Full-Time Montessori Preschool Teacher Assistant

Location: San Francisco

Position Type: Full-time

Start Date: March 2, 2026

~ About Big City Montessori School

Big City Montessori School is a warm, inclusive, and child-centered community dedicated to
fostering independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning since 1972. Our classrooms
follow authentic Montessori principles and provide a nurturing environment where children feel
respected, supported, and empowered.


~ Full-Time Montessori Preschool Teacher Assistant - Position Summary

As part of a team of three Montessori Assistants, you support the Head Montessori teacher in creating a calm, orderly, and nurturing classroom environment for 25 children ages 3 through 6. This role enables the Montessori Head teacher to focus on instruction without interruption. Your role is to assist with classroom preparation and order, guide children through daily routines, support their independence, meet their needs, and help maintain a clean and safe learning space. The assistant models respect, patience, and clear communication throughout the day.


~ Essential Duties and Responsibilities:


○ Classroom Support:

• Assist the Head Teacher in preparing and maintaining the Montessori environment.
• Help set up materials, organize shelves, and ensure the classroom remains tidy and inviting.
• Support children during independent work time by observing, redirecting when needed, and encouraging independence without interrupting concentration.


○ Caregiving & Daily Routines:

• Change diapers and assist with toileting in a respectful, hygienic, and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Support children with handwashing, dressing, and other self-care routines.
• Serve children snacks and lunch.
• Supervise and monitor children on the playground.
• Provide basic first aid
• Follow all health, safety, and sanitation procedures consistently.


○ Light Housekeeping:

• Wash and wipe tables after snack or lunch.
• Sweep or wipe floors as needed throughout the day.
• Assist with classroom general tidiness.
• Help maintain a clean, orderly, and safe environment that supports Montessori principles.


○ Child Guidance

• Model grace, courtesy, and respectful communication.
• Assist children with organizing materials and bringing tasks to completion.
• Support children in conflict resolution and positive social interactions.
• Provide gentle discipline while honoring each child’s independence and developmental stage.


○ Communication

• Speak clear, understandable English to effectively listen and respond to each child’s needs.
• Communicate observations, concerns, and classroom needs to the Head teacher in a professional and timely manner.
• Build warm, supportive relationships with children through calm, clear, and respectful language.


○ Collaboration

• Work closely with a team of two other Montessori Assistants and the Head Teacher to ensure consistency and harmony in the classroom.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and school events as required.


~ Qualifications:

• Experience working with young children in a school or childcare setting.
• Interest in or willingness to learn Montessori philosophy; previous experience working in a Montessori classroom is a plus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build warm, respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Ability to speak English to support children’s communication and emotional needs; bilingual in Spanish is a plus.
• Ability to follow directions, accept feedback, and work collaboratively as part of a team.


~ Personal Qualities

• Deep joy in working with young children
• Calm, observant, and responsive to children’s needs.
• Reliable, flexible, and supportive
• Punctual, professional, and dependable
• Comfortable balancing caregiving, classroom support, and environmental maintenance.
• Committed to creating a peaceful, respectful, and joyful learning environment as part of a team.


~ Requirements & Conditions of Employment:

• Eligible to work in the U.S.
• At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
• 12 ECE units (or a commitment to actively work towards obtaining these units after hire).
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs. (the average weight of a preschool child), bend, squat, kneel, sit on the floor or low chairs, stand for periods of time, and move comfortably throughout a busy classroom and playground environment.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain certification).
• Clear criminal background check (fingerprinting required).
• TB & Health clearance.
• Fully vaccinated for Flu, Pertussis, and MMR to comply with California State Licensing (or willingness to get these vaccinations before starting work).
• Fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to comply with BCMS enhanced health and safety protocols (or willingness to get vaccinated before starting work).


~ Hours:

Full-time, year-round, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm


~Compensation:

Big City Montessori School uses a salary scale based on education and years of experience. The hourly rate for this position ranges from $18 to $25 per hour.


~ Benefits:
• Paid federal holidays.
• Holiday pay when the school is closed for breaks
• Health insurance
• Non-matching 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement towards obtaining 12 ECE units.
• Tuition discounts for staff children
• Opportunities for Montessori training
• Daily light snacks and coffee/tea provided.


~ How to Apply:

Big City Montessori School is an equal opportunity employer. Our school community values diversity across all dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ability, and more. We actively welcome and value the same diversity within our staff, ensuring that everyone feels respected and appreciated.

If you meet the qualifications, love working with young children, and are looking for a role where you can grow, make an impact, and be part of something meaningful, we'd love to hear from you!

*Please do NOT call about the job.

*Email cover letters and resumes directly to the Craigslist posting.