Early Childhood Lead Teacher

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 PSU 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.

• Collaborates 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.
• Guides and directs the Early Childhood Assistant Teacher and other classroom personnel including PSU student classroom aides, practicum students, researchers and volunteers; 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, demonstrating appropriate skills and techniques used with young children.
• Trains PSU student employees and the Early Childhood Assistant Teacher for classroom and activity help.
• Has primary responsibility for planning and implementing a model program for young children and their families.
• Age group teaching assignment will depend on the qualities of the chosen candidate.

• 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.

• 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.

Monday‑Friday 8am‑5pm

The starting salary rate for this position will be between $19.36 and $21.91 per hour. The salary may be negotiated above this range based on 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.

Please list the names, telephone numbers and email addresses for three professional references.
If you have questions, please email Helen

Gordon

CDC.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Professional References

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