Montessori Toddler Assistant

Company Description

Willow Tree Montessori is an early childhood education center located at 171 Amity Road in Bethany, Connecticut. The school is dedicated to providing a warm, respectful, and child-centered environment grounded in Montessori philosophy. Willow Tree Montessori supports the child’s natural curiosity and independence through thoughtfully prepared classrooms and hands‑on learning materials. The school collaborates with families to foster each child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.

We are a close-knit community that values professionalism, care, and lifelong learning.

The Montessori Toddler Assistant is a full-time, 8:15am - 3:15pm, on-site role based in Bethany, CT. This position supports the Lead Guide in a toddler classroom by preparing materials, maintaining a clean and orderly environment, and ensuring the safety and well‑being of each child. Daily responsibilities include observing children, assisting with Montessori activities, guiding independence in self‑care routines, and supporting positive social interactions.

The assistant helps with snack and meal times, rest periods, and transitions, while modeling respectful, calm, and consistent behavior. The role also includes communicating with the Lead Guide, following environment procedures, and participating in team meetings and school events as needed.

• Demonstrated interest in early childhood education and familiarity with, or willingness to learn, Montessori philosophy and practices.
• Ability to maintain a safe, orderly, and nurturing environment, including cleaning, organizing materials, and supervising children at all times.
• Strong observational, communication, and collaboration skills to work effectively with the Lead Guide, colleagues, and families.
• Capacity to guide toddlers with patience, empathy, and consistency, supporting independence, self‑care, and social‑emotional development.
• Physical ability to lift, bend, sit on the floor, and move quickly as needed to ensure children’s safety and engagement.
• Prior experience working with toddlers or young children in a group setting is preferred;
  Montessori classroom experience is a plus.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework or certifications in early childhood education are beneficial.
• Commitment to inclusive, non-discriminatory practices and to ongoing professional growth and learning.