Alta Schoolhouse Early Childhood Teacher Lakeland, FL · Full time Company website

Apply for Early Childhood Teacher

Alta Schoolhouse is a Montessori inspired preschool serving children aged 2 through 5 years old. We will train, encourage, and empower our teachers by assisting in their continued growth and development always stressing the importance and meaning of their work. Alta Schoolhouse takes great pride in providing all staff members a positive work environment, beautiful classrooms and materials, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and competitive pay.

At Alta Schoolhouse, our teaching staff is central to creating a nurturing, inspiring, and developmentally appropriate environment. Lead and Assistant Teachers work together to support each child’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth while fostering independence, curiosity, and a love of learning. This document outlines the responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications of each role in a collaborative, Montessori-aligned classroom.

We are currently hiring for both lead and assistant teaching positions, based on experience, for our varying classrooms with children aged 2-4 years old.

Shared Classroom Expectations

All teaching staff are expected to:

• Maintain active engagement in the classroom — circulate, observe, and assist rather than remaining seated for long periods.
• Promote student independence, allowing children to choose materials and complete tasks while offering guidance.
• Ensure safety and supervision at all times; never leave children unattended or out of ratio.
• Model grace, courtesy, and empathy in all interactions.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues; support each other in classroom management and lesson implementation.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with parents via Brightwheel, email, or scheduled meetings.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and aesthetically pleasing classroom environment.
• Document student progress, incidents, and achievements consistently.

Lead Teacher Role

Purpose:

The Lead Teacher guides classroom operations, curriculum planning, and student development, while supervising and supporting Assistant Teachers to ensure high-quality learning experiences.

Responsibilities:

• Implement developmentally appropriate Montessori-inspired curriculum.
• Lead daily classroom management, maintaining a safe, engaging environment.
• Delegate tasks effectively to Assistant Teachers, including material preparation, facilitating any planned projects (e.g. art, science) and environmental upkeep (e.g bathroom cleanliness, student cubbies etc).
• Conduct regular observations and assessments of student progress; provide written reports quarterly.
• Maintain strong relationships with parents/caregivers; conduct conferences and check-ins as needed.
• Mentor and support Assistant Teachers through daily guidance.
• Ensure all classroom activities allow children to remain active and engaged, avoiding extended periods of sitting.
• Plan monthly curriculum, submitting supply lists for classroom materials on time.
• Uphold all Alta Schoolhouse policies regarding safety, discipline, and classroom conduct.

Requirements:

• 1+ years of Lead Teacher experience or equivalent in early childhood education.
• Montessori experience preferred.
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Completion of DCF Level 2 Background Screening.
• Completion of 40-hour DCF training prior to employment.

Assistant Teacher Role

Purpose:

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in all aspects of classroom management, curriculum implementation, and student engagement, ensuring a smooth and effective learning environment.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in implementing curriculum and daily lesson plans.
• Support classroom management, actively circulating and supervising students.
• Complete tasks delegated by the Lead Teacher, including material prep, environment setup, and cleaning.
• Maintain positive relationships with students and parents; communicate observations as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and collaborative planning sessions.
• Ensure students remain active and engaged, supporting Lead Teacher guidance.

Requirements:

• 1+ year experience in a childcare or early education setting preferred.
• Montessori experience or knowledge preferred.
• Completion of DCF Level 2 Background Screening.
• Completion of 40-hour DCF training prior to employment.