Associate Teacher - Head Start & Early Head Start

Overview

Posted Date: 4/18/2026.

Location:

Head Start locations in East Portland, Gresham & surrounding areas. We are hiring for multiple vacancies and applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. FTE: 0.95, 0.80, and 0.75.

Assists with the planning and conducting of an educational program, and develops strong nurturing relationships with children and families and quality partnerships that encourage family engagement in their child’s learning. Provides children with a developmentally appropriate learning environment in preparation for school success. Meets performance standards, and follows the agency licensing policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

• Assists with the planning and conducting of the educational program and weekly curriculum. Works directly with children individually and in small and large groups.
• Participates in the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) process for children with special needs, and assists with implementing IFSP goals.
• Supports daily observations. Assists with taking notes, videos, and enters data as needed.
• Makes and maintains accurate and timely written and electronic records and reports (i.e., meal counts, staff sign in, child attendance, etc.).
• Provides assistance with developmental screening and assessments for children.
• Develops partnerships with parents regarding their child/children.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, planning meetings, classroom team debriefings, and training.
• Administers medications, and diapers as needed.
• Assists teachers with conduction of home visits and family conferences as appropriate.
• Assists in general upkeep of center facilities, equipment, and materials.
• Participates in regular training and technical assistance activities.
• Rides school bus as needed.
• Represents agency on various committees and projects as directed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• A Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential (Infant/Toddler; Preschool)
• OR An Infant/Toddler Professional Credential through Oregon Center for Career Development
• OR Step 7 or higher in the Oregon Registry
• OR Be enrolled in a program to complete a CDA or equivalent within two (2) years of hire

• Minimum 1 year of experience working with children age birth to 5 years
• Minimum 6 months of experience working within an early childhood and/or elementary classroom
• Experience working with diverse backgrounds of the College’s community, students and employees; demonstrated commitment to promoting access and diversity

• Must be enrolled in the Oregon Central Background Registry prior to beginning employment and enrollment must be maintained throughout employment
• Post-offer fitness for duty evaluation within 30 days of hire; TB screening; health appraisal
• Complete required Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) licensing within 30 days of hire
• Must possess or obtain current Infant/Child First Aid/CPR certification within 60 days of hire
• Must possess or obtain Food Handlers Certificate within 30 days of hire
• Must be able to work occasional evening hours as needed (e.g., parent meetings, home visits)

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Leadership and staff training
• Organizational skills

• Basic computer skills

• Apply the understanding of developmentally appropriate activities for children
• Meet and promote the social-emotional, physical and cognitive development needs of children
• Provide and model best practices in ECE and facilitate team development
• Problem-solve; multi-task; make sound judgments; maintain constant supervision of children
• Work as a team member and be self-directed

Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs a distance of 10 feet. Ability to push/pull up to 50 lbs a distance of 10 yards. Ability to perform repetitive standing, walking, bending, crouching, kneeling, and other mobility tasks for up to 8 hours per day. Sufficient stamina, vision, and hearing to perform job duties.

Indoor/outdoor environments including preschool center classrooms and playgrounds; frequent local and occasional out-of-town travel; driving and riding in motor vehicles; exposure to hazards such as unpredictable child and family behavior, hazardous chemicals, contagious conditions, and office equipment use.

Initial salary placement based on applicable education and/or years of relevant full-time experience, per College guidelines and state/federal laws. Salary ranges:
Associate Teacher I - $19.56-$20.63 per hour (Infant/Toddler CDA);
Associate Teacher II - $20.55-$21.69 per hour (Associate’s Degree). Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, long-term disability, retirement through Oregon PERS, tuition waiver, professional development, and EAP.

Location:

In-Person. Position Type:
Full Time.

Experience:

Less than 2 years. Job Category:
Education & Training | Human Services | Other.