Lead Preschool Teacher

McMinnville Playschool is a cooperative preschool rooted in play, relationships, curiosity, and community. Families are active participants in the life of the school, volunteering in the classroom and supporting the program alongside the teacher. Because of this cooperative model, our classroom has very low child-adult ratios, allowing for meaningful relationships, individualized support, and a calm, connected learning environment.

We are looking for someone who understands young children deeply, values play as meaningful learning, and can build strong relationships with both children and adults.

About the Role

This is a part-time, school-year position for someone who is excited to lead a small, joyful early childhood program rooted in play, relationships, and family community.

The Teacher will lead our three-day-per-week preschool program and our two-day-per-week parent-child toddler program. This role includes planning and facilitating play-based learning experiences, supporting children’s social-emotional development, working alongside families in the classroom, and mentoring and guiding parent volunteers as they support children’s play, learning, and daily routines.

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

Has experience teaching young children in a preschool, child care, or early learning setting

Believes children learn through play, exploration, relationships, and hands-on experiences

Can create a warm, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment

Communicates clearly and kindly with families

Is comfortable working in a parent-participation/cooperative model

Can guide parent volunteers in the classroom with clarity, warmth, and confidence

Values diversity, inclusion, and respect for all family structures and identities

Can support children through conflict, big emotions, problem-solving, and social development

Is organized enough to manage the practical pieces of a classroom program

Works well both independently and collaboratively with a board of directors

Responsibilities Include:

Planning and facilitating a play-based preschool curriculum

Preparing the classroom environment and materials

Supporting children’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and creative development

Communicating regularly with families

Guiding parent volunteers during classroom time

Partnering with the board on classroom needs, family communication, school events, and program support

Supporting a positive, inclusive, and connected school community

Helping families understand the value of play-based learning and cooperative participation

Qualifications

Required

Experience working with preschool-aged children, including children with disabilities

Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice

Ability to lead a busy classroom with warmth, flexibility, and calm

Ability to supervise, guide, and support parent volunteers with warmth, clarity, patience, and respect

Ability to be physically active throughout the school day, including moving around the classroom and outdoor play areas, getting down to children’s level, lifting or carrying classroom materials, and supporting busy young children

Commitment to inclusion, equity, anti-bias practice, and respectful relationships with children and families

Current Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification, or ability to obtain before the start of the school year

Current Oregon mandatory reporter training, or ability to complete before the start of the school year

Enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry, or ability to enroll before the start of the school year.

Preferred

Degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Development, or a related field

Experience in a cooperative preschool, parent-participation program, Reggio-inspired, constructivist, emergent curriculum, or play-based setting

Experience mentoring, coaching, or supporting adults in a classroom or volunteer setting

Knowledge of anti-bias education and inclusive classroom practices

Experience collaborating with early childhood support professionals, such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavioral specialists, early intervention providers, or developmental specialists

Familiarity with child care licensing expectations

Schedule and Compensation

Schedule: School-year position, with exact days and hours to be determined
Location: McMinnville Playschool in McMinnville, Oregon
Compensation: Dependent on experience and qualifications

To Apply

Please complete our online application form: Lead Teacher Application

Questions? Please email Teressa at teressa@mcminnvilleplayschool.com