Acton Academy Lead Montessori Guide (ages 4-6) in Milford, Pennsylvania, US

1. General Position Summary
The Lead Guide in our Spark Studio (ages 4-6 years old) is a warm, innovative, reliable individual with a dedication and heart for alternative education models.  The Lead Guide must cultivate a Montessori learning environment where young learners can be curious, independent, productive, and kind. The Lead Guide should maintain the integrity of both the Montessori and Acton Academy philosophies.

Please apply by sending a resume to: averdi@ascendactonacademy.com (please put “Lead Montessori Guide” as the email title)
Visit our website to learn more about our school’s mission: www.ascendactonacademy.com

2. Qualifications
Minimum Education/Certification:
-Montessori Toddler certification (AMS, AMI, or MACTE); willingness to become certified within the first year of employment and commit at least three additional years to the school.
-Pediatric First Aid/CPR or willingness to obtain certification upon hire
-Must pass a background check
-Essential Characteristics:
-Maintain an open, loving, and cooperative environment for all children.
-Have an inherent love for this stage of development.
-Possess the ability to perceive the energy and developmental needs of the learning community.
-Ideal candidate is comfortable being on their own Hero’s Journey; with a willingness to grow and admit mistakes and/or failures. Therefore, possessing a growth mindset is essential.
-Ideal candidate has a deep heart for children and a trust and respect for their ability to learn and grow without heavy adult intervention.
-A love for the outdoors and all of God’s creation.
-Ideal candidate has experience and/or passion for project planning or entrepreneurship.

*Experience with starting a business or project implementation is a plus.
*A background in ministry or working with youth groups is a plus.  We are a Christian-based school and are built and founded upon Christian principles. We believe that virtues and strong character development should be central to the learning environment.
*Avid reader and writer is a plus.

Special Knowledge/Skills:
-Demonstrated proficiency in working effectively and positively with a variety of people.
-Ability to creatively problem solve.
-Ability to use a computer for record-keeping and communicating with stakeholders.
-Ability to organize, set up, and maintain a Montessori environment.

3. Working Conditions

Physical Demands:
-Ability to think clearly and respectfully with children, parents, and coworkers.
-Must be able to sit on the floor, walk, reach, climb, stoop, kneel and lift up to 30 pounds.
-Ideal candidate must love the outdoors and be physically active.

Environment:
-Working in a private school environment while dealing daily with children, coworkers, administration, parents, volunteers, and parents.

4. Terms of Employment
-186 days per school year
-7:45 am – 3:45 pm, plus some evening and weekend events
-Salary is based on experience and qualifications and can range anywhere from $30,000 to $40,000.

5. Essential Responsibilities:
-Create, design, and develop the prepared environment implementing the Montessori Early Learning Spark program.
-Develop and implement projects and challenges to meet the needs and curiosity of each learner enrolled in the studio.
-Facilitate group discussions and support/guide young learners to develop introductory listening and speaking skills.
-Give lessons one-on-one or group basis and assist students who may have trouble grasping concepts.
-Conduct astute observations of learners to determine academic needs and provide a rich and challenging environment.
-Utilize provided planning time to meet with parents, create lesson plans, change materials, observe specials and after-school programs to support children from the classroom, meet with the teaching team to discuss best practices, and complete record keeping.
-Partner and communicate effectively with the parents; providing weekly updates and blog posts for parents. .
-Communicate with the children using language and tone of voice that is authentic, natural, warm, and patient.
-Cultivate a community of teamwork, respect, kindness, and independence.
-Promote feelings of security and trust in the children by encouraging and supporting them when necessary through activities and practical life skills.
-Respond quickly and in a soothing fashion to the distressed student and ensure they are immediately comforted.
-Follow the children’s and the classroom’s energy rather than conforming to a strict schedule designed by the adult.
-Oversee young learners during outdoor free play; ensuring that activities are age-appropriate and safe.
-Maintain a positive work environment among all team members that is professional, kind, and inclusive.
-Guide the team in understanding the nuances of childhood development, the prepared environment, and how to partner with colleagues and parents.
-Participate in team meetings that follow an agenda of school updates, child-specific information, discussion of materials and rotating materials, and additional training or resources for colleagues.
-Embrace lifelong learning by utilizing professional development days and funds to enrich practice.
-Embody the Ascend Acton Academy mission.

6. Communication
-Facilitate a respectful environment for both young learners and adults by advocating conflict resolution and Grace and Courtesy Lessons.
-Work to develop respectful and effective relationships with families.
-Schedule and work with other colleagues to facilitate parent and community events.

7. Professional Responsibilities
-Participate in professional activities designated by the school administration, including in-service training, parent events, committees, staff meetings, etc.
-Maintain a neat, well-organized, and attractive prepared environment consistent with Montessori pedagogy.
-Participate in the admission process by speaking with prospective families and meeting prospective students as requested by the administration.
-Other duties as assigned.

6. Confidentiality
This position will have access to and knowledge of personal information for students and their families.

AscendActonAcademy.com