Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Position Details Proposed Start Date 06 / 16 / 2025 Classification Title Early Childhood Asso Teacher Working Title Early Childhood Lead Teacher Department 260401 - CDC Helen Gordon Office Position Number D92129 Representation OP - SEIU / OPEU Local 503 Position FTE 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 , 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 (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,…