Head Start Head Teacher - Preschool Classroom

Position:
Head Teacher

Location:

SW Portland (Markham neighborhood)

Position Type:
Full‑time exempt, part‑year with an unpaid 9‑week summer break beginning June 15, 2026.

Salary/Compensation: $45,408 annually ($26.40/hr for 1720 hrs per year).

Schedule:

40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

Neighborhood House is a non‑profit agency providing social services for children, families, seniors, and people experiencing food and housing insecurity. We have been engaged in anti‑poverty work for 120 years, offering a safety net to ensure that our community has the support they need to thrive.

Neighborhood House’s Head Start program provides an opportunity for participants to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that emphasizes parents as primary teachers, a cooperative environment between families, teachers, family advocates, home visitors, and other staff, connection to community resources, and learning through child‑led play. Our program is designed to meet the needs of and to provide school readiness skills to all eligible children, including those with special needs and disabilities, so our community’s children and families are stronger for life.

The Head Teacher leads the teaching team and the classroom in a collaborative manner, supporting students’ learning and healthy development using effective Creative Curriculum and research‑based child assessment tools, nurturing the well‑being of children, and implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) strategies. The position oversees all aspects of classroom management, with support from the supervisor, and requires knowledge of early childhood development and principles of developmentally appropriate, child‑led, multicultural, anti‑bias curriculum.

The Head Teacher demonstrates positive appropriate interactions with children and adults, fosters an inclusive environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and effectively communicates with those whose English language skills may be limited. This role handles sensitive and confidential information, demonstrates professional behavior, works independently and collaboratively, manages crises, and mentors the classroom teaching staff.

• Classroom Management – 75%
  • Establish and maintain a positive classroom environment using the PBIS framework.
  • Ensure safety of children and staff.
  • Protect students, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
  • Ensure classroom supplies are within reach.
  • Follow a consistent routine with small and large group activities.
  • Assist in setup and cleanup.
  • Assist with general routine care of children.
• Development, Implementation and Assessment of Education Services – 15%
  • Develop and implement appropriate lesson plans using Creative Curriculum.
  • Work with families to complete required Ages and Stages (ASQ & ASQ:
    
    SE) developmental screenings and set goals.
  • Meet with the early intervention team for each child with an IFSP.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential records in Child Plus.
  • Complete reports per program procedure as needed.
  • Conduct parent conferences and two home visits annually.
  • Communicate regularly with families about their child’s progress.
• Other – 10%
  • Participate in monthly 1:1s with Supervisor.
  • Attend monthly all‑staff meetings.
  • Participate in required trainings and professional development opportunities.
  • Participate in program self‑assessment and strategic planning.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
• Related degree with 30 quarter/20 semester credits in ECE, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Special Education may be considered.
• Minimum 1 year of experience teaching children under age 5 in an early childhood setting.
• Alternatively, documentation of attaining at least step 9 or higher in the Oregon Registry Online (ORO) combined with 4 years’ experience teaching children under age 5.
• At time of hire, enrollment in the Oregon Child Care Division Central Background Registry (C ) and ongoing enrollment.
• Obtain within 30 days:
  Adult & Pediatric CPR & First Aid…