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, hello@sungardenmontessori.org
CURRENT JOB OPENINGS
Primary Lead Guide
Classification: Full-time, 10 months, exempt, benefits
Hours: 40 hrs/week, Monday-Friday
Location: Onsite
Annual Salary: Competitive salary, commensurate with education and experience
Reports to: Head of School
ABOUT SUNGARDEN: SunGarden Montessori School is dedicated to the education of the whole child within purposeful, respectful environments based upon the insights and inspiration of Dr. Maria Montessori.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Primary Guide develops and maintains a beautiful, orderly, and purposeful learning environment that supports the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of children ages 3 to 6. The Guide uses clinical observation to inform the prepared environment, invites the child to engage in constructive activity, and protects that engagement in ways that both support the child’s concentration and models respectful social interaction. The Guide fosters independence, concentration, and a love of learning by presenting lessons and offering individualized support in accordance with Montessori principles. As the Assistant’s direct supervisor, the Guide sets clear expectations for their performance in the classroom and cultivates a supportive, nurturing, and collaborative relationship with the Assistant.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:
Teaching and Child Guidance
Employs clinical observation of individual children and the community to guide development and generate targeted interventions
Delivers clear lessons in practical life, sensorial, language, and mathematics, and enriches the curriculum with cultural presentations and discussions
Maintains a peaceful, respectful classroom environment where children feel physically and emotionally secure and can work independently without unnecessary disruption
Project a sense of wonder, curiosity, and excitement about each lesson; is fully present; models grace and courtesy; is flexible in response to children’s needs
Maintains awareness of the classroom while working with individual children; uses a soft conversational voice; does not interrupt children who are concentrating; waits to offer assistance until independent problem solving fails; is ready to support as needed
Ensures materials and furnishings are orderly, clean, in stock, and arranged to nurture concentration; rotates materials and images to keep the environment dynamic; participates actively in light cleaning and organizing
Cultivates a language-rich environment with age-appropriate print-materials, reading, materials for learning names of a wide range of concepts and objects, and conversation is substantive and ongoing
Identifies student needs early, makes necessary adjustments to the environment and/or presentations to meet the unique needs of individual students
Treats families as essential partners in the child’s development, evidenced by frequent two-way communication; submits email and newsletter updates
Planning and Record Keeping
Devotes approximately two weeks before the school year and a few days after school ends to preparing, organizing the environment, and collaborating with colleagues
Clearly and consistently uses a reliable system of documenting lessons presented, observations, and each child’s progress; submits reports to the administrator as scheduled or requested
Conducts parent conferences twice per year
Collaboration and Supervision
Supervises and guides the Classroom Assistant to ensure consistency with Montessori principles and optimal support for the children
Meets with theRoom team at least once a week to prepare, plan, and provide feedback and guidance
Meets 1:1 with the Head of School regularly
Participates actively in team collaboration, sharing observations, questions, and insights with colleagues and the administrator
Communicates classroom needs and any concerns about children, families, or staff to the administrator in a timely and professional manner
Community Engagement and Professional Development
Attends and contributes to school events, including parent education evenings and community gatherings
Actively fosters home and school partnerships through timely, pro-active, and responsive communication
Observes in at least two other classrooms (internally or externally) each year to support ongoing growth and alignment
Professional Development: Completes a minimum of 15 hours of documented training each school year. 8 hours in Child Development (CD) and 1 hour in Health, Safety, and Nutrition (HSN). All staff members must submit documentation to Oregon Registry Online
Health & Safety
Ensures children are supervised at all times
Responds promptly to accidents, injuries, or behavior incidents, including timely completion of written reports and parent notification
Bears responsibility for the physical and emotional well-being of all children in their care
Interprets the education program, the philosophy, policies, and procedures of the school to parents and other interested persons in a professional manner
Adheres to AMI guidelines and standards for the purpose of maintaining the quality and excellence of the Montessori experience for the children
Serves as a mandatory reporter of child abuse and neglect (1-855-503-7233)
Responsibilities of Every Employee
Maintains punctual, regular, and predictable attendance in compliance with Offer Letter terms
Practices self care and prepares themselves to be present and focused on the child’s experience in active collaboration with team members
Possesses a strong work ethic, excellent organizational skills, and good time management
Conducts themselves in a professional, respectful, positive, and collaborative manner, and observes grace and courtesy in interaction with all members of the school community
Observes agreed-upon rules and boundaries in all forms of communication and provides appropriate feedback
Shows commitment to professional growth and stays abreast of best practices in support of child development
Understands and takes initiative to accommodate for the legal and logistical constraints of a small staff. Administrator may at times assign tasks that are outside of the main job description
Attends and actively participates in staff meetings, Guide meetings, In-Service Days, and community events as collaboratively decided with the administrator
Maintains a professional appearance and dress as appropriate for their job duties
Abides by the policies of SunGarden Montessori School as outlined in the Employee Handbook
Follows licensing guidelines as outlined by DELC
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
Certification (or near-completion of Diploma) from AMI (preferred), AMS, or another MACTE-accredited Montessori program
Knowledge of child development and an understanding of the needs of children ages 3 to 6
Excellent communication, organizational and prioritization skills; ability to manage unpredictable workflow and flexibility to respond thoughtfully and in a timely manner
Ability to work collaboratively in a small school community
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand verbal and written English
Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite
Pass a criminal background check
Preferred:
Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
Prior work experience in a Montessori environment and with children ages 3 to 6
Bilingual in English and Spanish
CERTIFICATIONS AND COMPLIANCE
Present or complete within 30 days of hire -
Enrollment in the Central Background Registry (CBR)
Food Handler Certification
Pediatric and Adult CPR/First Aid and EpiPen training
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (RRCAN)
Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety (INCCHS)
Foundations for Learning (FFL)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Indoor/outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions
Normal noise levels range from quiet to loud during typical activities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to frequently move between standing, sitting, squatting, kneeling, and crawling
Must be able to quickly move to or with a child as needed
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds; occasionally lift children up to 75 pounds for safety and care
Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision necessary for supervision and safety
BENEFITS
8 days of PTO, plus an additional 2 days of PTO designated for professional development
$200 of professional development funds; additional funds may be available in consultation with and upon approval by the Head of School
9 paid holidays per year (whenever any of the following falls on a weekday: Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, MLK Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day.)
Opportunity to participate in group health insurance (currently with Providence), effective after 30 days
Absence of less than 1 hour at the beginning or end of your work day for a doctor’s appointment once a month does not count towards your PTO, but needs to be communicated and be approved by the Head of School
Opportunity to participate in Oregon Saves IRA (available to employees after one full calendar year of employment)
Participation in our Employee Assistance Program
SunGarden Montessori will provide a laptop for your use as a Lead Guide
16 prep days per year for Guides
Paid time off for all closures (including inclement weather)
A 50% tuition discount for employee’s children enrolled at SunGarden.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter (1-page max) addressed to Regina Feldman, Head of School, at apply@sungardenmontessori.org with the subject line [Last Name, Primary Lead Guide 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.
SunGarden Montessori School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
https://www.sungardenmontessori.org/job-apply-now
Primary Assistant
Position Title: Primary Assistant
Classification: Full-time, non-exempt, benefitted
Hours: 40 hrs/week, Monday - Friday
Location: Onsite
Hourly Rate: $22-$27, DOE
Reports to: Primary Lead Guide
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
SUMMARY
The Primary Assistant collaborates with the Guide, supports all children in the classroom to protect the Guide’s ability to give lessons, and cares for the physical environment of the classroom. The Primary Assistant supports a classroom of up to 25 children, ages 3 to 6 years in age.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Work with Adults
Communication
Understands the goals of the Montessori program and consults regularly with the Guide around specific expectations of children in the environment
Works effectively with the Guide to share and implement plans based on ongoing observation
Develops effective methods of remaining in sync through non-verbal communication (eye contacts, hand signals, etc) throughout the day
Assists families and children with establishing independence in transitions; directs questions about children and classroom activities to the Guide
Reports directly to the Primary Guide as their direct supervisor and supports the priorities and culture the Guide cultivates in the classroom
Participate actively in team collaboration, sharing observations, questions, and insights with colleagues and the administrator; foster a consistent and caring school-wide community culture
Awareness and Protection
Continually scans the room maintaining awareness of child and adult activity
Sits and records observations as directed by the Guide
Manages children's need in order to allow the Guide to provide uninterrupted lessons
Flexibility
Responds to a variety of children's needs throughout the day
Gracefully adjusts to needs of the classroom as they arise, to unexpected changes or interruptions (e.g., fire drills, visitors, health challenges)
Work with Children
Authenticity, Respect, and Language Richness
Interacts with children with grace and courtesy, respecting the dignity of each child; communicates expectations clearly and firmly; moves and bends to make eye contact with child
Meticulously uses language pragmatics - please, thank you, excuse me, etc.
Identifies objects in the environment
Consistency, Predictability, and Developmentally Appropriate Assistance
Moves slowly and deliberately in the environment; uses soft voice in conversations; moderates reactions in difficult situations; sets and maintains consistent limits
Redirects children to solve problems independently; waits to offer assistance until independent problem-solving strategies fail; support perseverance following error; remains alert to children experiencing challenges and is ready to support
Provides toileting support for the children responsive to the individual’s child needs
Health and Safety
Ensure children are supervised at all times
Respond promptly to accidents or injuries, including timely completion of written reports and immediate parent notification
Care of the Environment
Order and Beauty, and Attentiveness
Keeps shelves and furniture organized according to plan
Keeps surfaces free of clutter, floors swept, and shelves dusted
Attends to restocking materials without prompt
Cleans and organizes classroom as assigned by the Primary Guide
Preparedness
Prepares the room and makes materials ready for children’s use each morning
Prepares snack with children in variety of ways, e.g.: works with one child side by side; works with small group of children; prepares buffet-style snack children serve themselves. Assists to support children make snack themselves and leads clean-up after snack
Sets up for, actively supports, and cleans up after lunch
Community Engagement and Professional Development
Attends all staff meetings and In-Service days
Attends school events, including parent education evenings and community gatherings as collaboratively decided with the administrator
Observes in at least two other classrooms (internally or externally) each year to support ongoing growth and alignment
Completes at least one approved Montessori-related professional development training annually
Responsibilities of Every Employee
Maintains punctual, regular, and predictable attendance in compliance with Offer Letter terms
Practices self care and prepares themselves to be present and focused on the child’s experience in active collaboration with team members
Conducts themselves in a professional, respectful, positive, and collaborative manner, and observes grace and courtesy in interaction with all members of the school community
Observes agreed-upon rules and boundaries in all forms of communication and provides appropriate feedback
Shows commitment to professional growth
Understands and takes initiative to accommodate for the legal and logistical constraints of a small staff. Administrator may at times assign tasks that are outside of the main job description
Maintains a professional appearance and dress as appropriate for their job duties
Abides by the policies of SunGarden Montessori School as outlined in the Employee Handbook
Follows licensing guidelines as outlined by ELD
Understands that they are mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect: 1-855-503-7233
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the ability 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 are representative of 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:
Minimum of one year of early childhood classroom experience
Interest in being outdoors with children year-round in all weather
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a small school community
Flexibility, growth mind set, and interest in ongoing professional development
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand verbal and written English
Preferred:
Degree from Association Montessori International (preferred), American Montessori Society, or other MACTE-approved program
Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
Work experience in an early childhood Montessori environment
Understanding of 3 - 6 developmental stages and needs
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Presents or completes within 30 days of employment -
Enrollment in the Central Background Registry (CBR)
Food Handler’s Card
Pediatric and Adult 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)
Professional Development: Complete a minimum of 15 hours of documented training each school year. 8 hours in Child Development (CD) and 1 hour in Health, Safety and Nutrition (HSN).
All program members must submit documentation to Oregon Registry Online (ORO) and present a copy to SG Admin.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
SunGarden activities require frequent shifts between walking, sitting, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling
Must be able to run with children or run to them quickly as needed
Frequent reaching and use of both hands
Ability to lift items up to 25 pounds
Occasionally need to lift a child who is under 75 pounds (in case of safety or medical injury) or to assist with moving outdoor furniture or materials
Close, distance, and peripheral vision are required for observing the children and ensuring their safety
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Position involves outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions
Noise level ranges from quiet to loud during normal activities
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter (1-page max) addressed to Regina Feldman, Head of School, at hello@sungardenmontessori.org with the subject line [Last Name, Primary Assistant 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.
Toddler Assistant
Position Title: Toddler Assistant
Classification: Full-time, non-exempt, benefitted
Hours: 40 hrs/week, Monday - Friday
Location: Onsite
Hourly Rate: $22-$27, DOE
Reports to: Toddler Lead Guide
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
SUMMARY
The Toddler Assistant collaborates with the Guide, supports all children in the classroom to protect the Guide’s ability to give lessons, and cares for the physical environment of the classroom. The Toddler Assistant supports a classroom of up to 12 children, ages 15 months to 3 years.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Work with Adults
Communication
Understands the goals of the Montessori program and consults regularly with the Guide around specific expectations of children in the environment
Works effectively with the Guide to share and implement plans based on ongoing observation
Develops effective methods of remaining in sync through non-verbal communication (eye contacts, hand signals, etc) throughout the day
Assists families and children with establishing independence in transitions; directs questions about children and classroom activities to the Guide
Reports directly to the Primary Guide as their direct supervisor and supports the priorities and culture the Guide cultivates in the classroom
Participate actively in team collaboration, sharing observations, questions, and insights with colleagues and the administrator; foster a consistent and caring school-wide community culture
Awareness and Protection
Continually scans the room maintaining awareness of child and adult activity
Sits and records observations as directed by the Guide
Manages children's need in order to allow the Guide to provide uninterrupted lessons
Flexibility
Responds to a variety of children's needs throughout the day
Gracefully adjusts to needs of the classroom as they arise, to unexpected changes or interruptions (e.g., fire drills, visitors, health challenges)
Work with Children
Authenticity, Respect, and Language Richness
Interacts with children with grace and courtesy, respecting the dignity of each child; communicates expectations clearly and firmly; moves and bends to make eye contact with child
Meticulously uses language pragmatics - please, thank you, excuse me, etc.
Identifies objects in the environment
Consistency, Predictability, and Developmentally Appropriate Assistance
Moves slowly and deliberately in the environment; uses soft voice in conversations; moderates reactions in difficult situations; sets and maintains consistent limits
Redirects children to solve problems independently; waits to offer assistance until independent problem-solving strategies fail; support perseverance following error; remains alert to children experiencing challenges and is ready to support
Provides toileting support for the children responsive to the individual’s child needs
Health and Safety
Ensure children are supervised at all times
Respond promptly to accidents or injuries, including timely completion of written reports and immediate parent notification
Care of the Environment
Order and Beauty, and Attentiveness
Keeps shelves and furniture organized according to plan
Keeps surfaces free of clutter, floors swept, and shelves dusted
Attends to restocking materials without prompt
Cleans and organizes classroom as assigned by the Primary Guide
Preparedness
Prepares the room and makes materials ready for children’s use each morning
Prepares snack for children, helps maintain the cleanliness and availability of snack throughout the snack period, and leads clean-up after snack
Sets up for, actively supports, and cleans up after lunch
Community Engagement and Professional Development
Attends all staff meetings and In-Service days
Attends school events, including parent education evenings and community gatherings as collaboratively decided with the administrator
Observes in at least two other classrooms (internally or externally) each year to support ongoing growth and alignment
Completes at least one approved Montessori-related professional development training annually
Responsibilities of Every Employee
Maintains punctual, regular, and predictable attendance in compliance with Offer Letter terms
Practices self care and prepares themselves to be present and focused on the child’s experience in active collaboration with team members
Conducts themselves in a professional, respectful, positive, and collaborative manner, and observes grace and courtesy in interaction with all members of the school community
Observes agreed-upon rules and boundaries in all forms of communication and provides appropriate feedback
Shows commitment to professional growth
Understands and takes initiative to accommodate for the legal and logistical constraints of a small staff. Administrator may at times assign tasks that are outside of the main job description
Maintains a professional appearance and dress as appropriate for their job duties
Abides by the policies of SunGarden Montessori School as outlined in the Employee Handbook
Follows licensing guidelines as outlined by DELC
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the ability 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 are representative of 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:
Minimum of one year of early childhood classroom experience
Interest in being outdoors with children year-round in all weather
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a small school community
Flexibility, growth mind set, and interest in ongoing professional development
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand verbal and written English
Preferred:
Degree from Association Montessori International (preferred), American Montessori Society, or other MACTE-approved program
Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
Work experience in an early childhood Montessori environment
Understanding of toddler and/or 3 - 6 developmental stages and needs
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Presents or completes within 30 days of employment -
Enrollment in the Central Background Registry (CBR)
Food Handler’s Card
Pediatric and Adult 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)
Professional Development: Complete a minimum of 15 hours of documented training each school year. 8 hours in Child Development (CD) and 1 hour in Health, Safety and Nutrition (HSN).
All program members must submit documentation to Oregon Registry Online (ORO) and present a copy to SG Admin.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
SunGarden activities require frequent shifts between walking, sitting, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling
Must be able to run with children or run to them quickly as needed
Frequent reaching and use of both hands
Ability to lift items up to 25 pounds
Occasionally need to lift a child who is under 75 pounds (in case of safety or medical injury) or to assist with moving outdoor furniture or materials
Close, distance, and peripheral vision are required for observing the children and ensuring their safety
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Position involves outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions
Noise level ranges from quiet to loud during normal activities
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter (1-page max) addressed to Regina Feldman, Head of School, at hello@sungardenmontessori.org with the subject line [Last Name, Toddler Assistant 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.
Substitute specialist
Hours: Shifts vary. Our school hours are 7:45 - 4:30, Monday to Friday
Location: Onsite, in-person
Hourly rate: Starting at $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 hello@sungardenmontessori.org with the subject line [Last Name, Substitute 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 hello@sungardenmontessori.org
Come and shape young minds at SunGarden Montessori.