Early Head Start Head Teacher - Lincoln High School

Compensation: $26.40 per hour

Classroom: Ages 6 weeks - 3 years

Status: 40 hours per week, part-year*

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Location: SW Portland (Lincoln High School)

*This is a part-year position with an unpaid 6-week summer break, which begins on June 15th, 2026.

About Neighborhood House

Neighborhood House is a non-profit agency providing social services for children, families, seniors, and people experiencing food and housing insecurity. We have been engaging in anti-poverty work for a 120 years, offering a safety net to ensure that our community has the support they need to thrive. 

Our Head Start Program

Neighborhood House’s Head Start program provides an opportunity for participants to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that emphasizes parents as primary teachers, a co-operative environment between families, teachers, family advocates, home visitors, and other staff, connection to community resources, and learning through child-led play. Our program is designed to meet the needs of and to provide school readiness skills to all eligible children, including those with special needs and disabilities, so our community’s children and families are stronger for life.  

About this Role

The Early Head Teacher is responsible for leading the classroom teaching team in a collaborative and supportive way to promote young children’s learning, development, and well-being. This includes effectively using the Creative Curriculum and research-based child assessment tools, implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) strategies, and fostering a nurturing learning environment. The Early Head Teacher oversees all aspects of classroom management and operates with limited support from a supervisor.

Primary Responsibilities

The Early Head Teacher models positive and appropriate interactions with children and adults, including individuals from diverse communities and cultures, including communicating effectively with those whose English language skills are limited. In this influential role you will work with sensitive and confidential information and are expected to behave professionally in all interactions. The Head Teacher assumes a high degree of responsibility and autonomy, working both independently and in a team setting; handling crises and problem-solving as needed. 

This position has no direct supervision but will lead the classroom and will be expected to mentor and support the professional growth of the classroom teaching staff, as well as ensure all adults in the room understand program policies, procedures, and requirements.  
 
Responsibilities are generally categorized as follows: 

CLASSROOM LEADERSHIP:

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to classroom staff.
• Model best practices in early childhood education and encourage professional growth and development among team members.
• Conduct monthly collaborative team meetings to discuss classroom operations, environment, team goals, and outcomes.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT:

• Establish and uphold a positive classroom climate utilizing the PBIS framework.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff while maintaining an environment conducive to learning.
• Supervise all students actively to ensure their mental, physical, and emotional safety.
• Take necessary precautions to safeguard students, staff, and facilities both indoors and outdoors.
• Ensure the organization of classroom supplies and learning materials for accessibility and engagement.
• Maintain a consistent routine comprising various activities to promote holistic child development.
• Foster exploration, problem-solving, and positive socialization through thoughtful classroom arrangement.
• Engage actively in child-led play and meaningful conversations to support individual development.
• Leverage mealtimes and outdoor activities to reinforce positive social skills and healthy habits.
• Assist with daily tasks such as setup, cleanup, diaper changes, and potty training according to protocols.
• Ensure adherence to positive behavior management and safety procedures among all staff.
• Regularly communicate with families regarding child progress and developmental screenings.

OTHER:

• Lead weekly meetings with classroom team.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings to plan integrated services and identify additional support.
• Utilize program data to enhance child, family, and program outcomes.
• Meet monthly with supervisor for reflective supervision, regular self-assessment of job performance and to track goals and work.
• Participate in program and agency committees when available.
• Participate in the program’s annual self-assessment as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
  • A related degree that includes 30 quarter/20 semester college credits in ECE, Child Development, Elementary Education or Special Education may be considered.
• 1 year of experience teaching children under the age of 3 in an early childhood setting.  
• In lieu of the above, documentation of attaining at least step 9 or higher in the Oregon Registry Online (ORO), combined with 4 years’ experience teaching children under the age of 3 in an early childhood setting.
• Must have knowledge of early childhood development and general principles of early childhood education and developmentally appropriate, child-led, multi-cultural, anti-bias curriculum for children under the age of 5
• At time of hire must be enrolled in the Oregon Child Care Division Central Background Registry (CBR) and maintain active enrollment during employment
• Obtain within 30 days of employment: Adult and Pediatric CPR & First Aid Certification and Food Handlers Card (paid by the organization)
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical exam and TB test prior to start date
• Basic-intermediate proficiency of Microsoft Office
• Reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of research-based child assessment tools. 
• Experience working directly with parents. 
   

Benefits

Neighborhood House offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package including:  

• Generous PTO and 10 paid holidays
• Affordable health insurance with 95% of the cost paid by NH
• 403b retirement plan
• Company-paid life insurance. Voluntary life, long-term disability, accident, and critical illness insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free counseling