Mud Pies Preschool just celebrated its 5-year anniversary of operating a play-based preschool in southeast Portland. Come join our awesome team. If you adore children ages 2-5, enjoy spending time outdoors, and believe in play, we may be the place for you! Experience preferred but we are also willing to train the right person.
A strong candidate for this position believes in play- and child-directed learning, practices respectful communication toward children, trusts in children’s natural development, and is willing to learn and reflect as an educator. Additionally, this person is able to support children through conflict resolution and is comfortable with big emotions as a natural part of early childhood development. Also preferred: flexibility, positive attitude, and great sense of humor. There is no shortage of laughter when it comes to teaching little humans!
We are a certified family program and have a maximum of 16 children on site per day. Program hours and shifts range between 7:15 am and 5:45 pm. We aim to develop long-term relationships with the team, children, and families. Evening meetings (paid) can occur up to 2x/month. Occasional weekend and evening events may be required of staff up to 2-3 times per year. Must be able to commit to one year.
For this particular position we are looking to fill 25-30 hrs/week in the afternoons (imagine a 12:00-5:30pm schedule; we have some flexibility).
Job duties include: Supervising children, setting up and maintaining play spaces, supporting conflict resolution, providing social-emotional support, conducting observation and assessment, preparing food and cleaning up, completing diaper changes/supporting potty training, and communicating with team and families.
Must be able to meet physical demands: requires lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling up to 30 pounds on a frequent basis, and up to 50 pounds occasionally. Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking may be required. Stooping, squatting, bending, balancing, reaching, and use of hands may occur throughout the workday. Lifting and carrying children ages 2 to 5 years may also occur. Must be capable of working outdoors for 2-4 hour blocks of time in all types of weather.
WE OFFER:
Starting pay $19/hr depending on experience
Paid Holidays (after 90 days)
20 days per year of paid vacation
Paid annual training and reimbursement for individual training (approved by Director)
Paid Time Off
Paid Monthly Team Meetings
Partially paid health insurance benefits (after 90 days)
Friendly co-workers, awesome families, super space and amazing children
REQUIRED (prior to employment):
Enrollment in Oregon’s Childcare Central Background (CBR) Registry https://oregonearlylearning.com/providers-educators/providers-educatorscbr/#apply1
Foundations for Learning (FFL) https://occd.educadium.com/
Safe Sleep for Oregon’s Infants https://oregonearlylearning.com/providers-educators/professional-development/Self
Prevention is Better Than Treatment http://campus.educadium.com/OCCD/
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (RRCAN) Training https://www.ccdsmetro.org/child-abuse-training.html
Pediatric CPR/First Aid certifications https://www.ccdsmetro.org/cpr-classes.html
Food Handler’s Card https://www.ccdsmetro.org/food-handlers-training.html
If you are interested in applying, please email your resume and either a cover letter or the answers to these questions:
a) What is your interest and/or experience with play-based education?
b) Can you get to work reliably?
c) Where do you shine? Have you honed a skill working with children, or do you have special interests that you are excited to share with us?
Please include at least two references. Our interview/onboarding process includes:
an initial screening interview (20 minutes, via phone)
a longer, in-depth working interview (2-4 hours, in person)
Our website has a lot more information. Thank you for your interest in joining the Mud Pies Preschool community!