Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

PORTLAND, ORPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

• Job post source

  This job is directly from Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs

• Job overview

  The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher at Portland State University supports early childhood education by working collaboratively in classrooms to implement model programs for young children, impacting the development and learning environment of children aged six weeks to five years.

• Responsibilities and impact

  The role involves collaborating with teaching teams to plan and implement early childhood programs, modeling appropriate skills for aides and practicum students, and adapting teaching assignments based on candidate qualities.

• Compensation and benefits

  The position offers a starting hourly wage between $17.53 and $18.79, negotiable based on experience, with benefits including 95% paid healthcare premiums, retirement plans, vacation packages, and reduced tuition rates at Oregon Public Universities.

• Experience and skills

  Candidates must have at least twenty semester hours of college coursework in relevant fields, a CDA credential, or one year of full-time experience in a certified childcare program; preferred qualifications include an AA degree, experience with diverse populations, strong communication skills, and experience with children aged 0-2 years.

• Career development

  The position provides opportunities to work in a university-affiliated laboratory setting that supports observation, practice, and research in early childhood education, fostering professional growth in a diverse and inclusive environment.

• Work environment and culture

  The workplace emphasizes cultural competency, inclusivity, respect for diversity, environmental stewardship, and adherence to university policies on conduct and discrimination.

• Company information

  Portland State University's Helen Gordon Child Development Center offers accredited early childhood programs serving university and community families, functioning as a research and practice laboratory for students and faculty in related fields.

• Team overview

  The candidate will join a collaborative teaching team within the Helen Gordon Child Development Center, working closely with Early Childhood Associates and other classroom teachers.

• Job location and travel

  The position is located on the Portland State University campus in downtown Portland, with a full-time schedule Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week.

• Application process

  Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, teaching philosophy statement, and professional references by the screening start date of July 7, 2025, and complete a background check; contact information is provided for inquiries.

• Unique job features

  The job offers a unique opportunity to work in a university-affiliated early childhood center accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, providing a model program environment and involvement in research and educational activities.

Company overview

Portland State University's College of Urban and Public Affairs (CUPA) is an academic institution focused on urban studies, public administration, and community engagement. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for careers in public service, urban planning, and policy analysis. CUPA generates revenue through tuition, grants, research funding, and partnerships with public and private organizations. Established as part of Portland State University, it plays a critical role in addressing urban challenges and fostering sustainable development in the Pacific Northwest. Its mission emphasizes innovation, equity, and collaboration to improve urban environments and public systems.

How to land this job

• Position your resume to highlight your coursework or credentials in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Special Education, emphasizing any CDA credential or relevant full-time experience in certified day care settings.

• Showcase your ability to work collaboratively in a teaching team and your experience with diverse populations, particularly young children aged 0-5, with special attention to toddlers if applicable.

• Apply through multiple platforms including the Portland State University official careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility for the Early Childhood Assistant Teacher role.

• Connect on LinkedIn with current staff or faculty in the College of Urban and Public Affairs or specifically the Helen Gordon Child Development Center, using ice breakers like asking about their approach to inclusive early childhood education or recent projects involving diverse family engagement.

• Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'Early Childhood Education,' 'Child Development Associate,' 'collaborative teaching,' 'diverse populations,' and 'model early childhood program' to ensure it passes initial screenings.

• Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate applying through multiple channels, customize your resume with relevant keywords, and identify LinkedIn contacts to network with, allowing you to focus more on preparation and interviews.