SE Substitute

Join Our Team at Child Roots SE – 50 SE 17th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97214

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 Step 4+ Assistant Teachers [1.0 FTE (5 days/40 hours per week)] for our SE 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.

• 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. A Substitute Teacher starts at $22.27 an hour and, beginning on 07/01/2026, the rate will be moved to $23.16/hour.

• Standardized annual merit-based raises and annual PFA wage adjustments
• Long-term commitment bonuses to incentivize teachers to remain with their cohort
• Health and 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 group of children.
• Foster a safe, engaging, and child-centered learning environment.
• Support the Lead Teacher 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.

• 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 and Safety (online course)
  • Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (online course)
  • Prevention is Better than Treatment (online course)
  • Safe Sleep for Oregon's Infants (online course)