[Maria Sorokina]

🌱 Preschool Assistant & Assistant Director

Sequoia Montessori School | Palo Alto

We are looking for a special, committed, and growth-oriented educator to join our Montessori community as a Preschool Assistant (ages 2.5–6), with shared assistant-director responsibilities alongside the school owner.

This is a unique position, ideal for someone with Montessori training who is eager to gain hands-on classroom experience while also learning how a small, high-quality Montessori school is thoughtfully run.

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About Our School

Sequoia Montessori is a small, relationship-centered Montessori school rooted in respect for the child, independence, and authentic Montessori practice.

We value:

• Calm, prepared environments

• Individualized learning

• Strong attachment and trust between adults and children

• Collaboration, reflection, and professional growth

Our intentionally small classrooms allow educators to truly know each child and support their academic, social, and emotional development.

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Responsibilities

Classroom & Child Support

• Support the Lead Guide in the Montessori classroom (ages 2.5–6)

• Prepare and maintain a calm, orderly, and inviting Montessori environment

• Observe children carefully and respond to individual needs

• Support independence, concentration, and social development

• Assist with daily routines (arrival, meals, outdoor time, transitions)

• Model respectful, warm, and consistent interactions

• Support children emotionally, especially during moments of challenge or transition

Collaboration & Community

• Work closely with the Lead Guide and school owner as part of a small, trusted team

• Communicate thoughtfully with parents when needed

• Support school events, field trips, and community activities

• Uphold and support the school’s educational mission and policies

Assistant Director Responsibilities (Shared)

• Share selected administrative and organizational responsibilities with the school owner

• Support licensing compliance and daily operational needs

• Assist with documentation, communication, and school organization

• Learn the behind-the-scenes work of running a small licensed Montessori school

This role is ideal for someone who wants to grow into leadership while remaining deeply connected to children and the classroom.

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Requirements

• 12 ECE units

• 3 ECE units in administration

• Minimum 4 years of experience working in a licensed daycare or preschool

• Montessori training (AMI / AMS or equivalent) preferred

• Experience with or strong interest in Montessori philosophy

• Warm, reliable, reflective, and emotionally attuned

• Comfortable working in a small team and taking initiative

• Desire to grow professionally and take on responsibility

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Compensation

Starting salary: $35 per hour
Compensation may increase based on experience, qualifications, and expanded responsibilities.

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Ideal Candidate

This position is ideal for someone who:

• Loves working with young children and believes in respectful education

• Wants hands-on classroom experience and insight into school leadership

• Is curious about how a small Montessori school operates

• Values community, trust, and meaningful relationships

• Is looking for a long-term professional home, not just a job

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📩 Interested candidates are invited to reach out with a resume and a brief note about their Montessori background and what draws them to this role.

We look forward to welcoming someone who will grow with our children—and with our school. 🌿