Montessori Toddler Lead Teacher
Dandelion Chinese Montessori Immersion Program — Job Posting
Department: Early Childhood / Chinese Immersion
Reports To: Head of School
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Job Summary
The Montessori Toddler Lead Teacher will create a nurturing, orderly, and language-rich prepared
environment tailored specifically for children ages 18 months to 3 years in our Toddler Classroom.
Operating under a Mandarin Chinese Immersion Program with English as an Additional
Language model, the Lead Teacher will conduct daily instruction, routines, and care entirely in
Mandarin Chinese while an English Teacher delivers English language lessons. This role balances
authentic Montessori pedagogy with a deep respect for early childhood development, helping our
youngest students build independence, physical coordination, and language fluency. To view a full
job description, see: Toddler Lead Teacher Job Description.
Key Responsibilities
• Prepared Environment & Pedagogy: Design and maintain a clean, beautiful, and safe
classroom environment that meets authentic Montessori standards for infants and toddlers.
Prepare, rotate, and maintain age-appropriate materials that support sensory, motor, and
cognitive development. Observe and track developmental milestones to adapt individual plans.
• Mandarin Language Immersion: Serve as the primary language model by communicating with
the children exclusively in clear, grammatically correct Mandarin Chinese. Integrate rich language
opportunities into everyday tasks, storytelling, songs, and functional routines. Introduce Chinese
cultural elements and seasonal traditions naturally into the classroom rhythm.
• Direct Care & Grace and Courtesy: Guide toddlers through foundational practical life skills,
including toilet learning, hand washing, dressing, and peaceful peer socialization. Establish
respectful, consistent daily routines for meals, outdoor exploration, and rest. Model Grace and
Courtesy to foster a calm, gentle community.
• Classroom Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and collaborate with assistant teachers, and other
staff to ensure complete consistency in Montessori principles. Maintain detailed, accurate
observation records and developmental progress logs for licensing and family review.
• Parent Partnership: Partner closely with families to support consistency between the home
environment and the classroom (e.g., weaning, sleeping habits, toilet learning). Conductprofessional parent-teacher conferences and provide regular, supportive communication
regarding child development.
Required Qualifications & Certifications
• Montessori Certification: AMI, AMS, or MACTE (Infant/Toddler) Certification, required.
• Language Proficiency: Native or near-native fluency in Mandarin Chinese alongside strong
functional, professional written and verbal English skills.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related
field required.
• State Licensing: Must meet all local and state child care licensing requirements (e.g.,
background checks, fingerprinting, CPR/First Aid certification, physical exam, and TB test).
• Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of experience leading or assisting in a Montessori
classroom or a professional infant/toddler care environment.
Desired Skills & Attributes
• A passion for the first three years of life and a deep understanding of the "absorbent
mind.
• A calm, warm, and stable physical presence with excellent emotional regulation skills.
• Strong collaborative spirit to build a unified workplace culture focused on pedagogical
excellence.
Dandelion Chinese Montessori School
Dandelion Chinese Montessori School is a premier Chinese Immersion Montessori program
opening in the Spring of 2027 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to combine
authentic Montessori pedagogy with immersive Chinese language acquisition to nurture
culture-confident, independent, and globally conscious young learners.
Compensation & Organizational Benefits
Dandelion Chinese Montessori offers a competitive salary package of $40,000-$50,000, tailored to
experience, plus performance bonuses, comprehensive healthcare/dental coverage, and dedicated
funds for continued professional development.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive professional resume, a cover letter
detailing their organizational philosophy, and a copy of their Montessori certification to:
