Future Pathways Academy·Portland, Oregon
The Teacher's Aide assists the Preschool Teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate activities and maintaining a safe, nurturing learning environment. They are responsible for active child supervision, supporting daily routines, and fostering positive relationships with children and families.
Teacher's Aide (Assistant Teacher)
Future Pathways Academy is seeking a caring, energetic, and dependable 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 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.
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.
& 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.
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 &
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.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and a passion for early childhood education. The role requires the ability to lift up to 40 pounds and the completion of required background checks and health and safety certifications.
Market context
In Oregon, teaching assistant roles are often tied to early childhood and classroom support needs, especially for candidates with experience working with children ages three to five. These positions can be competitive because employers commonly look for a high school diploma or GED, with a CDA and child development knowledge preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm whether your preschool or early learning experience matches the posting before applying.
