Teaching Support Staff

About the Role

Support Staff works Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day (unless hired as an on‑call Substitute), offering care and teaching for classrooms of children between the ages of zero to five years old at our NW and SE locations, and two to five years old at our Fremont location. All support staff roles are supported in the classroom directly by the direction of the Lead Teachers, while they are supported through coaching and learning opportunities via their direct managers.

• Assistant Teacher – working with a single classroom
• Break Support – working with multiple (2‑3) classrooms
• Substitute Teacher – (On‑Call or Full‑Time [FTE 1.0])

• 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. Support starts at $23.16/hour, regardless of experience or education.

• Standardized annual merit‑based raises and annual PFA 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
• Insurance plans include Providence Health (vision, naturopathic, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage) and Principal or Willamette Dental

• Provide care and educational support for the students.
• Foster a safe, engaging, and child‑centered learning environment.
• 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 a Step 4 or higher in the Oregon Registry Online (ORO) system.
• Be currently enrolled in Oregon's Central Background Registry.
• At least 2 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
  • Oregon Food Handler’s Card
  • Introduction to Child Care Health & Safety
  • Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect
  • Prevention is Better than Treatment
  • Safe Sleep for Oregon's Infants

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 recognize 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 appreciated.