Early Childhood Substitute Assistant Teacher; temporary or seasonal

Position Announcement

The early childhood substitute assistant teacher position will start on July 16, 2026, and will continue through March 15, 2027 (if applicable). This is a .49 FTE temporary position at the Helen Gordon Child Development Center (HGCDC) and Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center (HGITC) located on the Portland State University campus. The role supports classroom teams in a full‑day program for children ages six weeks to five years.

Classification

Title:

Early Childhood Assistant;

Working Title:

Early Childhood Substitute Assistant Teacher (temporary or seasonal). Department: 260401 – CDC. Position Number: D97125. Representation: UU – Unclassified. Position is not benefits‑eligible.

The Early Childhood Substitute Assistant Teacher works across the programs as a supportive member of the teaching team. The assistant helps classroom teachers plan and implement a model early childhood program and serves as a role model for classroom aides and practicum students by demonstrating appropriate skills and techniques. This role is designed for a teacher who can adapt to any classroom setting and work with children aged six weeks to five years.

• A minimum of twenty semester hours (thirty quarter hours) of college courses in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Special Education; OR
• A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; OR
• One year of full‑time experience in a certified day‑care center or comparable child‑care program.

• Continuous enrollment in the Office of Child Care, Central Background Registry.
• Certification in Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR.
• Completion of the Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect in Oregon training.
• Current Oregon Food Handler’s Card.
• Completion of the Safe Sleep for Oregon’s Infants training.
• Completion of the Introduction to Child Care Health & Safety training.
• Completion of the Prevention is Better Than Treatment training.
• Completion of the Foundations For Learning training.
• Participation in and maintenance of 24 clock hours of training or education annually as defined by the Oregon Rules for Certified Child Care Centers and SPARK, Oregon’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System.

• Associate’s Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.
• Prior experience working with a diverse population of children and families.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Communicates effectively and respectfully within diverse cultural contexts.
• Seeks opportunities for continuous improvement in inclusive settings.
• Adheres to PSU policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and Professional Standards of Conduct.

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and works toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.

Approx. 19 hours per week; schedule to be determined. Starting salary rate ranges from $18.06 to $19.36 per hour. This .49 FTE position is not benefits‑eligible.

Working with young children requires handling multiple stimuli—noise, varied lighting, sustained activity, and continuous emotional and physical demands. The assistant must lift, move, hold, and carry children and objects up to 50 pounds, push or pull at least six children in a stroller or wagon, and walk one mile without stopping. The role demands full‑range physical activity, supervision, and outdoor interaction under varied weather conditions.

Please send inquiries to helengordoncdc or call 503‑725‑3092.

Application screening begins March 13, 2026 and the posting closes on the stated close date.