New Toddler Montessori Assistant role at Spier Campus opening in 2026

Newberry House Montessori School is announcing an exciting opportunity for a Toddler Montessori Assistant at its brand-new Spier Campus, set to open in 2026 just outside Stellenbosch. This full-time role, from 07:30 to 15:30, involves supporting the lead guide with children aged 18 months to 3 years in an authentic Montessori environment. The school is seeking candidates with an Early Childhood Development qualification and experience with toddlers, preferably with a Montessori background, who are committed to the school’s values and Montessori principles. To apply for this specific teaching job, please submit a tailored cover letter and a detailed résumé to [email protected] with the specified subject line.

Vacancy details

• School Name: Newberry House Montessori School
• Campus: Spier Campus (a new campus opening in 2026), located just outside Stellenbosch. The school also has an existing campus at Lourensford Estate.
• Position: Toddler Montessori Assistant
• Age Group: Guiding children aged 18 months to 3 years.
• Working Hours: 07:30 to 15:30.
• Start Date: Expected for the new campus opening in 2026.
• Core Responsibilities:
  • Supporting the Toddler Guide in delivering authentic Montessori education, aligned with AMI standards.
  • Assisting with the upkeep of a well-prepared indoor and outdoor Montessori environment.
  • Facilitating real-life learning experiences for toddlers.
• Key Qualifications Required: A recognised Early Childhood Development (ECD) qualification for children aged 18 months to 3 years. A Montessori qualification is considered a significant advantage.
• Experience: Essential experience working with toddlers, with a preference for candidates who have Montessori experience.
• Compliance: Applicants must hold a valid police clearance and be legally eligible to work with children.
• Essential Skills & Values: The ideal candidate will demonstrate adaptability, strong interpersonal and communication skills, reliability, and the capacity to foster a nurturing learning environment. Alignment with Newberry House’s core values of authenticity, grace and courtesy, and lifelong learning, coupled with a commitment to continuous growth in applying authentic Montessori principles, is also crucial.

A simple summary of the vacancy

Newberry House Montessori School is currently looking for a dedicated Toddler Montessori Assistant to join its team at the brand-new Spier Campus, which is scheduled to open in 2026 near Stellenbosch. This role is fundamental in guiding children between the ages of 18 months and 3 years through an authentic Montessori education, ensuring adherence to AMI standards. The successful applicant will work from 07:30 to 15:30, actively supporting the Toddler Guide in maintaining a stimulating environment and facilitating valuable, real-life learning experiences.

The school is specifically seeking individuals with a recognised Early Childhood Development qualification suitable for this age group. While a Montessori qualification is seen as an advantage, prior experience with toddlers is a mandatory requirement. Beyond formal qualifications, the ideal candidate will exhibit strong personal attributes such as adaptability, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a high degree of reliability. A genuine ability to contribute positively to a nurturing educational setting is also highly valued. Furthermore, a deep commitment to applying Montessori principles and aligning with the school’s foundational values of authenticity, grace and courtesy, and lifelong learning is essential for this role. All prospective applicants must possess a valid police clearance and be eligible to work with children. This represents an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about early childhood education to be a part of a new and growing campus.

How to apply for this post

To be considered for this position, please follow these application steps:

• Email your complete application to [email protected].
• Ensure the subject line of your email is precisely “Spier Toddler Assistant Application”.
• Attach a concise, one-page cover letter. This letter should serve as a personal introduction, share your individual values, and explain your perspective on how Montessori education effectively prepares children for the complexities of today’s world. Please note that generic cover letters will not be accepted or considered.
• Include a comprehensive résumé that clearly outlines how you meet the required experience, skills, and abilities for this specific role. Your résumé must also provide contact details for three professional references.
• Newberry House Montessori School warmly welcomes applications from candidates who are truly inspired by Montessori education and are eager to guide children in their journey of lifelong learning.

Questions and answers for potential candidates

Here are some common questions a potential candidate might have, along with advice on how to be a preferred applicant:

• Q: What kind of experience are you looking for in an assistant?
  A: We are specifically seeking experience with toddlers (aged 18 months to 3 years). Montessori experience is highly preferred and will make your application stand out significantly. Please highlight any practical experience you have in this age group, especially if it involved Montessori principles.
• Q: Is a Montessori qualification absolutely essential for this role?
  A: While an Early Childhood Development (ECD) qualification for the 18-36 month age range is a requirement, a Montessori qualification is listed as an advantage, not a strict prerequisite. However, demonstrating a strong understanding and commitment to authentic Montessori principles is crucial for a successful application.
• Q: How important are personal values to my application?
  A: They are very important. Newberry House Montessori School highly values authenticity, grace and courtesy, and lifelong learning. Your cover letter should creatively articulate how your own personal values align with these, demonstrating that you have genuinely understood the school’s ethos.
• Q: My cover letter is usually quite standard. How can I make it unique for this role?
  A: Avoid generic statements. Instead, focus on including personal anecdotes or insights into how Montessori education uniquely prepares children for the modern world, as specifically requested in the application instructions. This will demonstrate critical thinking and a genuine interest.
• Q: What should I emphasise most in my résumé?
  A: Tailor your résumé to prominently highlight any experience working with toddlers, particularly within an educational setting. Explicitly list your ECD qualification and any Montessori training you may have. Detail skills such as adaptability, communication, and reliability, providing examples where possible.
• Q: How will my commitment to Montessori principles be assessed if I don’t have a Montessori qualification?
  A: Your cover letter is a key component here. You should discuss how you envision supporting an authentic Montessori environment and guiding children within that framework. Your responses during an interview would also provide an opportunity to explore your understanding and passion for the philosophy.
• Q: What does it mean to be “nurturing” in the context of this position?
  A: Being nurturing means providing a warm, supportive, and understanding presence for young children, encouraging their independence while ensuring their emotional and physical safety. Highlight experiences where you’ve demonstrated patience, empathy, and positive guidance.
• Q: What exactly does “maintaining a well-prepared indoor and outdoor Montessori environment” entail?
  A: This responsibility involves keeping the learning spaces tidy, organised, and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring all Montessori materials are accessible, complete, and in good repair, both indoors and in outdoor play areas. It also includes preparing the environment to meet the specific developmental needs of the toddlers.
• Q: Why is having three contactable references so important?
  A: References provide valuable external validation of your professional conduct, relevant skills, and overall suitability for the role. Ensure your referees can speak positively and credibly about your work with children and your adherence to professional standards.
• Q: Since the campus opens in 2026, when would I likely begin working if successful?
  A: The vacancy specifies “Spier Campus 2026,” which indicates the role is for the opening of the new campus. Therefore, the start date would be in 2026, most likely at the beginning of the academic year for the new facility.
• Q: Where can I find out more about Newberry House Montessori School?
  A: You can visit their official website at https://newberry.co.za/ to learn more about their philosophy, existing campus, and educational approach.
• Q: Are there other teaching jobs available at Newberry House or similar institutions?
  A: For more teaching jobs and opportunities, you can explore listings on SchoolClick.co.za, which often features a wide range of educational vacancies.

Institution details

Institution Name: Newberry House Montessori School
Website: https://newberry.co.za/
Campuses: Lourensford Estate (existing campus) & Spier Campus, just outside Stellenbosch (opening in 2026)