Lead Infant (Nido) Teacher

Guidepost Montessori • Deerfield, IL

4d

About The Position

We are now hiring a Lead Infant Guide for our lovely Guidepost Montessori school at Deerbrook!
Join us in nurturing infants in a thoughtfully prepared Montessori environment designed to support their growth, exploration, and independence.
Your Role
We’re looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated Lead Guide to support a mixed-age 6 weeks to 15 months class of infants in a Montessori environment.
In a Montessori community, guides carefully prepare an environment that fosters independence and captivates a child’s natural curiosity. Guides offer personalized support to each child—working with them one-on-one and in small groups, demonstrating how to use materials, and offering clear, intentional language to help make sense of their experiences.
Because the environment is so thoughtfully designed and the guidance so individualized, children are free to explore and engage with materials at their own pace. This process builds confidence, independence, and a deep sense of capability from the very start.
We’re looking for a Lead Infant Guide who will bring their full attention and care to help every child thrive.
Each Guidepost classroom is fully equipped with high-quality Montessori materials for the infant and toddler curriculum, along with a budget to customize your space. Our environments reflect the Montessori principles of simplicity, beauty, and order—and are thoughtfully designed to support each child’s natural development.
A Guidepost Montessori infant environment features:
Ample open space to move, explore, and discover
Child-sized furniture and real, functional objects to promote independence
A curriculum focused on practical life skills like feeding, dressing, and toileting
Materials that support fine and gross motor development
Cozy rugs, natural light, and live plants
Breakable, natural materials like wood and metal (not plastic)
Freedom of movement—no walkers, highchairs, or bouncers
If you’re passionate about supporting infants at this foundational stage and want to grow in a nurturing, collaborative school community, we’d love to hear from you—apply below!

Requirements

• Are interested in pursuing a Montessori certification through our Prepared Montessorian Institute (fully sponsored), or already hold a Montessori diploma
• Have experience working with children ages 0–3 in a group setting such as daycare, nursery, or aftercare
• Are familiar with or eager to learn about Montessori or other child-led education models (like Reggio Emilia)
• Have completed at least 12 Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development credits
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in ECE, Child Development, or a related field

Responsibilities

• Observe each child closely to understand and respond to their physical, emotional, and developmental needs
• Follow the natural rhythms of sleep, feeding, and toileting for each child
• Prepare a beautiful, safe, and orderly environment that promotes trust and exploration
• Nurture independence and self-confidence by supporting infants in doing things for themselves
• Build strong personal connections with each child and foster a respectful, inclusive classroom culture
• Partner and communicate warmly and professionally with parents to ensure continuity of care

Benefits

• The chance to be part of a high-quality Montessori program that supports every child’s unique development
• Fully sponsored Montessori training and professional development through the Prepared Montessorian Institute
• 75% tuition discount for up to two children enrolled in our schools (ages 3 months through 12 years)
• A network of dedicated, supportive peers and mentors
• Career advancement and leadership opportunities
• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees