Portside Learning Center

Sneak Peek! Something Extraordinary Is Taking Shape at Portside

For weeks, children have been creating, teachers have been painting, and auction pieces have been quietly taking shape behind the scenes.

In just a few days, it will all be revealed.

Next Wednesday, June 3, our Portside community will come together for an evening celebrating creativity, childhood wonder, and the incredible work of our children and teachers.

More than 700 masterpieces created by Portside children

The debut of The Portside Collection — one-of-a-kind furniture and keepsake pieces created through collaboration, creativity, and hundreds of little hands, fill those bid sheets!

🎤 Our first-ever LIVE AUCTION featuring our very own Ms. Karina as Auctioneer and Mr. Eric as Portside's official "Vanna White", with special pieces and experiences.

What could possibly happen when you hand a microphone to Ms. Karina and put Mr. Eric in charge of showcasing auction items?

✨ Join us Wednesday night and find out. ✨

Every bid helps support an incredible opportunity: sending Portside teachers to the NAEYC National Conference in Washington, D.C. this December.

📍 1364 Washington Avenue (just 2 miles from Portside). Enter through the front door of the North Deering Congregational Church and head downstairs, look for the Art Show signs.

Art Show & Silent Auction: 5:30–7:00 PM

Live Auction Begins: 7:00 PM

We can't wait to celebrate with you and have you see all your children have been doing.

Give them a call and book early !

It’s finally (Maine) spring, time to pick up the brush again. Reach out today to get a quote!

🌿 We’re Hiring at Portside Learning Center! 🌿

We’re growing—and looking for the right people to grow with us.

Portside Learning Center is hiring:
✨ Team Toddler Teacher
✨ Team Early Preschool Teacher

This isn’t just a job. It’s a place where:
✔️ Your team shows up for you on the hard days
✔️ You’re supported, respected, and valued
✔️ You’re part of a true work family
✔️ You get to spend your days outside, in all seasons, with incredible children

For over 40 years, Portside has built a community where children, families, and educators thrive—and our parent community is something really special.

💛 We’re looking for someone who:

Loves to have fun
Is team-oriented and positive
Brings a “can-do” attitude
Wants to be part of something meaningful

💰 $19–$23/hour (depending on experience)
📍 Portland, Maine

✨ Benefits include:

Medical & Dental
Paid Holidays, Vacation & Earned Time Off
401(k)
Monthly Bonus (based on MRTQ level)
Paid training & ongoing professional development

No perfect resume required—we’re willing to train the right person.

If you’ve been looking for a place where you’re truly supported… this might be it.

📩 Message us, email us [email protected] or call us at 207-712-6055 to learn more!

 I can’t wait to hear from you

Team Toddler Teacher

Portside Learning Center is seeking a dedicated Team Toddler Teacher to join our collaborative, nature-based early childhood education program. This role is ideal for someone who is warm, responsive, and grounded in developmentally appropriate practice with toddlers.

At Portside, we believe in learning through connection, movement, and outdoor exploration. Our team works together to create a calm, respectful environment where toddlers can grow with confidence and curiosity.

What You’ll Do
Help plan and implement daily curriculum activities using The Creative Curriculum, aligned with the Maine Early Childhood Learning Guidelines. Create a warm, structured, and engaging environment that supports toddlers’ social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Model best practices in positive guidance, language development, and child-led play. Build strong relationships with families through ongoing, professional communication. Mentor supporting staff to ensure consistent, high-quality teaching practices.

Maintain a consistent schedule within our operating hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00am–4:45pm

Collaborate with your team to support daily routines and classroom flow. Participate in daily outdoor learning experiences in all seasons
What We’re Looking For Someone who loves to have fun and brings positive energy to the classroom.
A strong team player looking for a true work family that supports one another. A “can-do” attitude—we are willing to train the right person. Someone who understands that while some days are hard, we show up and support each other. Commitment to professionalism and building strong relationships with families
Our parent community is truly special—we value educators who embrace that connection. Willing and able to complete a federal background check.

Benefits
Medical & Dental Insurance
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
Paid Earned Time Off
401(k)
Monthly Bonus (based on MRTQ level)
Paid Training & Ongoing Professional Development

We would love to hear from you give us a call. You won’t regret your decision.

🌿 We’re Hiring at Portside Learning Center! 🌿

We’re growing—and looking for the right people to grow with us.

Portside Learning Center is hiring:
✨ Team Toddler Teacher
✨ Team Early Preschool Teacher

This isn’t just a job. It’s a place where:
✔️ Your team shows up for you on the hard days
✔️ You’re supported, respected, and valued
✔️ You’re part of a true work family
✔️ You get to spend your days outside, in all seasons, with incredible children

For over 40 years, Portside has built a community where children, families, and educators thrive—and our parent community is something really special.

💛 We’re looking for someone who:

Loves to have fun
Is team-oriented and positive
Brings a “can-do” attitude
Wants to be part of something meaningful

💰 $19–$23/hour (depending on experience)
📍 Portland, Maine

✨ Benefits include:

Medical & Dental
Paid Holidays, Vacation & Earned Time Off
401(k)
Monthly Bonus (based on MRTQ level)
Paid training & ongoing professional development

No perfect resume required—we’re willing to train the right person.

If you’ve been looking for a place where you’re truly supported… this might be it.

📩 Message us, email us [email protected] or call us at 207-712-6055 to learn more!

Team Toddler Teacher

Portside Learning Center is seeking a dedicated Team Toddler Teacher to join our collaborative, nature-based early childhood education program. This role is ideal for someone who is warm, responsive, and grounded in developmentally appropriate practice with toddlers.

At Portside, we believe in learning through connection, movement, and outdoor exploration. Our team works together to create a calm, respectful environment where toddlers can grow with confidence and curiosity.

What You’ll Do
Help plan and implement daily curriculum activities using The Creative Curriculum, aligned with the Maine Early Childhood Learning Guidelines. Create a warm, structured, and engaging environment that supports toddlers’ social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Model best practices in positive guidance, language development, and child-led play. Build strong relationships with families through ongoing, professional communication. Mentor supporting staff to ensure consistent, high-quality teaching practices.

Maintain a consistent schedule within our operating hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00am–4:45pm

Collaborate with your team to support daily routines and classroom flow. Participate in daily outdoor learning experiences in all seasons
What We’re Looking For Someone who loves to have fun and brings positive energy to the classroom.
A strong team player looking for a true work family that supports one another. A “can-do” attitude—we are willing to train the right person. Someone who understands that while some days are hard, we show up and support each other. Commitment to professionalism and building strong relationships with families
Our parent community is truly special—we value educators who embrace that connection. Willing and able to complete a federal background check.

Benefits
Medical & Dental Insurance
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
Paid Earned Time Off
401(k)
Monthly Bonus (based on MRTQ level)
Paid Training & Ongoing Professional Development

A beautiful day in the Portside forest 🌿

Our annual Easter Egg Hunt brought together our entire community—moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and of course, our little ones. With over 2,000 eggs stuffed and hidden by our teachers, the forest was filled with excitement, laughter, and discovery.

But what matters most to us are moments like these—parents connecting, conversations happening along the trail, families slowing down together in nature while children explore and play.

This is a huge part of our “why.”

Portside is more than a program—it’s a community. And days like this remind us just how special that is 💛❤️🐰❤️🐰❤️