Extended Day Coordinator - job 2 of 3

To qualify for the Extended Day Coordinator role at Guidepost Montessori in Kirkwood, you should have experience working with young children (ages 0-6), a valid negative TB test or willingness to have one prior to starting, and a valid CPR certification or willingness to obtain it. Optimal candidates are also available from 9 AM to 6 PM, ready to foster an enriching learning environment!

As an Extended Day Coordinator at Guidepost Montessori in Kirkwood, you can expect competitive pay, health benefits, including dental and vision insurance, paid time off, and substantial tuition discounts for your children at any school in our network. We believe in providing a supportive environment that values your contributions and empowers your professional journey.

Incorporating Montessori principles requires creating an engaging environment tailored to children's needs. As you answer, focus on how you would prepare spaces, select materials, and facilitate independent exploration. Illustrate your ability to observe children and provide individualized support, keeping the essence of Montessori education at the forefront.

When discussing your experiences, use a specific example where you identified a challenge a child faced and detail your approach in guiding them through it. Focus on the strategies you used—such as providing encouragement or altering the environment—and how they contributed to the child's success, highlighting the importance of patience and observation.

Highlight the importance of building relationships in a mixed-age setting by emphasizing strategies like differentiated learning, peer collaboration, and active observation. Share how you would foster community and respect, encouraging older children to model behaviors for younger peers, creating a vibrant culture of learning.

In your response, discuss your approach to creating lesson plans that are engaging, flexible, and aligned with Montessori principles. Emphasize including a variety of activities, both individual and collaborative. Mention strategies for incorporating children's interests and how you would adapt plans based on the children's evolving needs.

Talk about the importance of environment in a Montessori setting. Discuss your specific habits and routines for maintaining order and cleanliness, such as regularly scheduled clean-up times, teaching children responsibility for their space, and setting a positive example. Your answer should convey how a clean environment enhances learning.

Mention the importance of observation in a Montessori classroom, and discuss techniques like anecdotal records and checklists that you would use to track and assess each child's development. Emphasize the need to be systematic and objective in your observations, ensuring they inform your teaching strategies.

Address conflict resolution strategies, focusing on encouraging children to express their feelings and communicate their needs constructively. Discuss the role of mediation in helping children navigate disagreements, guiding them toward solutions while fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.

Express the vital role that the Extended Day Coordinator plays in promoting independence, confidence, and a love for learning in children. Discuss how you would support individual growth, encourage exploration, and nurture a safe and inclusive environment to help children flourish in all aspects of their development.

Reflect on your alignment with Guidepost Montessori's mission and values. Discuss your passion for progressive education and how the Montessori approach resonates with your philosophy of teaching. Highlight your desire to join a welcoming community dedicated to fostering children's independence and personal growth.

Share your commitment to fostering strong relationships with families. Discuss various communication methods you would employ—like regular updates, parent-teacher meetings, and encouraging informal conversations—showing that you value their engagement in their child's learning journey.