Inclusion Classroom Aide - 2 Positions

CAIRO•Portland, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Inclusion Classroom Aide - 2 Positions Organization Summary: The Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO)’s mission is to enhance social justice and achieve parity for the diverse African immigrants and refugee communities through community organizing, collaborative leadership, and service advocacy. We envision a more just and equitable society in which children, youth, and families live in sustained, supportive communities that reinforce the family's cultural wealth and lived experience. At CAIRO Academy, we believe every child deserves a chance to flourish in a safe environment designed to encourage creativity, equity and learning. Our program implements Creative Curriculum, and Second Step Social Emotional teaching tools in a play-based learning environment. With this approach teachers thoughtfully attend to the interests of children, believing that fostering student-led curiosity and reflection strengthens the children’s capacity to continue as life-long learners. Students in our care are encouraged to express themselves and expand on what they are learning through verbal and non-verbal language, music, visual art, writing, movement, and experimentation. CAIRO Academy is a culturally specific, accessible nonprofit preschool program funded by Preschool Promise and Preschool for All. We operate a CAIRO Academy Early Learning Center in Gresham that runs year-round as a 10-hour program, along with multiple classrooms located in elementary schools across Multnomah and Washington county, including Northeast and Southeast Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Beaverton, and Hillsboro, that operate on a school-year schedule from late August through mid-June. Position Summary: Inclusion Aides are responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher and the Assistant Teacher with classroom operations in a collaborative setting. The Inclusion Aide will assist daily classroom operations, reinforce instruction for individual children and small groups, and occasionally lead activities under teacher guidance. This position also assists with preparing instructional materials, supporting daily routines, documenting observations, and maintaining a welcoming, culturally responsive classroom environment. The Inclusion Aide will be assisting teachers to support children at all levels to help them engage in the classroom activities alongside their peers. The Inclusion Aide works closely with classroom staff, families, and community partners—including Multnomah Early Childhood Program (MECP) and other specialists—to help implement accommodations, strategies, and support plans aligned with each child’s goals, including those with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs). In alignment with Preschool for All’s Inclusion and Retention Policy, this role supports children in the least restrictive environment and helps prevent exclusionary practices such as unnecessary removal from classroom activities. Staff may be required to administer medication or be trained to do so by an RN nurse. PFA Inclusion Expectations & Supports: Welcome families regardless of children’s needs and abilities Be flexible and willing to learn new skills to teach children with different and complex needs Work with families using strengths-based, solution-focused approaches Request additional support and consultation from your PFA coach, the Early Learning Inclusion Coordinators, and the Early Childhood Consultants seek support and consultation from community partners, especially those currently working with the family Partner with MECP and accept their services in your program Request inclusion support funding from PFA when additional resources are needed to provide appropriate accommodations Work with Preschool & Early Learning Division staff and PFA coaches to review and adapt policies, practices, and curriculum that may contribute to suspension and expulsion Participate in – and support your team with participating in – professional development focused on inclusion Allow ample time for inclusion strategies and practices to work, based on best practices and/or consultant recommendations

Requirements

Minimum of 1 year experience working in a Certified Childcare Center with children ages 3-5 (verified)
Experience in inclusive settings supporting children with varying support needs
Must be at least 18 years of age
Minimum ORO step 4
240 documented hours of experience as an aide I or aide II in a Certified Childcare Center
Proficient in English (speaking, reading, writing)
Central Background Registry Requirement: Employment offers require current enrollment in Oregon’s Central Background Registry. Candidates not yet enrolled may be considered but cannot receive an offer until enrollment is completed.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
Frequent bending, crouching, and sitting on the floor or child-sized chairs
Ability to move quickly to ensure children’s safety
Ability to respond appropriately in emergencies (e.g., CPR, First Aid, evacuations)
Ability to stand or walk up to 6 hours per day
Frequent use of hands for grasping, pushing, pulling, and overhead tasks
Ability to communicate with children at their eye level

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Somali, Arabic, Swahili, Farsi, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Cantonese, or American Sign Language

Responsibilities

Assisting the Lead Teacher and the Assistant Teacher with classroom operations in a collaborative setting.
Assisting daily classroom operations.
Reinforcing instruction for individual children and small groups.
Occasionally leading activities under teacher guidance.
Assisting with preparing instructional materials.
Supporting daily routines.
Documenting observations.
Maintaining a welcoming, culturally responsive classroom environment.
Supporting children at all levels to help them engage in the classroom activities alongside their peers.
Working closely with classroom staff, families, and community partners to help implement accommodations, strategies, and support plans aligned with each child’s goals, including those with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).
Supporting children in the least restrictive environment and helping prevent exclusionary practices such as unnecessary removal from classroom activities.
Administering medication or being trained to do so by an RN nurse.
Welcoming families regardless of children’s needs and abilities.
Being flexible and willing to learn new skills to teach children with different and complex needs.
Working with families using strengths-based, solution-focused approaches.
Requesting additional support and consultation from your PFA coach, the Early Learning Inclusion Coordinators, and the Early Childhood Consultants.
Seeking support and consultation from community partners, especially those currently working with the family.
Partnering with MECP and accepting their services in your program.
Requesting inclusion support funding from PFA when additional resources are needed to provide appropriate accommodations.
Working with Preschool & Early Learning Division staff and PFA coaches to review and adapt policies, practices, and curriculum that may contribute to suspension and expulsion.
Participating in – and supporting your team with participating in – professional development focused on inclusion.
Allowing ample time for inclusion strategies and practices to work, based on best practices and/or consultant recommendations.