Lead Teacher, Early Childhood

Pay: [25]–[33.15]/hour - BOE |
Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, within our 7:0 AM–5:00 PM hours

Pequeñitos Child Care is an early learning center with four locations across Portland. We give young children a safe, nurturing, and engaging place to grow. Our classrooms focus on age-appropriate activities that support social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. We believe in strong partnerships with families and open, consistent communication. We’re looking for teachers who bring creativity, patience, and professionalism to the classroom every day.

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Lead Teachers to join our educational team, inspiring and guiding young learners through their developmental journey. As a Lead Teacher, you will play a pivotal role in creating a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that fosters growth, curiosity, and confidence. Your expertise will support children with diverse needs, including those with disabilities and neurodevelopment disorders, ensuring every student receives tailored instruction aligned with best practices in early childhood education.

• Plan and lead daily lessons and activities that support developmental milestones
• Guide group and individual learning, adapting to each child's needs
• Keep the classroom safe, clean, and organized
• Observe and document children's progress, and share updates with families regularly
• Mentor and support assistant teachers
• Follow Pequeñitos policies and Oregon’s Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) licensing rules, including ratio, supervision, health, and safety standards
• Take part in staff meetings and ongoing professional development

• Associate’s or bachelor's degree in Education or a closely related field and or CDA (Child development associate)
• Experience planning and teaching age-appropriate curriculum in an early childhood setting
• Knowledge of child development and early childhood best practices
• Clear, warm, and respectful communication with children, families, and coworkers
• Enrollment in Oregon’s Central Background Registry (C ) and an Oregon Registry Online (ORO) step level that meets lead teacher requirements, or willingness to complete these before starting
• Willingness to complete required trainings if you don't already have them: CPR/First Aid, Food Handler card, Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect, Introduction to Child Care Health & Safety, and Safe Sleep (for infant rooms)
• Ability to stand, bend, lift children, sit on the floor, and stay active throughout the day
• Ability to stay calm and act quick

• Oregon Registry Online (ORO) Step 7 or higher
• Degree specifically in Early Childhood Education or Early Learning
• Bilingual in Spanish and English (English-only candidates are welcome and encouraged to apply)
• Medical and dental insurance
• Paid federal holidays
• Paid vacation (accrual-based)
• Scholarships opportunities for early learning degrees