Lead Preschool Teacher

City of Portland•Multiple Locations, OR

15h•Onsite

About The Position

This classification outlines the responsibilities of the Teacher position required by the Multnomah County Preschool for All program. The Lead Preschool Teacher collaborates with the Multnomah Early Childhood Program (MECP) to develop an appropriate learning environment that supports children's developmental needs and promotes socio-emotional growth. The teacher is responsible for creating, coordinating, and facilitating a variety of activities and programs related to Early Childhood Education. This includes conducting needs assessments, organizing and promoting programs, evaluating their effectiveness, and ensuring a healthy, safe, and hazard-free preschool environment.

Requirements

Ability to meet all the Preschool for All requirements and guidelines and foster a positive, inclusive environment that welcomes everyone.
Lead teachers must be on Step 7 on the Oregon Registry Online or hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
After participating in Preschool for All for 2 years, Lead Teachers must be at Step 7.5 on the Oregon Registry Online (ORO).
By 2030, the Preschool for All program will require Lead Teachers to have at least Step 9 on the Oregon Registry Online (ORO) or an Associate's Degree in early childhood education or a related field.
Any staff members who do not meet these requirements can complete an education waiver, outlining their plan to achieve the necessary qualifications within two years.
There is considerable flexibility regarding these requirements due to various systemic barriers that may hinder a teacher's ability to access education.

Responsibilities

Work directly with children in one-on-one and group settings.
Create developmentally appropriate educational programs based on best practices in Early Childhood Education.
Continuously assess each child’s progress and individualize the weekly curriculum to support each child’s learning and development.
Implement the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) for children with disabilities under the direction of Multnomah Early Childhood Program
Ensure incorporation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports to manage individual and classroom behaviors
Assist with meal services and meal reports.
Report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect by state law and agency policy.
Attend to children’s medical and hygiene as needed (e.g., administering medication, diapering)
Represent Portland Parks and Recreation as subject matter experts on various committees and projects.
Use program policies and procedures to manage classroom and facilitate children's social and emotional development.
Plan and execute preschool graduation for children and families each year
Provide at-the-moment coaching for students to gain skills in conflict resolution, improving peer social relationships, and emotional regulation.
Contribute to creating an environment that reflects the values and norms of the diverse children and families we serve.
Maintain accurate and timely written and electronic records/reports (i.e., meal counts, staff sign-in, child attendance, etc.).
Attend and participate in staff meetings, planning meetings, and training.
Complete developmental assessment for all students twice per school year.
Participate in assessment meetings with caregivers and other meetings when necessary when greater communication and additional support is needed
Facilitate open communication and promote group problem-solving.
Write a monthly newsletter for preschool families to provide classroom updates and information to support children’s learning outside of the classroom.
Participate in regular classroom team debriefings.
Support children at nap/rest periods as needed.
Maintain confidentiality in matters concerning families and children.
Participates in regular training and technical assistance activities.
Work to understand issues of difference, privilege, and social justice, to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities, and to cultivate a respectful, inclusive, and accessible learning and working environment.
Other duties as assigned.