Lead Teacher

Join Our Team at Child Roots NW

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 Lead Teachers for our Northwest location. Since 2007, our progressive, play-based schools have focused on guiding children's social and emotional development while encouraging exploration and inquiry.

About the Role

Lead Teachers at Child Roots work Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, offering care and teaching for classrooms of children between the ages of zero to five years old. Lead Teacher roles include:

• Infant Lead Teacher, ages zero to two at our SE and NW locations
• Toddler Lead Teacher, ages two to three
• Preschool Lead Teacher, ages three and up

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.
• Can lead and direct a classroom of students and support staff.

Compensation & Benefits

At Child Roots, we value fair, predictable compensation. Lead Teachers have a competitive wage scale which starts at:

• Step 7-8.5: $24.86/hour
• Step 9-9.5: $28.18/hour
• Step 10+: $33.15/hour

And receive:

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

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

Responsibilities

• Provide primary care and educational support for a consistent group of children.
• Foster a safe, engaging, and child-centered learning environment.
• Design and implement developmentally appropriate activities, lesson planning, and curriculum.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, ensuring clear and supportive communication.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
• Act as a professional role model for support staff.
• Direct all support staff within your classroom to ensure smooth operations, classroom function, and routine.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Be a Step 7 or higher in the Oregon Registry Online (ORO) system
• Be currently enrolled in Oregon's Central Background Registry (or begin the process and complete it upon receiving confirmation)
• At least 4 years of experience in an ECE classroom setting.
• 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)

Our Work Culture

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 school depends on supported, valued educators.

Our workplace culture emphasizes stability, emotional support, and a collaborative environment where every teacher is seen and…