Join Our Team!
At SunGarden Montessori, we’re more than a school—we’re a community of passionate educators and lifelong learners. If you’re inspired by Montessori principles and a nurturing, collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you. Explore our current openings below or share your resume to be considered for future opportunities. Please email, employment@sungardenmontessori.org
CURRENT JOB OPENINGS
Social-emotional learning specialist
Position Title: SEL Specialist
Hours: 30-40 hrs/week, Monday-Friday (some flexibility with schedule available)
Location: Onsite
Hourly rate: starting at $23. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with education and experience.
Reports to: Head of School
SUMMARY
The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist develops and implements programs that help students develop essential life skills like self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. They work with students, teachers, and families to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment. More specifically, they spend time during the school day supporting classrooms directly during transition times (scheduled) and to work with children in all learning environments (indoor and outdoor) in small groups or one-on-one in support of their social-emotional development and to develop strategies to work through social-emotional challenges. The specialist also assists in the classroom during staff breaks and may support playground time. The position can be part-time (30 hours) or full-time.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Develops and directly teaches social and emotional skills, emotion regulation strategies, and conflict resolution skills to individual students and small groups in an early childhood (15 months to 6 years) Montessori environment.
Assists as needed in all learning environments (indoor and outdoor) to support transitions (e.g., half-day dismissal).
Is prepared and ready to flexibly respond to and support individual children who struggle social-emotionally as needed in the course of the school day in all learning environments.
Collaborates with the Guide and Assistant in one classroom when giving breaks to provide continuity of care in an authentic Montessori environment.
Tracks student progress and evaluates programs and intervention.
Works with children in a patient, respectful, calm, and compassionate manner.
Is a careful observer, attentive to detail, and organized.
Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills .
Is a great collaborator and self-starter.
Is excited to learn about Montessori and grow as a professional; appreciates feedback.
Meets with staff, parents/caregivers, and other support professionals in support of children as needed.
Engages in ongoing professional development and stays current with SEL research and best practices.
Provides toileting support for the children.
Covers brief staff absences or outdoor play times as needed to maintain ratios as outlined by DELC.
Follows licensing guidelines as outlined by the DELC.
Honors confidentiality of families, children, and the School.
Understands and executes verbal and written instructions; follows policies and procedures.
Attends community events as determined in collaboration with the Head of School.
Reports directly to the Head of School.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of the employee or others. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Required:
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field at minimum
Work experience in an early childhood learning environment
Experience working with preschool - kindergarten-aged children one-on-one or in small groups
Preferred:
Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Child Development or related field preferred. Specialized training in SEL methodologies a plus
2 years experience working with preschool to kindergarten-aged children preferred
Ability to designs workshops, provide coaching, and facilitate group discussion in support of staff professional development preferred
Training and experience in Restorative Practices and/or Culturally Responsive Practices preferred
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Present or complete within first 30 days of employment:
Enrollment in the Central Background Registry (CBR)
Food Handler Card
CPR/First Aid/Epi pen
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (RRCAN)
Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety (INCCHS)
Foundations for Learning (FFL)
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter (1-page max) addressed to Regina Feldman, Head of School, at employment@sungardenmontessori.org with the subject line [Last Name, SEL Specialist Job Application]. The cover letter should include why you are interested in working at SunGarden and how your skills and experience have prepared you for this position. SunGarden will request three professional references for the final candidate. Position open until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity: SunGarden Montessori is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and do not discriminate based on age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We accommodate employees and applicants with disabilities or special needs upon request.
Substitute specialist
Hours: Shifts vary. Our school hours are 7:45 - 4:30, Monday to Friday
Location: Onsite, in-person
Hourly rate: $25 per hour
Job Type: Temporary/Part-time
Reports to: Head of School
SUMMARY
As a Substitute Specialist of SunGarden Montessori School you will support our teaching staff in fostering independence and self-confidence in children. Time during the school day may be spent supporting classrooms directly, covering breaks for classroom staff, supervising playground time, helping with snack preparation, dishes, laundry, and materials prep.
OUR SCHOOL
SunGarden Montessori School is an AMI recognized program that provides a holistic learning environment for children ages 15 months – 6 years. SunGarden has one Toddler classroom for children ages 15 months to 3 years and two Primary classrooms serving children ages 3- 6, a fully integrated indoor/outdoor learning environment for the children, and a staff deeply committed to joyfully supporting the growth and individuality of every child. Come join a community where staff are respected and empowered in their work and collaborate in support of the developmental needs of young children.
Eligible candidates will need:
Have or are able to obtain registration in the Oregon Background Registry
Have or are able to obtain certification in Child/Infant CPR, First Aid, and Epipen
Have or are able to obtain certification as Food Handlers
Have experience working with preschool-kindergarten aged children
Work with children in a patient, respectful, and compassionate manner
Enjoy the flexibility of the role
Are organized, attentive to details, and are a careful observer
Appreciate the opportunity to learn from Montessori-trained professionals
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter (1-page max) addressed to Regina Feldman, Head of School, at employment@sungardenmontessori.org with the subject line [Last Name, SEL Specialist Job Application]. The cover letter should include why you are interested in working at SunGarden and how your skills and experience have prepared you for this position. SunGarden will request three professional references for the final candidate. Position open until filled. Apply Now: Join our school community and lead the way in Montessori education by applying below!
Equal Employment Opportunity: SunGarden Montessori is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and do not discriminate based on age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We accommodate employees and applicants with disabilities or special needs upon request.
We’re always eager to connect with individuals who share our passion for Montessori education and community. Even if we don’t have current openings, we’d love to learn more about you.
By submitting your resume and a brief introduction, we’ll keep your information on file and reach out if a position aligns with your skills and interests.
To introduce yourself and upload your a resume for future opportunities, please email employment@sungardenmontessori.org
Come and shape young minds at SunGarden Montessori.