Lead Teacher- Inclusive Preschool

Lead Preschool Teacher

Every Step Preschool (ESP) – Rose City, NE Portland, OR

About Every Step Preschool (ESP)

Located in Rose City, NE Portland, Every Step Preschool (ESP) is a multicultural and inclusive early learning, care, and education center serving children ages 2–5.

Our curriculum is guided by Reggio Emilia and Constructivism. Through an emergent curriculum approach, we design meaningful learning experiences based on children’s interests, cultures, and developmental needs.

ESP is an approved Preschool for All (PFA) provider. We are building a collaborative, supportive team environment where educators feel valued, safe, and empowered to grow together.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Lead Preschool Teacher to join our team.

Position Summary

The Lead Teacher must have:

• Minimum 3 years of preschool classroom experience
• Minimum Oregon Registry (ORO) Step 7.5
• Strong classroom leadership and supervisory skills

This role ensures children’s safety and well-being at all times and maintains compliance with Oregon licensing regulations. The Lead Teacher oversees daily classroom operations, lesson planning, assessments, and staff supervision.

Schedule & Compensation

• Availability required between 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• 40 hours per week
• $23.00 – $27.00 per hour (DOE)
• Reports to Program Supervisor and Directors

Benefits

• 10 days Paid Time Off
• 5 Sick Days annually
• 8 Paid Professional Development days
• 11 Paid Observed Holidays
• Paid breaks during Spring, Summer & Winter breaks
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Responsibilities Licensing & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with Oregon state licensing requirements
• Ensure student-to-teacher ratios are maintained
• Maintain accurate attendance and documentation
• Submit PFA monthly attendance reports
• Ensure health and safety standards are followed

Curriculum & Assessment

• Develop and implement weekly culturally responsive lesson plans
• Use Emergent Curriculum and child observations to guide planning
• Complete ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE screenings
• Complete child learning assessments twice yearly
• Organize and conduct 3 parent-teacher conferences per year
• Attend and schedule IFSP and staffing meetings

Family & Community Engagement

• Maintain regular communication with families
• Support parent understanding of kindergarten readiness
• Assist with enrollment and orientation
• Maintain communication with program partners

Team Leadership

• Provide coaching and supervision to Assistant Teachers
• Support classroom cleaning and preparation
• Collaborate with leadership on professional development, training, and conflict resolution
• Substitute in other classrooms as needed

Oregon DELC Teacher Qualifications (Required)

ESP follows the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) – Child Care Licensing Division PR-0199 Teacher Qualifications (1/2024) requirements.

All applicants must meet Preschool Teacher qualifications under one of the following options:

Age Requirement

• Must be at least 18 years old

Qualification Options (Preschool Category)

Candidates must meet one of the following:

Option A

• At least 750 hours of qualifying teaching experience in a Certified Child Care Center or comparable group care program at the preschool age level.

Option B

• One year or 1,500 hours of qualifying teaching experience in Registered Family or Certified Family child care.

Option C

• Documentation of attaining at least Step 6 in the Oregon Registry

Initial Training Requirements (ALL verified in ORO)Within 10 Days of Hire:

• Orientation (before unsupervised access to children)

Within 30 Days of Hire:

• Introduction to Child Care Health & Safety (ICCHS)
• Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (RRCAN)
• Oregon Food Handler’s Card (if applicable)
• Safe Sleep Training (if caring for infants)

Within 90 Days of Hire:

• Current First Aid & Pediatric CPR (hands-on component required)
• Foundations for Learning (CCLD approved training)

Additional Requirements

• Registered with the Oregon Central Background Registry
• Ability to pass all background checks
• Strong communication skills
• Computer proficiency
• Bilingual preferred
• Ability to lift 30 lbs, bend, crouch, and sit on the floor
• Ability to work in an active, often noisy classroom

Why Join ESP?

At ESP, we are creating more than a job — we are building a learning community rooted in inclusion, collaboration, and joy. If you are passionate about emergent curriculum, culturally responsive teaching, and leading a supportive classroom team, we encourage you to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 - $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person