Lead Teacher Pool - Spring and Fall 2026 : Child Development Center

Oregon State University; Corvallis (OR); On-site; USD 44,500 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement savings

Tuition reduction

Job summary

Oregon State University invites applications for the position of Lead Teacher Pool at the Child Development Center in Corvallis. The role involves creating a safe environment for pre-kindergarten children, conducting screenings, and mentoring student teachers. Successful candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least two years of teaching experience.

The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance and retirement savings. Work conditions may include contact with bodily fluids, and a valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education.
• At least two years of teaching experience with children ages 3‑5.
• Experience developing curriculum and planning activities.

Responsibilities

• Establish a safe pre-kindergarten environment and teach young children.
• Conduct developmental screenings and assessments.
• Mentor student teachers and provide leadership in the classroom.

Skills

Teaching experience

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Sensitivity to individual needs

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Enrollment in the Oregon Registry Online (ORO)

Job description

Position Details

Department: Child Development Lab (HHS). Position Title: Specialist 2‑Lead Teacher. Job Title: Lead Teacher Pool – Spring and Fall 2026: Child Development Center. Appointment Type: Professional Faculty. Job Location: Corvallis. Benefits Eligible: Dependent (Hours Worked/Duration). Remote or Hybrid Option: Not specified. Appointment Period: 09/16/2025 – 06/15/2026. Posting Number: P09126UF. Number of Vacancies: Varies. Posting Date: 05/23/2025. Closing Date: 12/31/2026. Salary Range: $44,500 – $52,000 (per month). Pay Period: 1st through last day of month. Payment Date: Last working day of month.

Job Summary

The Child Development Center, part of the School of Human Development and Family Sciences in the College of Health, seeks full or part‑time, variable FTE, 9‑month professional faculty positions. Lead Teachers will establish a safe pre‑kindergarten environment, teach a class of young children, conduct education and development screenings and assessments, and identify early education goals for individual children. They will provide parent and teacher conferences, home visits, and collaborate with families to support children's development and readiness for kindergarten while meeting state licensing and national accreditation regulations.

Key Responsibilities

60% – Teaching

• Oversee and mentor student teachers in two sections of HDFS 430; provide leadership, training, and support to teaching partners and volunteers in the classroom.
• Participate with the Child Development Lab’s Education Services Team to implement the early education requirements of the Child Development Center’s Oregon Head Start Pre‑kindergarten Program, licensing, and accreditation.
• Conduct developmental screening and assessments, identify and address early education needs, share progress reports with families, manage parent and teacher conferences and classroom meetings, track activities, and submit reports in accordance with Head Start performance standards.
• Establish a safe and consistent care environment, develop a flexible schedule, individualize child and group activities, and encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, creativity, socialization, and choice‑making.
• Integrate all Head Start components into work with children (education, health, parent involvement, social services).
• Encourage and participate in activities that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion for students, families, and colleagues.
• Assess individual and group needs, set daily and weekly goals, and structure environments within Head Start guidelines.
• Prepare materials to support activity plans; adapt curriculum to meet individual goals, including IFSP needs for children with disabilities.
• Maintain ongoing anecdotal records and observations; keep up‑to‑date child files with screenings, assessments, individual child plans, and family contacts.

35% – Head Start/Family Partnership

• Promote and reinforce parental involvement, communicate with parents regularly, and build respectful, supportive relationships.
• Conduct periodic conferences to review child progress, set goals, and share information on parenting and educational strategies.
• Perform home visits required by the center model for screening, assessment, and goal setting.
• Provide information on Head Start health and nutrition requirements and collaborate with the Health Advocate to support families in completing health screenings.
• Assist families in developing partnership goals, provide referrals, monitor progress, and document family information in the child database.
• Maintain monthly contacts, facilitate parent committee activities, and participate in parent meetings.
• Arrange transportation for child/parent appointments and meetings.
• Collaborate with staff, special needs consultants, and community partners; attend IFSP meetings and refer children to appropriate services.

5% – Other Duties as Assigned

• Represent the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, the Child Development Laboratory, and the OSU Oregon Head Start Pre‑kindergarten Program in community service and advisory groups.
• Attend and participate in program meetings as requested by supervisor.
• Complete required professional development training, including at least 24 hours annually (8 hours in child development or early childhood education).
• Fulfill responsibilities in compliance with program code of conduct and confidentiality policies; contribute to a positive, productive team environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

What You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Human Development & Family Sciences with coursework in child development and early childhood education.
• At least two years of teaching experience with children ages 3‑5.
• Experience developing curriculum, planning, and scheduling appropriate activities; maintain educational record‑keeping systems.
• Sensitivity to individual and group needs of adults and children; knowledge of family dynamics.
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with children, parents, staff, and the public.
• Demonstrated respectful and inclusive communication with all coworkers and customers.
• Enrollment in the Oregon Registry Online (ORO) with a Step 8 or higher; current Food Handler’s card.
• OCC approved health and safety training within 30 days of hire.
• Blood Borne Pathogen training and infant/child First Aid/CPR certification within 90 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• MA, MS, MEd, or MAT in child development, early childhood education, or human development & family sciences; four or more years of teaching in an early childhood classroom.
• Experience teaching university student interns or young adults.
• Experience teaching in a Head Start program or familiarity with the Head Start model.
• Experience teaching children with special developmental needs.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Ability to work effectively with families from diverse cultures, races, values, and lifestyles.

Additional Requirements

• Position is critical or security‑sensitive; successful completion of a criminal history check and O.C.C. background check from the Oregon Child Care, Early Learning Division is required.
• Driver’s license and vehicle access necessary for occasional home visits; successful completion of a motor vehicle history check is required.

Benefits

The position includes a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance; free confidential mental health services; retirement savings; paid leave; tuition reduction; work‑life programs; and optional lifestyle benefits.

Work Conditions / Schedule

Schedule is set by the Director to meet Center and participant needs. The position may involve contact with bodily fluids, kneeling, stooping, bending, and lifting or carrying equipment up to 40 pounds. A valid driver’s license and vehicle access are required for occasional home visits in the Corvallis area.

Contact Information

For additional information please contact Kathleen McDonnell at [e-mail].

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU is a fair‑chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. The initial offer will be contingent upon background checks.