Assistant Preschool Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Little Root Preschool | North Portland, Oregon
Full-Time | 35 hours per week

Little Root Preschool is looking for a warm, dependable, active, and engaged  Preschool Assistant Teacher to join our small, nature-based, play-centered program serving children ages 2–4.

This position is ideal for someone who loves working with young children and also enjoys making whole food meals for children.

Children attend Tuesday–Friday, but this is a  Monday–Friday position , as Monday is dedicated to food preparation, grocery shopping, inventory, and classroom preparation.

Our home-based preschool serves 15 children with a team of four teachers. We have two classrooms of approximately 7–8 children, each with two teachers. During open play and other parts of the day, the groups come together.

We place a strong emphasis on relationships, rhythm, outdoor play, and respectful guidance. Because we are a small program, every staff member is an important part of our classroom community.

About the Position

This is a hands-on role working alongside classroom teachers to support children's development, the daily rhythm of the program, and the overall care and operation of the school.

Responsibilities include:

• Child Development & Classroom Support: Actively engage with children ages 2–4; support social-emotional development, play, transitions, group activities, outdoor play, rest time, and respectful behavior guidance. Record observations and communicate incidents or concerns to the teaching team.
• Meals & Kitchen: Prepare daily meals and snacks, grocery shop, manage food inventory, organize supplies, and maintain a clean and efficient kitchen. We are looking for someone who is  quick, organized, and confident in the kitchen and enjoys preparing healthy meals for young children.
• Classroom & Program Support: Help prepare materials and learning environments, maintain classroom organization and cleanliness, and assist with daily routines and nap/rest coverage.
• Hygiene & Self-Care: Support children with diapering, toileting, handwashing, dressing, and other personal care routines in a respectful, age-appropriate manner while encouraging growing independence.
• Teamwork & Professional Practice: Communicate and collaborate closely with teachers, follow health, safety, food service, and licensing requirements, and contribute to a warm, inclusive environment for children and families.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Is

• Warm, patient, playful, dependable, and genuinely enjoys young children
• Experienced and knowledgeable about children ages 2–4 and developmentally appropriate practice
• A strong team player who communicates openly and follows through on responsibilities
• Efficient and organized, particularly when managing kitchen and classroom responsibilities
• Comfortable being active throughout the day and participating in outdoor play
• Curious and committed to growing as an early childhood educator
• Respectful of different cultures, identities, family structures, and perspectives
• Comfortable contributing to all aspects of a small preschool program

About Little Root

Little Root is a small, relationship-based preschool where teachers have the opportunity to truly know the children they work with. Our program is inspired by Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, emergent curriculum, nature-based education, and developmentally appropriate practice.

We value children's curiosity, creativity, independence, and sense of belonging. We believe young children learn through meaningful relationships, play, movement, nature, and hands-on experiences.

We also value our teachers and strive to create a supportive environment where staff can bring their own strengths, ideas, cultures, and interests into the classroom while continuing to grow professionally.

If you are looking for a preschool where relationships matter, teachers work closely together, and you can be an active part of children's everyday lives, we would love to hear from you.

Required Qualifications

• Oregon Registry Online (ORO): Currently enrolled in ORO and completed training equivalent to Step 4 or higher
• Experience: At least 6 years of professional experience working with young children, preferably in a preschool or early childhood setting
• Education: Some Associate-level college coursework, preferably in Early Childhood Education, or currently enrolled in an ECE college program
• Child Development: Demonstrated understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice for children ages 2–4
• Kitchen Skills: Comfortable and efficient preparing meals for a group of young children and managing grocery shopping, food inventory, meal preparation, and kitchen cleanup
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to actively participate in the physical activities of a indoor/outdoor preschool classroom, including running, crawling, jumping, squatting, hiking, and safely lifting and carrying children weighing up to 40 pounds
• Licensing: Must be able to meet Oregon child care licensing requirements, including required background checks and clearances