Early Childhood Support Teacher – Assistant, Break Support & Substitute

ChildRoots•Portland, OR

18d•$23 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

ChildRoots is hiring experienced early childhood educators for classroom support roles at its Southeast and Northwest Portland locations. The available roles include Assistant Teacher, Break Support Teacher, Full-Time Substitute Teacher, and On-Call Substitute Teacher. Assistant Teachers work with a consistent classroom team; Break Support Teachers cover approximately two to three classrooms during teacher breaks; full-time substitutes provide classroom coverage according to daily staffing needs; and on-call substitutes accept assignments as needed, without a regular or guaranteed schedule. Regular support roles are full-time, 40-hour-per-week positions scheduled Monday through Friday. On-call substitute scheduling is flexible and depends on staffing needs and availability. Southeast and Northwest classrooms serve children from infancy through age five; the Fremont location serves children approximately ages two through five. Support teachers work under classroom Lead Teachers and receive coaching, professional development, and support from managers. ChildRoots is a locally and woman-owned family of early childhood education centers serving Portland families since 2007. Its progressive, play-based approach emphasizes social-emotional development, curiosity, exploration, meaningful relationships, and respect for each child's individuality. Educators support children's confidence, emotional awareness, independence, investigation, and sense of belonging while contributing to stable, collaborative teaching teams. Starting compensation is $23.16 per hour for applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, regardless of prior experience or educational attainment. Additional compensation opportunities include standardized annual merit-based increases, annual Preschool for All wage adjustments when applicable, and long-term commitment bonuses for teachers who remain with assigned child cohorts. Benefits and eligibility may vary by employment classification and scheduled hours.

Requirements

Oregon Registry Online (ORO) Step 4 or higher.
At least two years of experience working in an early childhood education classroom.
Current enrollment in Oregon's Central Background Registry (CBR), or the ability to complete enrollment and obtain required clearance before beginning work.
Ability to meet applicable Oregon Office of Child Care qualification requirements and be teacher-qualified.
Understanding of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
Ability to work collaboratively, communicate professionally, and respond flexibly to classroom needs.
Active CBR number.
Complete applicable Oregon early childhood education training and certification requirements, including Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED certification through an accepted course; Oregon Food Handler Card; Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety; Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect; Prevention Is Better than Treatment; Safe Sleep for Oregon's Infants; and any additional required Oregon Safety Set training.
Employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with multiple age groups, including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Familiarity with play-based, inquiry-driven, or child-centered educational approaches.
Curiosity, initiative, adaptability, and a genuine appreciation for the capabilities of young children.

Responsibilities

Provide attentive, responsive care and educational support for young children.
Help maintain safe, welcoming, and engaging classroom environments.
Support developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences.
Encourage children's curiosity, independence, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth.
Collaborate with Lead Teachers and other classroom staff to maintain consistent routines and expectations.
Build positive, respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
Communicate effectively with classroom teams and school leadership.
Maintain classroom health, safety, supervision, and sanitation standards.
Participate in professional development, team meetings, and ongoing learning opportunities.
Adapt to the needs of different classrooms and age groups when assigned to a support or substitute position.
Provide classroom coverage during teacher breaks or based on daily staffing needs, depending on the assigned role.

Benefits

Medical and vision insurance, majority employer-paid for eligible employees.
Dental insurance, majority employer-paid for eligible employees.
Life insurance, 100% employer-paid.
401(k) retirement savings plan with generous employer matching; the plan is described as having immediate, 100% vesting.
Paid time off: 1–3 weeks per year depending on tenure, subject to eligibility.
Paid holidays and all-school days off; the posting also describes 25 paid holidays and a weeklong winter break, subject to eligibility.
Company-provided continuing education, ongoing training, coaching, and professional growth opportunities.
Standardized annual merit-based wage increases.
Annual Preschool for All wage adjustments, as applicable.
Long-term commitment bonuses for teachers who remain with assigned child cohorts.