Infant Teacher

About Curious Minds Preschool & Daycare

Curious Minds is one of the premier Google-rated preschools in Portland, boasting an impressive 5-star rating from our families. We're a modern daycare and preschool serving children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. Under new ownership, we're growing rapidly and committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where children thrive through play, exploration, and structured learning. Join our dynamic team and help shape the next generation in a warm, supportive community that's setting the standard for early childhood education in the area.

Job Summary
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Infant Teacher to work with babies from 2 months to 2 years old. In this lead role, you'll have autonomy in planning daily routines, providing responsive care, and supporting early developmental milestones, while fostering a safe and nurturing classroom atmosphere. If you love nurturing the youngest learners and promoting sensory, emotional, social, and physical growth from the earliest stages, this is the perfect opportunity to make a difference.

Key Responsibilities
Child Development and Care

• Plan and implement age-appropriate activities promoting sensory exploration, motor skills, emotional bonding, and basic cognitive development for infants.
• Conduct regular observations of infants’ progress and maintain developmental records.
• Adapt caregiving methods to meet individual needs, including those of infants with special needs or varying temperaments.
• Foster a nurturing, inclusive classroom environment encouraging attachment, comfort, and gentle exploration.

Environment and Resource Management

• Design and arrange the classroom layout to facilitate safe play, rest, and caregiving while ensuring infant safety.
• Select and organize age-appropriate materials and resources, such as soft toys, mobiles, and sensory items, to support daily routines.
• Conduct regular safety checks, including sanitation of toys and equipment, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations for infants.
• Manage classroom budget for supplies and materials, if applicable.

Communication and Collaboration

• Establish regular communication with parents (e.g., newsletters, emails, apps) to share updates on feeding, sleeping, and developmental milestones.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss infants’ progress and address concerns.
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan and implement center-wide events or themes suitable for all ages.
• Participate in team meetings to discuss classroom needs and share best practices.

Leadership and Professional Growth

• Mentor and guide aides in their professional development, with a focus on infant care techniques.
• Participate in ongoing professional development (e.g., workshops, courses) related to infant care and early development.
• Stay current with research and best practices in infant and toddler education.
• Contribute to the center’s professional learning community by sharing knowledge.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (preferred).
• At least 2 years of experience in an infant or early childhood setting, with lead teaching experience a plus.
• Strong understanding of infant development principles and responsive caregiving methods.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (infant-specific preferred) and background check required (or willingness to obtain).

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience, including 1.5x hourly for overtime.
• Healthcare, dental, vision insurance, 401k, bonus incentives.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Supportive work environment in a rapidly expanding school.
• Employee discounts on childcare services.

If you're ready to join a top-rated, growing preschool and nurture our youngest learners every day, apply now! Please submit your resume and cover letter through really. We look forward to welcoming you to the Curious Minds family!

Curious Minds Preschool & Daycare is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a Central Background Registry (CBR) number?
• Please list contact info for 2 references who can speak to your work experience

Ability to Commute:

• Sherwood, OR 97140 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $20