Lead Teacher, Early Childhood

Lead Teacher, Early Childhood (Full-Time) Pequeñitos Child Care | Portland, OR | [Location: Prescott/42nd, Lombard, Alberta] Pay: [25]–[33.15]/hour - BOE | Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, within our 7:00 AM–5:00 PM hoursAbout Us Pequeñitos Child Care is an early learning center with four locations across Portland. We give young children a safe, nurturing, and engaging place to grow. Our classrooms focus on age-appropriate activities that support social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. We believe in strong partnerships with families and open, consistent communication. We're looking for teachers who bring creativity, patience, and professionalism to the classroom every day.The RoleWe are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Lead Teachers to join our educational team, inspiring and guiding young learners through their developmental journey. As a Lead Teacher, you will play a pivotal role in creating a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that fosters growth, curiosity, and confidence. Your expertise will support children with diverse needs, including those with disabilities and neurodevelopment disorders, ensuring every student receives tailored instruction aligned with best practices in early childhood education. What You'll DoPlan and lead daily lessons and activities that support developmental milestonesGuide group and individual learning, adapting to each child's needsKeep the classroom safe, clean, and organizedObserve and document children's progress, and share updates with families regularlyMentor and support assistant teachersFollow Pequeñitos policies and Oregon’s Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) licensing rules, including ratio, supervision, health, and safety standardsTake part in staff meetings and ongoing professional developmentWhat We're Looking For Required:Associate's or bachelor's degree in Education or a closely related field and or CDA (Child development associate)Experience planning and teaching age-appropriate curriculum in an early childhood settingKnowledge of child development and early childhood best practicesClear, warm, and respectful communication with children, families, and coworkersEnrollment in Oregon's Central Background Registry (CBR) and an Oregon Registry Online (ORO) step level that meets lead teacher requirements, or willingness to complete these before startingWillingness to complete required trainings if you don't already have them: CPR/First Aid, Food Handler card, Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect, Introduction to Child Care Health & Safety, and Safe Sleep (for infant rooms)Ability to stand, bend, lift children, sit on the floor, and stay active throughout the dayAbility to stay calm and act quickly in emergenciesPreferred:Oregon Registry Online (ORO) Step 7 or higherDegree specifically in Early Childhood Education or Early LearningBilingual in Spanish and English (English-only candidates are welcome and encouraged to apply)Benefits: Medical and dental insurance401(k) retirement planPaid federal holidaysPaid vacation (accrual-based)Scholarships opportunities for early learning degrees Company discount