Lead Teacher - ELC

CAIRO•Portland, OR

3d•$25 - $33•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Teacher develops a cohesive teaching team, coordinates curriculum, and manages daily classroom operations. They must understand children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development to create a safe, engaging environment that supports success. Strong communication skills with both children and adults are essential to meet children’s needs, guide staff, and address parent/guardian concerns. In our program, Lead Teachers also serve as Site Directors, with one on site during all hours of operation. They collaborate with Multi-Site Coordinators to ensure compliance with standards set by DELC, Environmental Health, OSHA, Preschool Promise (PSP), and Preschool For All (PFA). Staff may be required to administer medication or be trained to do so by an RN nurse.

Requirements

Minimum of 1 year experience working in a Certified Childcare Center with children ages 3-5 (Verified)
Experience in inclusive settings supporting children with varying support needs
Must be at least 18 years of age
Minimum ORO step 8
Must have knowledge or experience in: Management and Supervision of Adults, Financial management and budgeting, Record keeping, Staff evaluations and training
Must meet at least one the following criteria: At least a bachelor’s degree in: (1) Early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education; or (2) A field not related to early childhood education but teacher has completed coursework that is equivalent to a major in early childhood education and has sufficient training in early childhood education as determined by the Division.
An associate’s degree with additional training or additional certification in early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education, as determined by the Division.
Until sufficient alternative credentialing to indicate that the teacher is highly trained is developed by the Division, in partnership with the Educator Advancement Council and affected stakeholders, the lead preschool teacher must have a Child Development Associate (CDA) Preschool Credential or at least Step 8 on the Oregon Registry Online (ORO).
Proficient in English (speaking, reading, writing)
Central Background Registry Requirement: Employment offers require current enrollment in Oregon’s Central Background Registry. Candidates not yet enrolled may be considered but cannot receive an offer until enrollment is completed.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Frequent bending, crouching, and sitting on the floor or child-sized chairs
Ability to move quickly to ensure children’s safety
Ability to respond appropriately in emergencies (e.g., CPR, First Aid, evacuations)
Ability to stand or walk for up to 6 hours per day
Frequent use of hands for grasping, pushing, pulling, and overhead tasks
Ability to communicate with children at their eye level

Nice To Haves

Step 7 Preferred
Bilingual in Somali, Arabic, Swahili, Farsi, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Cantonese, or American Sign Language

Responsibilities

Develop a cohesive teaching team.
Coordinate curriculum.
Manage daily classroom operations.
Create a safe, engaging environment that supports children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
Meet children's needs.
Guide staff.
Address parent/guardian concerns.
Serve as Site Director, ensuring one is on site during all hours of operation.
Collaborate with Multi-Site Coordinators to ensure compliance with standards set by DELC, Environmental Health, OSHA, Preschool Promise (PSP), and Preschool For All (PFA).
Work in partnership with the Assistant Teacher, Classroom Aide, and Multi-Site Coordinators to ensure full compliance with all standards, regulations, and guidelines set by: Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), Preschool For All (PFA), Preschool Promise (PSP), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Health Authority.
Administer medication or be trained to do so by an RN nurse.
Maintain continual interaction with co-workers, parents, and children to provide information and support.
Relate positively to children and adults.
Meet deadlines while maintaining strong attention to detail.
Complete tasks and required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
Maintain focus despite frequent interruptions and varying levels of concentration demands.
Manage multiple, multi-faceted tasks on a regular basis.
Provide a supportive, caring environment for preschool children.
Develop and maintain respectful, positive relationships with children, families, staff, and others.
Demonstrate effective communication skills.
Follow established directions and instructions consistently.