POSITION: Teacher / Montessori Guide 3 – 6 years
FULL TIME/PART TIME: Full Time Position
ACCOUNTABLE TO: LCH/LCS Programme Coordinator
LOCATION: Stellenbosch, South Africa
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send your CV and a cover letter to stella@sustainabilityinstitute.net.
Applications without a cover letter, or with a generic cover letter will not be considered. In the cover letter please highlight all relevant experience and qualifications you have in relation to this specific position, what attracts you to this position and the organization, and why you are the best candidate for the job.
Application Deadline: 17 April 2026
ORGANISATION BACKGROUND:
The Sustainability Institute is recognised as a leading institution in navigating the transition towards just and generative futures through education, research, and practice. Founded in 1999, the Institute is an international learning centre teaching, exploring and applying ways of being that are restorative. Our focus on children is centred within the Lynedoch Children’s House, Lynedoch Primary Schools and Lynedoch Youth programmes. We are an expert in learning experience design for transformative education in sustainability in the African context. We offer knowledge, skills and a physical space for designing transformative educational experiences anchored in sustainability. Our expertise includes research and advisory services, offering and implementing learning programmes in partnership with other organisations, and SI-led courses and workshops.
MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE:
The Lynedoch Children’s House (LCH) is an integral programme for the SI in achieving its mission and vision. The LCH serves the surrounding community and should be a flagship Montessori preschool that serves a lower-income community. The main purpose of the 3 – 6 guide is to provide a safe, nurturing and prepared space for the children ranging in age from birth to three years old. The guide role models appropriately and positively within the environment, and takes care of each individual child’s needs under the age of three. The guide does observations, plans lessons, and implements activities according to the child’s needs. They track and monitor progress on wellbeing (social, emotional. physical), and ensure that they review and refresh their knowledge and skills continuously.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The core areas of responsibility of the 3- 6 Guide include the following:
Environment:
- Ensure each child receives quality education through the environment being fully prepared.
- Uphold 3-hour work cycle – to provide opportunity for child to learn through exploration and a own pace.
- Presentations as per child’s needs are implemented daily.
- Environment is always prepared, neat and beautiful inside and out.
Record Keeping & Observations:
- Track children’s progress efficiently and consistently.
- Observations are done daily.
- Team meetings on children’s needs and progress held regularly .
- Progress reports are done twice a year.
- Complete all admin related to children such as attendance, reporting, note taking.
General:
- Maintain good communication with all team members and coordinator.
- Great relationship with parents upheld – communicating needs, child’s progress and sharing news.
- Meet with parents as per needs of child.
- Always positively role modelling, friendly, neat and welcoming to all visitors, staff and partners.
- Taking visitors etc. through LCH and representing LCH/SI in a professional manner.
- Attending staff development training, conferences, meetings and workshops.
- Responsible for ideas, planning and executing of parent meetings, workshops and involvement, Fundraising and outings
Since the Guide will be based on the SI premises certain non-core responsibilities are expected of him/her. Non-core areas of responsibility include:
- Keep SI surroundings free of litter.
- Attend staff meetings where necessary.
- Host students as part of ilima where necessary
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- AMI Montessori Certificate and/or Diploma in either 3 to 6 years .
- NQF Level 4/5 ECD.
- First Aid Level 1 (Paediatric).
- Experience with children in an educational capacity.
KEY ATTRIBUTES & COMPETENCIES:
- Ability to work individually and within a team.
- Ability to speak two of the following: Afrikaans, English and/or isiXhosa.
- Calm and nurturing personality and love for children.
- Ability to be flexible and be on their feet for hours at a time.
- Passionate, adaptable, committed to work, creative, trustworthy.
- Present, supportive and responsible, a positive role model, and professional manner.
Our School, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognizing and accepting this disclaimer.