Stepping Stones Early Learning Center is seeking a passionate, energetic, and dependable Teacher Assistant to join our mixed-age preschool classroom serving children ages 3–5 years.
We are looking for more than someone to supervise children—we are looking for an educator who loves building relationships, fostering curiosity, and creating meaningful learning experiences each day.
At Stepping Stones, our mission is to provide a safe, loving, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to learn.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Meet one of the Oregon Office of Child Care teacher qualification pathways:
One of the following is required:
- Completion of 20 semester credits or 30 quarter credits in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college or university; OR
- A state or nationally recognized one-year credential in Early Childhood Education; OR
- At least 750 hours of qualifying teaching experience in a certified childcare center; OR
- Completion of 10 semester credits or 15 quarter credits in Early Childhood Education and at least 6 months of qualifying teaching experience in a certified childcare center.
Applicants must also:
- Be eligible for enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry.
- Be available to work between 7:00 AM and 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
- Be able to lift up to 40 pounds and actively participate in classroom activities both indoors and outdoors.
- Commit to a minimum of one year of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Oregon Registry Online (ORO) member.
- OCC-approved Health & Safety Training.
- Current First Aid/CPR Certification.
- Experience working in a licensed childcare or preschool setting.
- Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is someone who:
- Has a genuine passion for early childhood education.
- Loves engaging, playing, and learning alongside children every day.
- Takes initiative and looks for ways to help without waiting to be asked.
- Can confidently assist in leading a classroom of up to 16 children alongside another teacher.
- Maintains a positive attitude and works well as part of a team.
- Is dependable, flexible, organized, and professional.
- Builds positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
- Is committed to creating a classroom where children feel safe, respected, and excited to learn.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assist in implementing our school-wide curriculum while adapting activities to meet the developmental needs of individual children.
- Foster a nurturing, safe, and engaging classroom environment.
- Supervise children using active supervision techniques that meet Oregon licensing requirements.
- Lead and participate in small group activities, circle time, centers, outdoor play, and classroom routines.
- Teach and reinforce classroom expectations using positive guidance and logical, age-appropriate consequences.
- Complete classroom observations and developmental documentation.
- Accurately document meals, attendance, and other required information in Brightwheel.
- Assist with meal preparation, serving meals, and classroom cleanup.
- Supervise playground activities while maintaining active engagement and safety.
- Build positive relationships with families through daily communication.
- Participate in parent conferences, staff meetings, and ongoing professional development.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
- Follow all Oregon Office of Child Care licensing regulations and Stepping Stones policies and procedures.
- Assist throughout the center as needed to support children, staff, and daily operations.
Our Culture
At Stepping Stones, every teacher plays an important role in shaping a child's early learning experience.
We believe great teachers:
- Teach expectations consistently.
- Engage with children rather than supervise from the sidelines.
- Work as a team.
- Take initiative.
- Create joyful learning experiences.
- Treat every child with kindness, patience, and respect.
If you're looking for a center that values relationships, teamwork, and high-quality early childhood education, we'd love to meet you!
Pay: Up to $18.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- 1. Are you currently enrolled in Oregon's Central Background Registry (CBR)?
- 2. Which position are you qualified for?
- 3. How many hours of experience do you have working in a certified childcare center?
- 4. Do you meet at least one Oregon Teacher qualification requirement?
- 5. Are you currently certified in Pediatric First Aid and CPR?
- 6. What age group do you have the most experience working with?
- 7. How many years of childcare experience do you have?
- 8. Why do you enjoy working with young children?
- 10. Our program focuses on calm environments, individualized supports, positive guidance, and strong relationships with children. Does this teaching philosophy align with your approach?
- 11. Are you available Monday–Friday during operating hours of 7:00 AM–5:30 PM?
- 13. Are you seeking a position where you can commit for at least one year?
- 14. What do you believe is the most important thing a child should experience each day in childcare?
Work Location: In person
