Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Portland State University; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Portland State University seeks an Early Childhood Lead Teacher for the Helen Gordon Child Development Center. This position involves leading classroom activities, training staff, and ensuring a positive learning environment for children aged six weeks to five years. The ideal candidate will possess relevant educational credentials and experience in early childhood education, with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

95% premium paid healthcare

Generous retirement and vacation package

Reduced tuition rates for employees and dependents

Qualifications

• One year of experience in a certified day care center or comparable group care program.
• Preferred BS degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Experience working with children 0-2 years old.

Responsibilities

• Guide and direct Early Childhood Assistant Teachers in classroom activities.
• Train PSU student employees and facilitate observations.
• Plan and implement a model program for young children.

Skills

Communication

Team Collaboration

Cultural Competence

Education

Associates degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please list the names, telephone numbers and email addresses for three professional references.

Position Announcement

Proposed Start Date

Proposed Start Date 06/16/2025

Classification Title

Classification Title Early Childhood Asso Teacher

Working Title

Working Title Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Department

Position Number

Position Number D92129

Representation

Representation OP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503

Position FTE

Position FTE 1.0

End date, if applicable

Position Summary

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 all backgrounds bring diverse 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 are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.

Position Summary

Helen Gordon Child Development Center ( HGCDC ) and Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center ( HGITC ) are full-day children’s programs for Portland State University, serving children aged six weeks to five years. Located on the PSU campus in downtown Portland, the Centers provide model early childhood programs for the children of Portland State University students, faculty and staff, and the Portland community. The Centers are a laboratory for students and faculty participating in observation, practice and research activities 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) works collaboratively as a member of a teaching team with another Early Childhood Associate Teacher and/or an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher in one of the Center’s classrooms.

The Early Childhood Associate Teacher guides and directs the Early Childhood Assistant Teacher and other classroom personnel including PSU student classroom aides, practicum students, researchers and volunteers; and integrates them into the planned activities; communicates goals, objectives, limits and daily routine to classroom personnel; serves as a role model for the Early Childhood Assistant Teacher and other personnel in the classroom, showing by example the appropriate skills and techniques used with young children; trains PSU student employees and Early Childhood Assistant Teacher for classroom and activity help; has primarily responsibility for planning and implementing a model program for young children and their families;

Age group teaching assignment will depend on qualities of chosen candidates.

We are recruiting to fill three open positions.

Minimum Qualifications from Classification

* An Associates 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; AND one year of experience in a certified day care center or comparable group care program; OR
* Two years of experience, including at least one year as a teacher, in a certified day care center or comparable group child care program.

Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position

Preferred Qualifications

• BA Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or equivalent.
• Prior experience working with a diverse population.
• Prior experience working with children 0-2 years old.
• Familiarity or experience with one of the following approaches: constructivist curriculum, Reggio-inspired and RIE approaches, emergent curriculum, project approach
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Work Days/Hours

Work Days/Hours Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement

The starting salary rate for this position will be between $18.79 and $21.27 per hour The starting salary may be negotiable above this range, however it will be dependent upon the knowledge, experience, skills and abilities of the chosen candidate, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

PSU’s excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon Public Universities

Application Instructions

Additional Information

Please list the names, telephone numbers and email addresses for three professional references.

Background Check Required Yes

If you have questions

Please email [e-mail].

Posting Close Date

Application screening begins 06/03/2025

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have one year of prior early childhood teaching experience including experience with toddlers?
  • Yes
  • No
• * In 2-4 sentences, please describe your experience working with infants and toddlers.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * How did you first find out about this position?
  • PSU Website
  • Indeed.com
  • HERCJobs
  • Urban League of Portland
  • Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
  • Oregon Employment Department
  • Social Media
  • Person Referral
  • Career Builder
  • Glass Door
  • Other - Please describe in the next Question
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled