Early Childhood Lead Teacher

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Guides and directs the Early Childhood Assistant Teacher and other classroom personnel including PSU student classroom aides, practicum students, researchers and volunteers;
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

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.

Pay

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.

Benefits

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.