Support Teachers – Join the ChildRoots Team

ChildRoots is a small, unionized, locally and woman-owned family of three childcare centers in Portland, Oregon. We view children as authentic, capable individuals, and our mission is to nurture their social and emotional development while fostering a deep sense of wonder about the world around them. Our thoughtfully designed, child-centered classrooms spark curiosity and encourage exploration, but it is our dedicated teachers and support staff who make ChildRoots truly exceptional.

ChildRoots NW is located at 1740 NW Flanders St, Portland, Oregon, 97209

  • Apply here to become a Support Teacher with our Northwest location!

ChildRoots SE is located at 50 SE 17th Ave, Portland, Oregon, 97214

  • Apply here to become a Support Teacher with our Southeast location!

ChildRoots Fremont is located at 2401 NE Fremont St, Portland, Oregon, 97212

  • No Current Openings.

Position Overview

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Support Staff to join our team. These positions provide care and education services for infants (0 month to 23 months), toddlers (24 months to 35 months), and preschool-aged children (36 months and older), ensuring continuity of care and fostering secure, meaningful relationships. Our teachers guide children through an environment rich in sensory experiences, play-based learning, and early social-emotional skill building. Given the importance of consistency in care, we are seeking a candidate who can commit to at least one year in this role.

There are three types of Support Staff roles with ChildRoots:

  • Classroom Assistant: Classroom Assistants work Monday through Friday, eight hours a day, working closely with a single group of students under the direction of a Lead Teacher.

  • Break Support: Break Support work Monday through Friday, eight hours a day, working closely with a dedicated team of 2-3 classrooms. They provide coverage for meal and rest periods, planning time, meetings, and time off.

  • Substitute: Substitutes provide coverage for others on their days off, including Leads, Classroom Assistants, Break Support, and the center Chef. There are two types of Substitutes:

    Full-Time: Monday through Friday, eight hours per day, with a guaranteed 40 hours per week.

    On-Call: May work any day of the week (Monday through Friday) for up to eight hours per day and obtained between 0 to 40 hours per week.

Qualifications & Requirements

To be considered for a teaching role at ChildRoots, applicants must meet one of the teacher-qualification criteria, set by the Office of Child Care requirements. 

To be considered for a role at ChildRoots, applicants are enrolled in Oregon's Central Background Registry with a minimum Step 4 for Assistant roles.

Oregon’s Safety Set Trainings and other certifications are also REQUIRED to be considered for a role at ChildRoots:

Compensation & Benefits

All Support Staff start at $22.27/hour for any Support Staff role.

In the 2026-2027 school year (rate effective 7/1/2026), the starting rate for the Support Staff roles will adjust to $23.16/hour.

Please note: Current wage structure is based on PFA wages and is subject to PFA adjustment per annum.

We offer standardized annual raises and long-term commitment bonuses, ensuring transparency and fairness—there is no need for negotiation or uncertainty about your compensation.

We recognize that educators deserve support, appreciation, and financial security. Our 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, a weeklong Spring Break, and long weekends
✅ Professional Development Opportunities – Supporting ongoing education and OCC training requirements

Our Work Culture

At ChildRoots, we prioritize the well-being of both children and educators. We strive to foster a supportive work environment where teachers feel seen, valued, and encouraged. We deeply appreciate the dedication and effort our staff bring each day and are committed to offering stability, emotional support, and a positive workplace culture.

We Look Forward to Meeting You!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH US?

Please take a virtual tour of our facilities and, when you’re ready to apply, complete our quick and easy online application.

Thank you, and stay well!

Updated 06/02/2026 (LR)