Early Childhood Teacher

Guides classroom operations and student development while supervising and supporting other staff to ensure high-quality learning experiences.

At Alta Schoolhouse, our teaching staff is central to creating a nurturing, inspiring, and developmentally appropriate environment. Lead and Assistant Teachers work together to support each child’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth while fostering independence, curiosity, and a love of learning. This document outlines the responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications of each role in a collaborative, Montessori-aligned classroom.

We are currently hiring for both lead and assistant teaching positions, based on experience, for our varying classrooms with children aged 2-4 years old.

Shared Classroom Expectations

All teaching staff are expected to:

• Maintain active engagement in the classroom — circulate, observe, and assist rather than remaining seated for long periods.
• Promote student independence, allowing children to choose materials and complete tasks while offering guidance.
• Ensure safety and supervision at all times; never leave children unattended or out of ratio.
• Model grace, courtesy, and empathy in all interactions.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues; support each other in classroom management and lesson implementation.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with parents via Brightwheel, email, or scheduled meetings.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and aesthetically pleasing classroom environment.
• Document student progress, incidents, and achievements consistently.

Lead Teacher Role

Purpose:

The Lead Teacher guides classroom operations, curriculum planning, and student development, while supervising and supporting Assistant Teachers to ensure high-quality learning experiences.

Responsibilities:

• Implement developmentally appropriate Montessori-inspired curriculum.
• Lead daily classroom management, maintaining a safe, engaging environment.
• Delegate tasks effectively to Assistant Teachers, including material preparation, facilitating any planned projects (e.g. art, science) and environmental upkeep (e.g bathroom cleanliness, student cubbies etc).
• Conduct regular observations and assessments of student progress; provide written reports quarterly.
• Maintain strong relationships with parents/caregivers; conduct conferences and check-ins as needed.
• Mentor and support Assistant Teachers through daily guidance.
• Ensure all classroom activities allow children to remain active and engaged, avoiding extended periods of sitting.
• Plan monthly curriculum, submitting supply lists for classroom materials on time.
• Uphold all Alta Schoolhouse policies regarding safety, discipline, and classroom conduct.

Requirements:

• 1+ years of Lead Teacher experience or equivalent in early childhood education.
• Montessori experience preferred.
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Completion of DCF Level 2 Background Screening.
• Completion of 40-hour DCF training prior to employment.

Assistant Teacher Role

Purpose:

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in all aspects of classroom management, curriculum implementation, and student engagement, ensuring a smooth and effective learning environment.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in implementing curriculum and daily lesson plans.
• Support classroom management, actively circulating and supervising students.
• Complete tasks delegated by the Lead Teacher, including material prep, environment setup, and cleaning.
• Maintain positive relationships with students and parents; communicate observations as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and collaborative planning sessions.
• Ensure students remain active and engaged, supporting Lead Teacher guidance.

Requirements:

• 1+ year experience in a childcare or early education setting preferred.
• Montessori experience or knowledge preferred.
• Completion of DCF Level 2 Background Screening.
• Completion of 40-hour DCF training prior to employment.