Assistant Two's Teacher

About the role

The Jennifer Barnum Early Childhood Education Center, a program of Congregation Beth Israel, is hiring two Assistant Two’s Teachers for classrooms serving children aged 24 months to 3 years. The positions begin in September 2026. Each classroom enrolls up to 10 children with a 5:1 child-to-teacher ratio. Classrooms are newly constructed with access to new materials and organizational support to maintain a high-quality program.

Responsibilities

• Attend to children’s daily needs including engaging developing brains, exploring curiosities, art projects, outdoor gross motor play, circle time, story time, and music time
• Support toilet learning in a classroom bathroom
• Prepare snack and assist children with lunches from home
• Change diapers and clothing as needed
• Assist the Lead Teacher with developmentally appropriate activities, curriculum, and art projects
• Help children with rest and sleep routines
• Take children on walks and to the playground for outdoor experiences
• Record all toileting, feeding, and naps in the parent communication app
• Assist with drop-off and pick-up
• Serve as a backup contact for parents when the Lead Teacher is unavailable
• Document special and fun moments for inclusion in newsletters and parent communications
• Track developmental milestones to create developmental profiles
• Support the Lead Teacher and collaborate as a team
• Perform basic classroom cleaning such as sterilizing dishes and toys and tidying surfaces

Mission

The Jennie provides high-quality early childhood care for children ages six weeks through five years in an inclusive, diverse community rooted in Jewish values. The program nurtures children’s development while supporting staff holistically. Families are invited to participate through classroom volunteering, parent education, and community events.

Philosophy

The program is guided by a child-led, play-based approach that uses observation and reflection to shape individualized and group curriculum. Teachers foster secure attachments through responsive caregiving, recognizing that safety and security are foundational to learning. Daily practices include art, creativity, and exploration aligned with Montessori, RIE, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia principles. Judaism informs a commitment to fostering curiosity, advocacy, and lifelong learning within a respectful, peaceful community.

Qualifications

• CPR/First Aid certified (organization offers certification options)
• Food Handlers card (available online)
• Completion of 20 semester credits in early childhood education or related field OR a one-year state-recognized credential such as a CDA for children 0–2 years old OR documentation of attaining at least an 8 in the Oregon Registry OR at least 1 year of documented experience in a certified childcare center working with infants and toddlers OR 6 months working in a certified childcare center with infants and toddlers AND completion of 10 semester credits in early childhood or a related field
• Ability to embrace and celebrate families and children from diverse backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Judaism and Jewish traditions
• Experience with toddler environments and toilet learning
• Working knowledge of toddler developmental milestones and needs

Additional Expectations

• Enthusiasm to participate as a team and collaborate with other teachers
• Respectful, reliable team member with punctuality and strong attendance
• Professionalism and kindness toward parents and children
• Adherence to codes of conduct that promote children’s wellbeing and community
• Physical ability to stand for long periods, kneel, squat while carrying children, bend over, get up and down from the floor regularly, and lift up to 30 pounds

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off in addition to closures for all major federal holidays, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and one week each for winter and summer breaks
• Competitive salaries and paid professional development opportunities, including teacher planning days and outside courses
• Commitment to equity and inclusion welcoming people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people of all faiths and religious backgrounds, and people of all abilities