Careers at Higher Elevations Learning Place
Our Mission for Our Team
Higher Elevations Learning Place is a NE Portland early learning school for children from 6 weeks to 6 years. Kurt and Desi Hudson founded Higher Elevations to bring high-quality care to a part of the city where families needed more of it. We want every family to feel the comfort of home when they walk through our doors, and we want our teachers to feel that same sense of belonging.
Our name and our mountain logo come from the founders’ own climbs. Growth comes from reaching past what felt possible yesterday and from looking out for one another along the way. We hold our team to that standard, and we support each teacher as they grow.
The Heart of our Practice
In our program, we strive to keep the child at the core of everything we do, grounding our practice in child-centered reflection and Reggio-inspired approaches. Our Meadow classrooms, serving infants from 6 weeks to 24 months, also draw from Montessori influences and RIE principles.
We approach learning through playful inquiry, giving children the space to investigate questions that matter to them. Our teachers thoughtfully prepare the environment and the path for exploration, creating opportunities for engagement that is deep, meaningful, and sustaining.
As a teacher at Higher Elevations, you observe children at the center of their play and exploration. You make meaning of your observations with families and colleagues. Then you plan your next steps with intelligent materials that invite and evoke curiosity. You document children's learning in photos, portfolios, and learning stories that families can follow. In our younger Meadow rooms, you offer calm, respectful care and give babies space to move and explore at their own pace. In our mixed-age Cascade classrooms for ages 3 to 5, you lead with inquiry and explore children's theories. Anti-bias practice and Habits of Mind, like persistence and flexible thinking, are part of every day. Songs help children through transitions and big feelings alike.
What makes us Different? Practice makes Purpose.
Higher Elevations is a close community where teachers, families, and leadership know one another well. Our leadership partners with teaching teams to support and further the curriculum. Families also partner with teachers in every child's growth. Two of our teachers recently traveled with our leadership to New Zealand to study early learning, a trip our families helped make possible. What they brought home is now part of our classrooms.
Here's what you can expect:
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A child-centered program where your observations shape what happens next
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A monthly Community of Practice where our teaching team learns and reflects together
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Leadership that knows your classroom and takes an interest in your children's projects and your approach
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Families who partner with you through conferences, portfolios, and daily Brightwheel updates
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A multilingual community where children's cultures and home languages are honored
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School-wide singalongs, family events, and neighborhood partnerships that bring everyone together
What Your Day Looks Like
Your day begins at 8:00 a.m. as families arrive and children settle into the room. Teachers work in a co-lead model, with assistants who are learning the field and developing their practice alongside the teachers. You'll observe children, offer materials, guide small groups, and care for children through meals, rest, and outdoor play. You'll capture moments for each child's portfolio, share updates with families through Brightwheel, and connect with parents at drop-off and pickup.
What We Offer
Our teachers are the heart of Higher Elevations.
Professional Development. A monthly Community of Practice with your fellow teachers is built into the school year to realign and strengthen your classroom teaching.
Who We're Looking For
We look for educators who meet Oregon's child care licensing requirements and who believe children learn best when they are trusted to lead. Warmth, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning matter most to us.
What's Required
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At least 18 years old
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Ability to meet the Oregon Child Care Licensing Division qualifications for your role
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Enrollment in Oregon's Central Background Registry, which includes a background check
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Completion of Oregon's required orientation and health and safety training, including Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety, Safe Sleep for Oregon Infants for infant-room teachers, an Oregon food handler card, and pediatric CPR and First Aid
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Ability to get up and down from the floor, work at a child's height, and safely lift and carry young children as the role requires
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Authorization to work in the United States
What We Prefer
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Early childhood education coursework, a CDA or a degree, or a willingness to pursue them
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Experience with infants, toddlers, or children ages 3 to 5
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Familiarity with Reggio-inspired, Montessori, or RIE practices
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Spanish or Vietnamese language skills are welcome but not required
Professional Qualities
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Close observation and thoughtful documentation of children's learning
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Clear, warm communication with children, families, and teammates
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Respect for each family's culture and home language
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Reliability, professionalism, and a strong work ethic
Personal Qualities
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Belief in children as capable, curious, and competent learners
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A team-first attitude and a good sense of humor
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Willingness to refine leadership skills
Hear From Our Team
“It's rare to work somewhere that you genuinely love and enjoy every single person in the building. I have never felt so seen, safe, and embraced at a workplace before. The community here is nothing short of magic. And the precious kiddos are the cherry on top!”
Teacher Madison | Mt. Hood Bears | Preschool Teacher, 4 months with Higher Elevations
“What I like most about working as a teacher at Higher Elevations is being part of the children's curiosity as it develops into an interest they feel passionate about. As a teacher, having the freedom to develop a curriculum based on the children's interests and allowing them to guide me through this journey is inspiring and rewarding. I'm honored to be part of their development.”
Teacher John | Mt. Rainier Hawks | Preschool Teacher, 5 months with Higher Elevations
“I love working at Higher Elevations because I feel so accepted and like I truly belong here. I feel valued by the children, our community, and our staff, and I see that same kindness and acceptance given to others. People are welcomed for who they are, and I'm really grateful to be part of a community that gives so much back.”
Teacher Destiny | Mt. Baker Chickadees | Preschool Teacher, 1 year and counting with Higher Elevations
“One of the sweetest joys of teaching here for so many years is reconnecting with former students through their younger siblings and having the privilege of being part of their families' journeys once again. It truly feels like family.”
Teacher Lissette | Meadow Teacher for Huckleberries, ages 18–24 months | 5 years at Higher Elevations
“Higher Elevations is a welcoming, expansive environment where all team members' strengths are recognized and valued and where we hold each other up when difficulties arise. Though I am brand new, I feel embraced by this group of educators who are truly passionate about this work. Teachers share knowledge and skills with each other generously and care deeply about the care we provide during these crucial periods of child development. Working with older toddlers (2.5–3 years) is both joyful and challenging, and I feel supported by my fellow teachers and administrators in guiding these children toward preschool readiness and encouraging the development of values such as care, kindness, and community.”
Teacher Jude | Strawberry Mtn. Bluebirds | Younger Preschool Teacher, 1 month at Higher Elevations
Open Positions
Now Hiring: Meadow Teacher for Huckleberries (18–24 months)
We're looking for a teacher with toddler experience to join our Meadow team. If you love working with children ages 18 to 24 months and want to grow in Montessori and Reggio-inspired practices, we want to hear from you.
Always Accepting Applications
We're always glad to meet educators who love working with young children. If Higher Elevations sounds like your kind of place, get in touch and we'll keep your information on hand as positions open.
How to Apply
Interested in an interview or have questions? Call 503-255-1056, text 503-433-3078, email info@help-pdx.com, or visit 12029 NE Ainsworth Circle, Portland, OR 97220.