Lead Primary Guide

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 school for children aged 2 to 6 where families feel supported, teachers are well cared for, and where the learning environment extends from the classroom to nature.

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 paid time off. Our  academic calendar includes two weeks of winter break, one week of spring break, two weeks of summer 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. Our goal is to create a workplace where teachers feel respected, nurtured and ready to grow.

About the role:

The Lead Guide, with a Primary age focus, will play a vital role in shaping a nurturing and enriching learning environment for children aged 3 to 6. They will inspire young minds through hands‑on exploration and a love of learning, guided by authentic Montessori principles. This position offers the opportunity to create meaningful relationships with children, families, and a supportive team, all while fostering each child’s independence, creativity, and growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement Montessori curriculum using developmentally appropriate materials, presentations, and teaching practices.
• Observe each child daily to understand their developmental readiness, interests, strengths, and areas for growth.
• Use observations to guide individualized Montessori presentations, classroom planning, and support for each child’s continued development.
• Foster independence, concentration, intrinsic motivation, grace and courtesy, and respect for others.
• Respect each child’s individual pace and protect uninterrupted Montessori work cycles.
• Facilitate developmentally appropriate group activities and opportunities for positive social interaction.
• Develop and lead thoughtful afternoon enrichment programming that complements the Montessori curriculum and supports children’s creativity, physical development, curiosity, and connection to the natural world. Plan and facilitate age‑appropriate experiences in nature education, gardening, art, music, movement, and related areas, using the children’s interests and developmental needs to guide the program.

• Prepare and maintain a beautiful, orderly, safe, and developmentally appropriate Montessori environment.
• Prepare the classroom environment daily and ensure materials are complete, accessible, and ready for use.
• Maintain consistent classroom systems, routines, and expectations.
• Prepare and organize classroom materials to support children’s learning.
• Maintain organized classroom storage, supplies, and inventory.
• Identify materials or classroom items requiring repair, replacement, or replenishment.
• Create and maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.

• Provide responsive care and support that meets the individual needs of each child.
• Actively supervise children in the classroom and outdoor spaces during work periods, transitions, meals, outdoor play, and rest periods.
• Support children with self‑care, toileting, hygiene, meals, rest, and transitions as needed.
• Ensure the safety and well‑being of all children and follow school policies, licensing requirements, and health and safety procedures.