snack dishes, stocking, and organizing supplies.

• A minimum of 12 semester units in early childhood education or child development.
• At least 1 year of work experience in a licensed childcare center or comparable group childcare program.
• Clear background check (criminal history, fingerprinting through CA DOJ, FBI, and Child Abuse Central Index).
• Completion of Mandated Reporter Training within 90 days of employment.
• Completion of health screening, including a tuberculosis (TB) test, prior to employment.

• Willingness to enroll in an employer-sponsored Montessori, MACTE-accredited 0-3 Montessori teacher training program.
• Experience working with toddlers.
• Certifications in Pediatric CPR and First Aid.

• Starting at $25 per hour, with pay determined by experience and qualifications.
• Health and dental plan, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, retirement savings plan, and professional development opportunities.
• Access to therapy/coaching benefit.
• Regular compensation reviews with the goal of proactive increases as the school grows.