NW Break

Join Our Team at Child Roots NW - 1740 NW Flanders St, Portland, Oregon, 97209

Are you an experienced early childhood educator looking to inspire young minds and build lasting connections? Do you believe in fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity in children while working in a supportive, co‑teaching environment?

Child Roots, a small family of locally and woman‑owned child care centers in Portland, Oregon, is seeking Break Support Teachers [1.0 FTE (5 days/40 hours per week)] for our NW location. Since 2007, our progressive, play‑based schools have focused on guiding children’s social and emotional development while encouraging exploration and inquiry. Our awe‑inspiring classrooms are designed to provoke curiosity, but it is our teachers who make Child Roots truly outstanding.

A Break Support Teacher at Child Roots works Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, offering care and teaching for multiple classrooms. This role is perfect for educators who:

• Value collaborative classroom environments that focus on child‑led learning and inquiry.
• Have a strong understanding of child development and pedagogy theory.
• Are passionate about mentoring young learners and guiding them through social and emotional development.

At Child Roots, we value fair, predictable compensation. Starting wage begins at $19.10/hour and is eligible for an increase based on Steps level:

• Steps 1 - 6 = additional $0.05 per step (between $0.05-0.30 total)
• Steps 7 - 11 = additional $0.10 per step (between $0.40-1.00 total)

And:

• Standardized annual merit‑based raises and annual wage adjustments
• Long‑term commitment bonuses to incentivize teachers to remain with their cohort

• ✅ Health & Vision Insurance – majority employer‑paid
• ✅ Dental Insurance – majority employer‑paid
• ✅ Life Insurance – 100% employer‑paid
• ✅ 401(k) Retirement Plan – Generous company match
• ✅ Paid Time Off – Including holidays, a weeklong Winter Break, and professional development opportunities

• Provide primary care and educational support for a consistent set of classrooms.
• Foster a safe, engaging, and child‑centered learning environment.
• Support the classroom primary teachers to design and implement developmentally appropriate activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, ensuring clear and supportive communication.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and contribute to a positive workplace culture.

To be considered for a Teacher role at Child Roots, applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in Oregon's Central Background Registry (or begin the process and complete it upon receiving confirmation)
• Meet the teacher‑qualification criteria as outlined by the Office of Child Care requirements, which may include:
  • Previous experience in a structured child care environment.
  • Completion of college‑level courses in early childhood education‑related subjects.
    • Degree in Early Childhood Education (or equivalent) preferred.
  • Complete Oregon’s Safety Set Trainings and required certifications:
    • Pediatric CPR/First Aid Course (hybrid or fully in‑person)
    • Oregon Food Handler's Card (online course)
    • Introduction to Child Care Health & Safety (online course)
    • Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect (online course)
    • Prevention is Better than Treatment (online course)
    • Safe Sleep for Oregon's Infants (online course)

These easy, online trainings are required within 30 days of hire:

• Pediatric CPR/First Aid Course
• Oregon Food Handler's Card
• Introduction to Child Care Health & Safety online course
• Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect online course
• Prevention is Better than Treatment online course
• Safe Sleep for Oregon's Infants online course

At Child Roots, we believe that children are authentic, powerful individuals. Our mission is to guide their social and emotional development and to foster a sense of wonder about the world around them. We know that teaching is more than just meeting physical needs—it is about understanding each child’s unique experience and supporting them on their journey. We also understand that a successful…