Lead Floating Teacher - Early Childhood Center in Portland, Oregon at Vermont Hills Family Life Center

Job Description: ECE Lead Teacher - Floating position

Position Title: ECE Lead Teacher

Reports To: Center Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Summary

The ECE Lead Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and maintaining a developmentally appropriate early childhood program that supports the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth of children. The Lead Teacher ensures compliance with all state licensing regulations, safety standards, and VHFLC policies while fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment. The Lead Teacher also supervises assigned aides and volunteers and ensures that all children in their care are supervised at all times.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and evaluate daily activities and curriculum that promote each child’s development and learning in alignment with VHFLC’s educational philosophy and Oregon early learning standards.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and engaging classroom environment that encourages exploration and independence.
• Ensure all materials and activities are age-appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive.
• Establish and maintain consistent routines and positive guidance techniques that promote emotional security and behavioral growth.
• Provide active, direct supervision of assigned groups of children at all times.
• Monitor indoor and outdoor environments to ensure safety, cleanliness, and compliance with health and safety standards.
• Respond promptly to individual needs of children, including administering basic first aid and reporting any incidents per VHFLC policy.
• Supervise and support aides and volunteers assigned to the classroom, ensuring they understand their roles and responsibilities.
• Model effective teaching techniques, communication, and professionalism.
• Foster teamwork and collaboration within the classroom and across the center.
• Develop and maintain positive, respectful, and open communication with families.
• Conduct family conferences and progress updates as directed.
• Maintain accurate attendance, incident, and developmental records.
• Ensure compliance with Oregon licensing rules and VHFLC policies regarding ratios, supervision, training, and child documentation.
• Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and collaboration with colleagues and families.
  
• Supervision Requirements

An ECE Lead Teacher is responsible for the supervision of their assigned group of children at all times and for the supervision of any aides or volunteers assigned to their group. The Lead Teacher works under the supervision of the Center Director and ensures that all program activities and staff interactions align with organizational standards and Oregon licensing requirements.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must meet all orientation, initial, and annual training requirements established by the State of Oregon and organizational policy.
• Must meet one of the following qualification pathways for the assigned age group (Infant/Toddler or Preschool):

1. Experience-Based: At least 750 hours of qualifying teaching experience in a certified child care center or comparable group care program serving the same age group.
2. Family Child Care Experience: At least 1,500 hours of teaching experience in a registered or certified family child care program.
3. Education or Registry-Based: Attainment of at least Step 6 on the Oregon Registry, or completion of 9 quarter college credits in two Core Knowledge Categories (including Human Growth & Development or Understanding and Guiding Behavior).
4. Degree-Based: An Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Special Education, Human Development, or a closely related field.
5. Credential-Based: A state or nationally recognized credential, such as a Child Development Associate (CDA), related to the age group served.

• Demonstrated understanding of child development principles and best practices in early learning.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with children, families, and colleagues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy, active classroom environment.
• Commitment to professionalism, reliability, and ongoing professional growth.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, bend, kneel, sit on the floor, and move quickly as needed for child supervision.
• Work is primarily indoors with some outdoor supervision required.
• Frequent standing, walking, and active participation in play with children.