Lead Infant Teacher

OverviewThe Treehouse: a Forest Garden School is a Waldorf-inspired program that operates as a Center through the Early Learning Division while emphasizing outdoor learning in a Forest School setting. The Saplings and Oaks outdoor classroom forms the core of the daily experience. The school focuses on helping children learn to love themselves, others, and the earth by engaging the head, heart, and hands of each child.We offer a nature-based curriculum and an immersive outdoor experience in our Forest Garden on a 1/3 acre. Students participate in natural and handmade toys, daily activities such as yoga, painting, finger plays, music, and gardening. We serve ages 6 weeks through 6 years: Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, and Kindergarten.Compensation:40 hrs Paid Time Off + 2 Weeks during the Summer.All Co-teachers and Lead Teachers are salaried, receiving 23 paid days off a school year.$50/month Health Reimbursement (often used for healthcare premium).$100/annual Gear Reimbursement.Pay brackets are available for various positions.Lead Teachers receive a $150 monthly bonus.Teacher cupboard stocked monthly according to requests and budget approval (examples: herbs, supplements, tea, vitamins, kombucha, elderberry syrup).One week of paid Staff Development: teacher training, stress management, and self-awareness training.50% off tuition for employee dependents (ages 6 weeks – 6 years) if space allows; contract and financial aid protocols apply. Preference given for a child to enroll in a classroom different from their parents.Commitment: A minimum of 1-year commitment for Co-Teachers and 2-year commitment for Lead Teachers.Available Positions:All position wages are based on the 2025-2026 Teaching Staff Pay Brackets. The 2026-2027 Teacher Pay Brackets will be updated here once released.Full Time Lead Infant Teacher (Acorn Class: infant-23 months)Requirements: Infant "Teacher" qualification and a minimum of 2 years of classroom infant care experience plus leadership experience. Preferred: RIE experience/training and Waldorf experience/training.M-F: 8-4pm.Start: Training in the first week of June; full-time for Summer camps starting June 23rd.Salary based on schedule: $23/hr + $150 monthly additional benefit. Rate may increase for 26-27.The teaching staff are salaried, receiving 34 paid vacation days during school closures, front-loaded 40hrs of PTO, $50/month HRA gear benefits, and 50% off of teacher training and school tuition for employees' dependents (ages 6 weeks – 6 years). A sample salary agreement is available.Full Time Toddler Co-Teacher (Sapling Class: 2-3s)Requirements: Toddler "Teacher" qualification and a minimum of 1 year of classroom toddler experience.M-F 8:30-5pm.Start: Training in the first week of June; full-time for Summer camps starting June 23rd.Salary: Schedule-based; $20/hr (rates may increase for 26-27).The teaching staff are salaried, receiving 34 paid vacation days during school closures, front-loaded 40hrs of PTO, $50/month HRA gear benefits, and 50% off of teacher training and school tuition for employees' dependents (ages 6 weeks – 6 years). You can view a sample salary agreement.Substitute Teacher (All classes)On-call and pre-scheduled shifts.$20-$23/hr depending on experience and education. See the 2025-2026 On-Call Substitute Teacher Pay Brackets and Roles Outlined.Consider joining our Substitute Collective.Required certificates (may be obtained upon employment)Pediatric CPR and 1st Aid CertificateOregon Food Handlers CardEnrollment in the Background RegistryIntroduction to Child Care Health and Safety (ICCHS)Safe Sleep TrainingFoundations for LearningRecognizing Child Abuse and NeglectAdditional RIE infant training may be obtained after hiringBasic Physical RequirementsPhysical ability to lift and carry children and equipment: Up to 40 lbs; able to lift 13-40 lbs regularly depending on class.Ability to move safely over uneven terrain.Ability to respond quickly to sounds and to dangerous situations.Ability to work outdoors in all weather for up to 8 hours; follow the wind-heat chart and consider heat/cold sensitivity.Exposure to illness-causing bacteria and viruses; strict sickness policy in place but caregiving roles involve higher exposure risk. Consider health status before applying.Knowledge of and/or experience in RIE, Waldorf early childhood, and Forest School is highly valued. All teachers must be "Teacher Qualified" through the Early Learning Division.Application InstructionsPlease email required application materials to desirae.thetreehouse@gmail.com with the subject line indicating the position (e.g., Oak Co-Teacher, Acorn Lead Teacher Applicant or Substitute).Note: Applications will be dismissed if not complete. Do not call the school to follow up.Application Materials Include:ResumeNames and contact information for three work/teaching-related referencesCover letter addressing: responsibilities alignment, integration with Waldorf emergent curriculum, Forest School/outdoor education experience, and how your interests could enrich the program. For Infant care, include knowledge/experience of RIE.After an interview, qualified applicants will demonstrate the ability to foster a healthy working environment through a working interview.Websitewww.thetreehousenurseryandpreschool.orgAbout The Treehouse: A Forest Garden SchoolThe Treehouse is a nonprofit Waldorf-inspired program for children 6 weeks to 6 years, established in 2010. The school moved to a dedicated center in 2021 and sits on a 1/3 acre near Portland, Oregon. The core aim is to cultivate curiosity within a secure, beautiful, creative, and wonder-filled environment, engaging the head, heart, and hands of each child. The program supports the child, family, and community, with plans to introduce adult education through community workshops. It provides a state-certified indoor classroom and a fully equipped outdoor classroom in a forest garden, with outdoor learning in all weather for up to 6.5 hours per day. The Forest School Summer Program serves the same age range. The Treehouse strives to give back from its resources and to steward its environment.J-18808-Ljbffr