Associate Teacher - Head Start & Early Head Start (Multiple Positions)

Mt. Hood Community College; Gresham (OR); On-site; USD 26,945 - 29,880; Full time

Job summary

Mt. Hood Community College is seeking an Assistant Teacher to provide a developmentally appropriate learning environment for children. The role involves planning educational programs, maintaining records, and supporting children aged birth to 5 years, requiring a CDA Credential and experience. Candidates must possess strong communication skills and the ability to foster relationships with families. The position is located in Gresham, Oregon, with a salary range of $19.56 - $21.69 per hour depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience working with children age birth to 5 years.
• Minimum six months of experience working within an early childhood and/or elementary classroom.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting access and diversity.

Responsibilities

• Assists with planning and conducting the educational program and weekly curriculum.
• Maintains accurate and timely written and electronic records and reports.
• Supports daily observations and assists with data entry as needed.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Leadership and staff training

Organizational skills

Education

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

Infant/Toddler Professional Credential

Step 7 or higher in the Oregon Registry

Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities

Provides children with a developmentally appropriate learning environment in preparation for school success. Assists with planning and conducting the educational program, develops nurturing relationships with children, families, and partners, and encourages family engagement. Meets performance standards and follows agency licensing policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Essential Job Duties

• Assists with planning and conducting the educational program and weekly curriculum. Works directly with children individually and in small and large groups.
• Participates in the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) process for children with special needs and assists with implementing IFSP goals.
• Supports daily observations. Assists with taking notes, videos, and entering data as needed.
• Maintains accurate and timely written and electronic records and reports (i.e., meal counts, staff sign‑in, child attendance, etc.).
• Provides assistance with developmental screening and assessments for children.
• Develops partnerships with parents regarding their child/children.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, planning meetings, classroom team debriefings, and training.

Additional Duties

• Administers medications and diapers as needed.
• Assists teachers with conducting home visits and family conferences as appropriate.
• Assists in general upkeep of center facilities, equipment, and materials.
• Participates in regular training and technical assistance activities.
• Rides school bus as needed.
• Represents agency on various committees and projects as directed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
• A Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential (Infant/Toddler; Preschool)
• An Infant/Toddler Professional Credential through the Oregon Center for Career Development
• Step 7 or higher in the Oregon Registry
• Enrollment in a program to complete a CDA or equivalent within two (2) years of hire

Experience/Training:
• Minimum (1) year of experience working with children age birth to 5 years
• Minimum (6) months of experience working within an early childhood and/or elementary classroom
• Experience working with diverse backgrounds of the College’s community, students, and employees; demonstrated commitment to promoting access and diversity

Additional Qualifications

• Enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry prior to beginning employment and maintained throughout employment.
• Post‑offer fitness for duty evaluation obtained within 30 days of hire, including TB screening and health appraisal.
• Complete required Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) licensing within 30 days of hire.
• Current Infant/Child First Aid/CPR certification obtained within 60 days of hire.
• Current Food Handlers Certificate obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to work occasional evening hours as needed (e.g., parent meetings, home visits).

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Leadership and staff training.
• Organizational skills.

Abilities

• Apply understanding of developmentally appropriate activities for children.
• Meet and promote the social‑emotional, physical, and cognitive development needs of children.
• Provide and model best practices in early childhood education and facilitate team development.
• Problem‑solve.
• Multitask.
• Make sound judgments and demonstrate appropriate role modeling.
• Maintain full attention and awareness of children at all times.
• Work as a team member and self‑directed.

Knowledge

• Basic computer skills.

Working Conditions and Important Information

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs a distance of 10 feet; push/pull up to 50 lbs a distance of 10 yards; sufficient mobility and range of motion for repetitive standing, walking, balancing, stooping, bending, crouching, crawling, sitting on the floor, reaching, squatting, kneeling, and twisting for up to 8 hours per day; sufficient stamina to perform required duties; ability to react quickly to the physical actions of children; sufficient vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and eye‑hand coordination.

Exposure to Hazards

Unpredictable child and family behavior, hazardous chemicals, contagious conditions, work with office equipment; driving and riding in motor vehicles; indoor/outdoor preschool center classrooms, playgrounds, offices, frequent local and occasional out‑of‑town travel.

Salary Placement and Benefits

Initial salary placement is based on applicable education and/or years of relevant full‑time equivalent experience. Associate Teacher I (OSEA Range 9) – $19.56–$20.63 per hour (Infant/Toddler CDA). Associate Teacher II (OSEA Range 11) – $20.55–$21.69 per hour (Associate’s Degree).