Infant Lead Guide
Location: Magnolia Montessori School, Whitehouse Station, NJ Start Date: September 2026 Program: Small Montessori Program (Infant Community) Employment Type: Full-Time
About Us
We are a small, close-knit Montessori program dedicated to providing a nurturing, prepared environment where infants can explore, grow, and develop independence at their own pace. Our low ratios and home-like setting allow our guides to build deep, trusting relationships with each child and family in our care.
Position Overview
We are seeking a warm, attentive, and experienced Infant Lead Guide to oversee our Infant Community classroom (typically ages 6 weeks–18 months). The Lead Guide will be responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, calm, and enriching Montessori environment, working closely with an assistant/co-guide, and communicating daily with families about their child's care and development.
Key Responsibilities
• Prepare and maintain a Montessori infant environment that supports movement, sensory exploration, language development, and independence
• Provide responsive, individualized care for each infant, including feeding, diapering, and sleep routines, following Montessori principles of respect and observation
• Build trusting, communicative relationships with families; provide daily updates on feeding, sleep, diapering, and developmental milestones
• Observe each child closely and adapt the environment and activities to their individual developmental stage
• Maintain a safe, clean, and hazard-free classroom in compliance with state licensing and health/safety regulations
• Collaborate with the assistant guide and program director on classroom routines, scheduling, and child progress
• Support smooth transitions for children moving into the Toddler Community
• Maintain required health, safety, and licensing documentation, including immunization records, incident reports, and ratios
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and ongoing professional development
Qualifications
• Montessori Infant/Toddler credential (AMI or AMS) strongly preferred; candidates in the process of certification will be considered
• Prior experience working with infants in a licensed childcare, early intervention, or Montessori setting
• Working knowledge of infant development, attachment, and Montessori infant pedagogy
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain before start date)
• Ability to meet New Jersey childcare licensing requirements, including background checks, health screening, and required training hours
• Excellent communication skills with both children and parents
• Patient, nurturing, and detail-oriented approach to caregiving
What We're Looking For
• A calm, gentle presence who can meet each infant's needs with warmth and consistency
• Someone who values partnership with families and communicates proactively
• A team player who works well in a small, tight-knit staff environment
• Flexibility and reliability, with a genuine passion for infant development and Montessori philosophy
Schedule
Full-time, Monday–Friday. Specific hours to be discussed during the interview process.
How to Apply
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to jiannaconi@magnoliamontessorischool.net. We look forward to learning more about you and your experience working with infants.
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Magnolia Montessori School is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.