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Posted July 23, 2026

Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Portland State University
Portland, Oregon, United States 97201 Full Time
Reference: 286010621

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled


Portland State University


Position Details
Position Details

Proposed Start Date 08/03/2026
Classification Title Early Childhood Asso Teacher
Working Title Early Childhood Lead Teacher
Department 260401 - CDC Helen Gordon Office
Position Number D99778
Representation OP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503
Position FTE 1.0
End date, if applicable


Position Summary

Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
(HGCDC) and Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center (HGITC) are full-day children’s programs for , 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 Portland State University 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.
Position Summary
The Early Childhood Associate Teacher (Lead Teacher) works collaboratively 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.

The Early Childhood Associate Teacher guides and directs the Early Childhood Assistant Teacher and other classroom personnel including PSU student classroom aides, practicum students, researchers and volunteers; and 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, showing by example the appropriate skills and techniques used with young children; trains PSU student employees and Early Childhood Assistant Teacher for classroom and activity help; has primarily responsibility for planning and implementing a model program for young children and their families.

Age group teaching assignment will depend on qualities of chosen candidates. Work schedule will be between the hours of 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday-Friday, at any of the Helen Gordon CDC program locations, depending on yearly program needs.
Minimum Qualifications from Classification
* 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.
Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position
Preferred Qualifications
  • BA Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or equivalent.
  • Prior experience working with a diverse population.
  • 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.
  • Prior experience working with children 0-2 years old.
Key Cultural Competencies
  • 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.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, schedule to be determined between 7:30am and 5:30pm
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting salary rate for this position will be between $19.36 and $21.91 per hour, plus a Preschool for All Subsidy. The starting salary may be negotiable above this range, however it will be dependent upon the knowledge, experience, skills and abilities of the chosen candidate, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

PSU’s excellent 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



Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * Do you have an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development from a recognized program; ORA Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; ORA 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; ORTwo years of experience, including at least one year as a teacher, in a certified day care center or comparable group child care program.
    • Yes
    • No
  2. * Do you have one year of prior early childhood teaching experience including experience with toddlers?
    • Yes
    • No
  3. * In 2-4 sentences, please describe your experience working with infants and toddlers.

    (Open Ended Question)

  4. * How did you first find out about this position?
    • PSU Website
    • Indeed.com
    • HERCJobs
    • Urban League of Portland
    • Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
    • Oregon Employment Department
    • Social Media
    • Person Referral
    • Career Builder
    • Glass Door
    • Other - Please describe in the next Question
  5. If you selected Other, please describe.

    (Open Ended Question)



Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
  4. Professional References
Optional Documents




    Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

    PI286010621

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