NW Infant​/Toddler Education Specialist Portland

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 childcare centers in Portland, Oregon, is seeking, an Education Specialist [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.

An Education Specialist at Child Roots works Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, offering pedagogical expertise and management of multiple classrooms and those classrooms' teachers. This role is perfect for those 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.
• Value developing their team's professional experience and knowledge base.

At Child Roots, we value fair, predictable compensation. Starting wage begins at $22.50/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

• In the  school year, Child Roots NW is projected to become a part of the Preschool for All (PFA) program. At that time, the role of Education Specialist will have their wages adjusted to the PFA wage scales:
• Step 10 = $29.42/hour
• Step 9 = $25.01/hour
• Step 7-8.5 = $22.67

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
✅ 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 an Education Specialist 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 childcare 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)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an ECE educator with expertise with infants and toddlers
• Minimum of 1 year experience in administration and management

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…