Mentor Teacher - Infant Classroom

Portland Community College•Sylvania, AL

1d•$28 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

Portland Community College (PCC) is seeking a Mentor Teacher for its Infant Classroom. This role is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum for children aged six weeks to six years old. The Mentor Teacher also supports the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program faculty by mentoring and guiding ECE students, providing them with knowledge-based experience and assistance. The position involves collaboration with faculty to evaluate student progress and regular interaction with children, parents, ECE students, faculty, and the Child Development Specialist. The Mentor Teacher ensures that the Center's curriculum and activities are innovative, evidence-based, culturally responsive, and aligned with the ECE program's mirror curriculum, aiming to build practical experiences for ECE students.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
Two years of post-secondary education in early childhood education or related areas with early childhood education course work (Note: relevant experience may substitute for the post-secondary education requirement on a year-for-year basis.)
Three years of early childhood classroom experience.
First Aid certification, food handler’s card (required within 30 days of hire.)
Enrollment in the Department of Early Learning and Care Central Background Registry (must maintain enrollment).
Knowledge of: Current principles, practices and methods of early childhood education; local, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies and practices governing child care programs; general health and wellness of children; assessment and program evaluation skills; contemporary office practices, procedures and equipment; recordkeeping techniques; first aid and CPR techniques and methods.
Ability to: Plan and implement an effective and developmentally appropriate curriculum to foster growth and development; Strong organization and verbal communication skills; Experience in mentoring less-experienced early childhood teaching staff, providing and inclusive early childhood learning environment, and modeling inclusive teaching practices; Administer effective child development center policies and procedures; Provide specific instructions and procedures; possess and demonstrate the required level of proficiency in desktop computers and other assigned software or electronic resources; communicate effectively both orally and in written form; work collaboratively with faculty and other staff.

Nice To Haves

Plans and implements engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports children's learning, development, and well-being.
Creates a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment while ensuring compliance with licensing, accreditation, and program requirements.
Serves as an effective mentor by modeling best practices, coaching Child Development Specialists and ECE students, and providing constructive feedback.
Collaborates with ECE faculty to align classroom practices with program curriculum, practicum objectives, and instructional goals.
Builds strong partnerships with families through ongoing communication, conferences, and support.
Uses observation and assessment to guide curriculum, document children's progress, and support individualized learning.
Demonstrates leadership, professionalism, and sound judgment while fostering a collaborative, positive team culture.
Maintains current knowledge of early childhood education through ongoing professional development and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Plans and leads daily implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and activity for children in the Child Development Center; posts weekly lesson plans.
Works closely with Early Childhood Education and Human Services Department faculty to ensure that curriculum and early learning practices in the children’s program provides desired learning opportunities for Center students.
Works collaboratively with the Early Childhood Education and Human Services Department faculty by providing feedback on teaching skills of program students. Observes, mentors and assists program students with projects; models and provides guidance regarding appropriate behavior with children; provides daily feedback, including explanations of best practices as supported by research; and assists with preparations of instructional materials. Participates in student orientations, practicums, modules, seminars, team meetings and student teaching conferences.
Conducts assessments of children in the classrooms. Maintains classroom records; evaluations/observations of children, attendance, parent information and schedules.
Builds strong relationships with families. Provides regular, on-going feedback to parents regarding their child’s development. Arranges parent orientation meetings and conducts regular parent conferences. Provides referrals when appropriate. Produces parent newsletter.
In the absence of the Child Development Center Director, assumes substitute director emergency responsibilities when required.
Provides direction to the Child Development Specialists, casual staff and work study students in the assigned classroom.
Participates in Center-wide meetings on curriculum, planning, facilities use, and program coordination.
Maintains current knowledge regarding research and practices in Child and Family Studies.
Ensures adherence to Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care child care rules, NAEYC and SPARK accreditations.
Implements curricula and center activities that align and mirror what is being taught and modeled in PCC’s Early Childhood Education program.
Ensures student instructional goals and learning experiences developed by ECE faculty are implemented in the Center classroom.
Implements curricular and instructional practices outlined from ECE faculty, including expectations outlined and identified from assessment tools such as ITERS, ECERS, CLASS, etc.
In conjunction with ECE Department and Center Director, periodically refines ECE student practicum experience.
Follows PCC and CDC program policies and guidelines.
Serves and tracks meals and snacks according to the program Food Service procedures.
Assist in maintaining a safe, healthy, orderly and nurturing classroom environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefit package
Oregon PERS contribution
Tax deferred annuity program and a deferred compensation program
Tuition waiver for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and dependent children under 24 years of age, as well as partial tuition reimbursement for full-time employees at other accredited institutions
Free access to the sport centers / campus gymnasiums, performing arts, and cultural events
Paid Leave (Pro-rated by FTE for Part-Time Employees)
8 hours of vacation leave per month (additional vacation hours with years of service)
1 day of sick leave per month
12 paid holidays
PCC Winter Break (when College is Closed)
24 hours of personal leave per year