Lead Teacher

Join Our Team at Child Roots Southeast – 50 SE 17th Ave, Portland, OR 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 is a small family of locally and woman‑owned childcare centers in Portland, Oregon. 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.

Lead Teachers 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. We currently have positions for:

• 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.

We value fair, predictable compensation. Lead Teachers have a competitive wage scale that starts at:

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

Additional benefits include:

• 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 week‑long 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.
• 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 and routine.

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

• 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).
• Have 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:

• 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.
• Introduction to Child Care Health & Safety (online).
• Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect (online).
• Prevention is Better than Treatment (online).
• Safe Sleep for Oregon’s Infants (online).

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. Teaching is more than 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 appreciated.

Child Roots is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, married status, or any protected characteristic.