Whee! Our approach is that the children are our priority, the parents/guardians are our customers, and the teachers are the superglue that hold everyone together. So when we support the teachers, everything else works out for the best.
Hello! My name is Meredith Sorensen (she/they). I am the lead teacher at Sunflower Preschool, and am focusing on cultivating a warm, welcoming, inclusive space for the children, team, and community.
My path into childcare has been circuitous. My earlier years were filled with long-distance hiking, biking and educational adventures. Then I followed my passion for compost and clean energy for a couple decades. Then I pivoted into the child care space in 2019 when we opened Mud Pies Preschool due to community need. We are building upon that experience by opening Sunflower Preschool in 2024. Along the way I’ve found knee pads to be a game changer on construction projects. I’ve also realized that they are incredibly helpful at giving spontaneous, child-height hugs. So if you see me wearing knee pads and lots of pockets, that’s what’s going on.
I am enjoying carrying a blend of all of these formative experiences into my role at Sunflower Preschool. When possible I like to splice in the other languages I speak (Malagasy, French and Spanish) through songs. When I’m not at the school(s) you can often find me doing a project with my partner, Gene, or biking around the neighborhood with our two young children.
Hello! My name is Isaiah-Zakai Spann, a creative soul with a passion for making a positive impact. I graduated from PSU with a specialization in developmental psychology, driven by a deep desire to understand and support children’s growth.
My professional journey includes valuable experience in foster care and ABA therapy facilitation. I am particularly enthusiastic about nurturing young minds and helping them thrive every day.
As a creative educator, I weave my passion for music into my teaching style to create engaging and impactful learning experiences. Beyond my background in developmental psychology and experience in foster care and ABA therapy, I like to think I bring a unique dimension to education through music. I truly believe in the power of music to inspire, motivate, and connect with children on a deeper level.
Let’s embark on this journey of learning and growth together!
Hello, my name is Katie-Lynn Austin, I use she/they pronouns and go by the name Katie. My role at Sunflower is evolving. I prepare meals and snacks for the children, help out when needed, and tidy up around the school to ensure health and safety for the children.
I have experience in working at a Montessori preschool for about a year, experience as a nanny, and I am the eldest of 6. I am very much excited to start working at Sunflower and making a positive impact in the community.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, singing, and playing with my animals. I’m very excited to begin this journey!
JOBSITE POSTING FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Sunflower Preschool, a play-based preschool in southeast Portland, opened in September 2024. At some juncture we will likely expand our team. If you adore children ages 2-5, enjoy spending time outdoors, and believe in play, we may be the place for you! Experience preferred but we are also willing to train the right person.
A strong candidate for this position believes in play- and child-directed learning, practices respectful communication toward children, trusts in children’s natural development, and is willing to learn and reflect as an educator. Additionally, this person is able to support children through conflict resolution and is comfortable with big emotions as a natural part of early childhood development. Also preferred: flexibility, positive attitude, and great sense of humor. There is no shortage of laughter when it comes to teaching little humans!
Program hours and shifts range between 7:15 am and 5:45 pm. We have a maximum of 16 children per day. We aim to develop long-term relationships with the team, children, and families. Evening meetings (paid) can occur up to ~2x/month. Occasional weekend and evening events may be required of staff up to 2-3 times per year. Must be able to commit to one year.
Job duties include: Supervising children, setting up and maintaining play spaces, supporting conflict resolution, providing social-emotional support, conducting observation and assessment, preparing food and cleaning up, completing diaper changes/supporting potty training, and communicating with team and families.
Must be able to meet physical demands: requires lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling up to 30 pounds on a frequent basis, and up to 50 pounds occasionally. Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking may be required. Stooping, squatting, bending, balancing, reaching, and use of hands may occur throughout the workday. Lifting and carrying children ages 2 to 5 years may also occur. Must be capable of working outdoors for 2-4 hour blocks of time in all types of weather.
WE OFFER:
• Starting pay $19/hr depending on experience
• Paid Holidays (after 90 days), including 3-4 full weeks of paid vacation
• Paid annual training and reimbursement for individual training (*approved by director)
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Monthly Team Meetings
• Partially paid health insurance benefits (after 90 days)
• Friendly co-workers, awesome families, super space and amazing children
REQUIRED (prior to employment):
- Enrollment in Oregon’s Childcare Central Background (CBR) Registry
- Foundations for Learning (FFL)
- Safe Sleep for Oregon’s Infants
- Prevention is Better Than Treatment
- Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (RRCAN) Training
- Pediatric CPR/First Aid certifications
- Food Handler’s Card
If you are interested in applying, please email your resume and a separate paragraph explaining why you would make a great fit for our program. Please include at least two references. Our interview/onboarding process includes:
- an initial screening interview (~20 minutes, phone)
- a working interview (~2-4 hours, paid, in person)
Thank you!