Job Description

Join Our Team at ChildRoots 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?

ChildRoots, 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 ChildRoots truly outstanding.

About the Role
An Education Specialist at ChildRoots 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.

Compensation & Benefits

At ChildRoots, 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

2026-2027 School Year Wage Notice:

• In the 2026-2027 school year, ChildRoots 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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications & Requirements

To be considered for an Education Specialist role at ChildRoots, 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

Our Work Culture

At ChildRoots, 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 appreciated.

Join Our Team!

Apply today and become a part of one of Portland’s most inspiring childcare communities!

To work with us, you must be teacher-qualified and currently enrolled in Oregon's

These easy, online trainings are required within 30 days of hire:

The challenges of COVID reminded us how vital it is to center our employees’ well-being. We know we still have much to do to be the BEST place to work in child care in Portland, but that’s what we’re working toward.

All employees are eligible for:

• 1-3 weeks of Paid Time Off per year, depending on how long they've been with ChildRoots.
• 25 paid holidays and all-school days off
• Company-provided continuing education
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with generous company match and 100%, immediate vesting

Full-time employees are eligible to enroll in our insurance plans, including:

• Providence Health, including vision, naturopathic, chiropractic, acupuncture, AND massage
• Principal or Willamette Dental

We value commitment and invite you to stay with us for at least a year.

To learn more about us, explore our website , take a virtual tour of our facilities , and review our COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines .

We're a pro-vaccination community and require all employees and enrolled parents to be fully vaccinated against COVID . We still practice extraordinary safety protocols like daily health checks, masks, stable groups, and extra cleaning, and will do so for as long as it takes to keep our community safe.

Thank you for your consideration. We hope to hear from you!

Job Tags

Full time, Work at office, Immediate start, Monday to Friday, 1 day per week,

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