Head/Associate Preschool Teacher(s)

Date posted: March 10, 2026

Pay: $68,000.00 - $82,000.00 per year DOE

Location: The Presidio of San Francisco

Company:
Playgroup is a vibrant and innovative Montessori school dedicated to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners. We are committed to Montessori pedagogy, focusing on care of self, care of others, and care of the environment where we continuously foster independence and a love of learning in children.

Job Description:
We are seeking  passionate and dedicated Montessori Teachers to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of the Montessori philosophy, a commitment to fostering children's independence and curiosity, and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and families. Playgroup gives training, internships and mentorship to its teachers and staff. This would be an excellent opportunity for a beginning Montessori professional. Compensation is based on relevant professional experience and educational background. Playgroup teaching candidates must be caring, joyful, and have a deep love for education with the ability to develop relationships with students, coworkers, and parents alike. Please note all careers at Playgroup require employees to be on-site 5x a week for a typical 8-hour shift.

Key Responsibilities for Head Preschool Teacher:

• Ability to plan or uphold the Montessori curriculum and lessons tailored to the developmental needs of children.
• Foster a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports each child's growth and learning.
• Observe, assess, and document children's progress, within Playgroup’s system in place.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with parents, providing updates on their child’s progress and addressing any concerns.
• Collaborate with fellow staff to ensure a cohesive, enriching program for all students.
• Uphold the principles of the Montessori philosophy and maintain the prepared classroom environment.
• Attend staff meetings, professional development sessions, and school events as required.

Job Requirements for Head Preschool Teacher:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Montessori Education, or a related field.
• Montessori certification from a recognized training center (AMI/AMS certification strongly preferred).
• Required: Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience in a school setting, with at least 12 Early Childhood Education units complete.
• Strong understanding of child development principles and the Montessori philosophy.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, parents, and community members.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.
• 12 ECE units required (completed and/or on-going).
• Current health/TB screening and required immunizations.
• DOJ clearance and fingerprinting.
• CPR/First Aid certification.

Key Responsibilities for Associate Preschool Teacher:

• Candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job.
• Assist the lead teacher in preparing and organizing materials for daily activities, including Montessori materials, art supplies, snacks and other learning resources.
• Observe children's behavior and progress, documenting observations to inform individualized lesson plans and adjustments to the curriculum as needed.
• Foster independence and self-directed learning by guiding children through the use of Montessori materials and promoting problem-solving skills.
• Help maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming classroom environment where children feel comfortable to explore and learn.
• Work closely with the lead teacher to plan and implement age-appropriate activities that align with the Montessori philosophy and curriculum goals.
• Establish positive relationships with parents and caregivers.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to deepen your understanding of Montessori principles and enhance your teaching skills.

Job Requirements for Associate Preschool Teacher:

• Bachelors Degree in ECE  (Preferred)
• 6-12 ECE units required (completed and/or on-going)
• Current Health/TB screening and required immunizations
• DOJ clearance/fingerprinting
• CPR/First Aid certification (ideal not required)
• Previous experience working with young children, preferably in a Montessori or early childhood education setting.
• Familiarity with Montessori philosophy and methodology is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and engage with parents.
• Patience, flexibility, and a genuine passion for working with children and supporting their holistic development.
• Education or training in early childhood education or Montessori education is a plus.

Application Process:
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and relevant professional references (if applicable) to ------------. In your brief cover letter, please explain your understanding of the Montessori pedagogy and how you would apply it in a preschool setting. If you are a good fit for our team, we will reach out via email to schedule a zoom interview. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We are looking to fill positions by Summer 2026.

Playgroup is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of employment. We welcome and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Job Type: Full-time/Part-time, In-Person

Pay Range: $68,000.00-$82,000.00 per year DOE

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

• San Francisco, CA 94129: Relocate before starting work (Required)