Preschool Assistant

Thriving Wildflowers is looking for a Preschool Assistant who is excited to join a team right from the beginning and grow with us. We are looking forward to providing training and experience to help you meet your career goals and gain teacher status!

Currently hiring for part time only . We are open to anywhere from 10-30 hours a week on average with the option to join the substitute list and pick up extra shifts outside of your normal schedule.

Desired days Wednesday - Saturday.

$18-22/hr depending on experience, education, and certifications.

Who we are:

We are a home-based community preschool opening this spring in the Woodstock neighborhood. We are inspired by a variety of respectful childhood education styles including Reggio Emilia, RIE (Magda Gerber’s Respectful Infant Educarer philosophy), Montessori, Waldorf, and even gentle parenting. Our focus is on play-based learning and creating a respectful environment for children and adults alike. We nurture growth through opportunities for exploration and spend a lot of time outside!

Who you are:

You will be a great fit for Thriving Wildflowers as someone who genuinely enjoys exploring the world with children ages five and under. You are familiar with and eager to learn more about respectful early childhood education philosophies and play-based learning. You are a collaborative person who is eager to grow your career in early childhood development. You believe it truly takes a village to raise a child and are enthusiastic about being part of a preschool community that includes parents and other family members.

Your Experience and Skills:

• You have experience working with kids under five years old. Preference is given for experience with groups of three or more children at a time, and caring for children in a mixed age setting.
• You have some experience helping lead a variety of activities such as art, science, nature, cooking, lifeskills, and movement.
• You are comfortable working in a collaborative setting including cooperating with and following instructions from the Teacher or Director on duty.
• You are comfortable adapting to meet the needs and interests of both individual children and the group as a whole.
• You have some familiarity with and are dedicated to embracing respect-based early childhood education philosophies to build an inclusive, community based learning environment for children and families.
• You can maintain a calm, reassuring presence even in sometimes loud or chaotic situations.
• You consistently model respectful interactions for children and are comfortable guiding them in learning to interact respectfully with one another, our equipment, environment and community as a whole.
• You are comfortable communicating with children, staff, parents, and other community members, both verbally and in writing, under the guidance of the Teacher or Director.
• You have good critical thinking skills and are able to delegate tasks and ask for assistance as needed.
• You are a naturally curious person who wants to continue learning and growing.
• You may have additional skills and interests such as playing an instrument, being multilingual, or knowing a specific craft that you are interested in sharing with our pre-school community. We love to incorporate the skills and interests of our community members, including staff.
• Preference will be given to candidates with French language skills of a conversational level or higher.

Benefits:

• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation
• Staff discount
• Free training including First Aid/CPR, other trainings required to meet Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care requirements, and annual continuing education requirements
• Access to additional professional learning funds to support your long-term career growth
• Paid Leave Oregon for short term disability and parental leave
• Roth IRA offered through OregonSaves for retirement saving

Requirements:

Must meet Assistant I requirements as defined by the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (ODELC) upon hire. Must also be able to meet Assistant II requirements within 90 days of employment*. Requirements include:

• Be at least 18 years of age;
• Be registered or willing and able to become registered at the Central Background Registry;
• A current approved certification in first aid and infant and child CPR within 90 days of employment;
• A current food handler certification before serving food and within 30 days of employment
• CCLD (Child Care Licensing Division) approved training on child abuse and neglect; health and safety; and safe sleep within 30 days of employment.

*Fees associated with required training will be covered by Thriving Wildflowers.

Apply now!

To apply, please email your resume to . You may also call or text Jeanne Anderson at 971-221-8227 with questions.

Thriving Wildflowers is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming work environment regardless of age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 30 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Portland, OR 97206: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person