Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Portland State University; Portland (OR); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Portland State University is seeking an Early Childhood Associate Teacher for its children's programs. The role includes guiding classroom personnel, planning educational activities, and fostering an inclusive environment for children aged six weeks to five years. The position offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including healthcare and tuition reductions.

Benefits

95% premium-paid healthcare

Retirement plan

Vacation

Reduced tuition rates

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in a certified day care or comparable group child care program.
• Experience with children aged 0-2 years preferred.

Responsibilities

• Guide and direct classroom personnel and communicate goals and objectives.
• Plan and implement a model program for young children and their families.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Cultural Awareness

Education

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Brief Description of PSU / School / Dept

Portland State University is Oregon's most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America's most dynamic cities. Our mission to "let knowledge serve the city" reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action - in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene, and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.

More than 27,000 students from diverse backgrounds bring unique perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We pride ourselves on our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research, and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement, and innovation.

Position Summary

The Helen Gordon Child Development Center (HGCDC) and Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center (HGITC) are full-day children's programs serving children aged six weeks to five years. Located on the PSU campus in downtown Portland, these centers provide model early childhood programs for the children of PSU students, faculty, staff, and the Portland community. They serve as a laboratory for students and faculty involved in observation, practice, and research in Early Childhood Education, Child, Youth and Family Studies, psychology, and related fields. HGCDC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The Early Childhood Associate Teacher (Lead Teacher) collaborates with a teaching team, including another Associate Teacher and/or an Assistant Teacher, in one of the classrooms.

• The Lead Teacher guides and directs classroom personnel, including PSU student aides, practicum students, researchers, and volunteers. They communicate goals, objectives, routines, and serve as a role model, demonstrating appropriate skills and techniques with young children. They also train PSU student employees and Assistant Teachers, and are primarily responsible for planning and implementing a model program for young children and their families.

Age group assignment will depend on the qualities of the selected candidates.

We are recruiting for three open positions.

Minimum Qualifications from Classification

• An Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development from a recognized program; OR
• A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; OR
• A minimum of twenty semester hours (thirty quarter hours) of college courses in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, plus one year of experience in a certified day care or comparable group care program; OR
• Two years of experience, including at least one year as a teacher, in a certified day care or comparable group child care program.

Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or equivalent.
• Experience working with a diverse population.
• Experience with children aged 0-2 years.
• Familiarity with approaches such as constructivist curriculum, Reggio-inspired, RIE, emergent curriculum, or project approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to create an environment that acknowledges and celebrates differences.
• Effective and respectful communication within diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Willingness to work and collaborate in multicultural, inclusive settings and seek continuous improvement.
• Adherence to PSU policies, including those on discrimination, harassment, and professional conduct.

Contribute to environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts.

Work Days / Hours

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Total Compensation Range & Benefits

The starting salary is between $18.18 and $20.55 per hour. This may be negotiable based on experience, skills, departmental budget, and HR approval. PSU offers an excellent benefits package, including 95% premium-paid healthcare, retirement, vacation, and reduced tuition rates for employees, spouses, or dependents at Oregon Public Universities.

Application Instructions

Please provide the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references.