Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled


Portland State University


Position Details
Position Details Proposed Start Date06/01/2026Classification TitleEarly Childhood AssistantWorking TitleEarly Childhood Assistant TeacherDepartment260401 - CDC Helen Gordon OfficePosition NumberD96835RepresentationOP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503Position FTE1.0End date, if applicable

Position Summary Brief Description of PSU/School/DeptHelen Gordon Child Development Center (HGCDC) and Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center (HGITC) are full-day children’s programs for Portland State University, serving children aged six weeks to five years. Located on the PSU campus in downtown Portland, the Centers provide model early childhood programs for the children of Portland State University students, faculty and staff, and the Portland community. The Centers are a laboratory for students and faculty participating in observation, practice and research activities in Early Childhood Education, Child, Youth and Family Studies, psychology, and related fields. HGCDC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.Position SummaryThe Early Childhood Assistant Teacher works collaboratively as a member of a teaching team with an Early Childhood Associate in one of the Center’s classrooms; works cooperatively with the other classroom teachers to plan and implement a model early childhood program; acts as a model for classroom aides and practicum students showing by example the appropriate skills and techniques used with young children;

Age group teaching assignment will depend on qualities of chosen candidates. Work schedule will be between the hours of 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday-Friday, at any of the Helen Gordon CDC program locations, depending on yearly program needs.

We are recruiting to fill five vacancies; the first two will start as soon as possible, and the other three will start on 7/1/26.Minimum Qualifications from Classification * A minimum of twenty semester hours (thirty quarter hours) of college courses in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Special Education; OR

* A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; OR

* One year of full-time experience in a certified day care center or comparable child care program.Additional Minimum Qualifications for this PositionPreferred Qualifications

• AA Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or a related field.

• Prior experience working with a diverse population of children and families.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Prior experience working with children 0-2 years old.

Key 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 Work Days/HoursMonday through Friday, 40 hours/wk, shifts to be determinedTotal Compensation Range & Benefits StatementThe starting salary rate for this position will be between $18.06 and $19.36 per hour. 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.

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


Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a minimum of twenty semester hours (thirty quarter hours) of college courses in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Special Education; ORA Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; OROne year of full-time experience in a certified day care center or comparable child care program.
   • Yes
   • No
2. * In 2-4 sentences, please describe your experience working with children ages 0-3 years old.

   (Open Ended Question)

3. * How did you first find out about this position?
   • PSU Website
   • Indeed.com
   • HERCJobs
   • Urban League of Portland
   • Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
   • Oregon Employment Department
   • Social Media
   • Person Referral
   • Career Builder
   • Glass Door
   • Other - Please describe in the next Question
4. If you selected Other, please describe.

   (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
4. Professional References

Optional Documents

PI284362048