Children's House Lead Guide

Centennial Montessori School, an AMI-recognized program serving children from infancy through age 12, is seeking an AMI-trained Children’s House Lead Guide to join our growing community in San Mateo.

Grounded in authentic Montessori practice and supported by engaged families and collaborative faculty, our Children’s House program serves children ages 3–6 within the framework of California Community Care Licensing. We are seeking a reflective, organized Guide who is committed to careful observation, individualized development, and the consistent execution required to sustain a high-quality Montessori environment.

About Centennial Montessori School

Centennial Montessori School is a well-established and growing AMI-recognized school located just south of San Francisco. We are a close-knit, mission-driven community committed to authentic Montessori practice, purposeful work, and the development of the whole child.

Our classrooms are supported by engaged families, collaborative colleagues, and leadership that values both fidelity to Montessori principles and thoughtful program growth.

As our Children’s House program continues to expand, we are seeking an additional Lead Guide (ages 3–6) to join our team.

The Opportunity

This is a full-time Lead Guide position responsible for leading a Montessori Children’s House classroom serving children ages 3–6.

The Lead Guide prepares and maintains a beautiful, orderly, and developmentally appropriate environment in which young children develop independence, concentration, coordination, and social responsibility.

The role includes full responsibility for the classroom, including leadership of an assistant, implementation of the Montessori curriculum, and compliance with California Community Care Licensing requirements.

Who You Are

You are someone who:

• Holds a deep respect for Montessori philosophy and AMI principles

• Is calm, consistent, and attentive to the developmental needs of the young child

• Is highly observant and able to respond thoughtfully to individual needs

• Brings strong organization, follow-through, and attention to detail

• Communicates professionally and respectfully with children, families, and colleagues

• Values both independence and structure within the prepared environment

We value educators who are committed not only to Montessori practice, but to the consistent execution and responsibility required in a licensed early childhood environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement an authentic AMI Montessori Children’s House program

• Prepare and maintain a beautiful, orderly, and developmentally appropriate environment

• Support each child’s independence, concentration, and social development

• Provide individualized guidance based on careful observation

• Maintain accurate and timely student records and required documentation

• Ensure compliance with California Community Care Licensing regulations, including supervision, ratio, and safety requirements

• Mentor and direct the classroom assistant

• Communicate clearly and professionally with families

• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in school events

👉 Full position description available below / linked.

Qualifications

Required:

• AMI Children’s House Diploma

• Ability to meet all California Community Care Licensing requirements, including ECE credits, health clearance, fingerprinting, and background checks

• Current or promptly obtained First Aid and CPR certification

Preferred:

• 3–5+ years experience leading a Montessori Children’s House classroom

• California Child Development Permit (or eligibility)

• Experience working collaboratively with assistants and families

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $78,000–$110,000 (based on experience and qualifications)

• Health, dental, life and vision insurance

• 401(k) with employer matching

• Paid time off

• Professional development opportunities, including AMI refresher support

• Tuition discount for eligible staff children

Position Details

• Full-time, in-person

• Monday–Friday (typical hours 7:45 am – 3:45 pm)

• Location: San Mateo, CA

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Resume

• Cover letter describing your Montessori background and interest in the role