Substitute Teacher's Aide (Assistant Teacher)

Future Pathways Academy; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Future Pathways Academy in Portland, OR is seeking a caring Substitute Teacher's Aide (Assistant Teacher) to support the daily operation of the classroom for children ages 3–5, under the guidance of the Preschool Teacher.

You will assist with engaging activities, supervise children, help with routines, maintain a warm classroom, and partner with families and the Academy leadership to ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• Passion for early childhood education and growth.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and participate in activities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Preschool Teacher with developmentally appropriate activities.
• Supervise children during play, meals, and transitions.
• Maintain a clean, organized classroom and sanitize toys.
• Support family engagement and collaboration with staff.
• Follow Oregon licensing and safety procedures.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Patience

Flexibility

Ability to lift 40 pounds

Early childhood education interest

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDA credential or ECE coursework (preferred)

Job description

Substitute Teacher's Aide (Assistant Teacher)

Reports To: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employment Status: Full-Time or Part-Time

Position Summary

Future Pathways Academy is seeking a caring, energetic, and dependable Substitute Teacher's Aide (Assistant Teacher) to support the daily operation of the classroom and help create a safe, engaging, and nurturing learning environment for children ages 3–5. Working under the guidance of the Preschool Teacher, the Substitute Teacher's Aide assists with classroom activities, supervision, and daily routines, playing an essential role in creating a safe, engaging, and joyful learning environment while building strong relationships with children, families, and fellow team members.

Our Ideal Candidate

• Has a genuine love for working with preschool-aged children and believes every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported.
• Is patient, kind, nurturing, and encouraging.
• Builds positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Is dependable, flexible, and takes initiative with a positive attitude.
• Embraces feedback and continuous learning.
• Wants to help build a positive, inclusive culture where children, families, and educators thrive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Classroom Support

• Assist the Preschool Teacher in implementing engaging, developmentally appropriate classroom activities and learning experiences.
• Support small group and individual learning activities while encouraging children's independence.
• Reinforce classroom expectations using positive guidance techniques.
  

Child Supervision & Care

• Maintain active supervision of children at all times, including outdoor play, meals, rest time, and transitions.
• Assist children with handwashing, toileting, meals, and other daily routines while promoting independence.

• Help create a warm, welcoming, and emotionally safe classroom environment.

Classroom Environment & Child Development

• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom while assisting with sanitizing toys and materials.
• Support classroom documentation, child observations, and Academy technology systems as directed by the Preschool Teacher.

Family Partnerships & Team Collaboration

• Build positive relationships with families through welcoming interactions and respectful communication.
• Work collaboratively with Preschool Teachers, fellow Teacher's Aides, and Academy leadership.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and Academy events; demonstrate flexibility supporting other classrooms as needed.

Health, Safety & Licensing Compliance

• Follow all Academy policies and Oregon child care licensing requirements to maintain a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environment.
• Follow illness, medication, emergency, and incident reporting procedures and report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by Oregon law.
• Complete all required professional development and licensing training.

Qualifications & Certifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Passion for early childhood education and a genuine desire to support young children's growth and development.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a classroom team.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and actively participate in classroom activities throughout the day.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with young children in a childcare, preschool, or educational setting.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or coursework in Early Childhood Education.

Required Certifications & Compliance

• Successful completion of all required background checks and enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry.
• Pediatric CPR & First Aid (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Oregon Food Handler Card (if assigned food-related duties) and completion of required Oregon Health & Safety trainings.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and sit on the floor for extended periods.
• Frequently lift, carry, and assist children weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Maintain visual and auditory awareness of children and respond quickly to their needs, indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Equal Opportunity & Job Description Disclaimer

Future Pathways Academy is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This job description describes the general nature of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties; Future Pathways Academy reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as business needs evolve.