Lead Teacher - ELC

CAIRO•Portland, OR

3d•$25 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Teacher develops a cohesive teaching team, coordinates curriculum, and manages daily classroom operations. The role requires understanding children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development to create a safe, engaging environment that supports their success. The Lead Teacher communicates with children, staff, and families to meet children’s needs, guide staff, and address parent or guardian concerns. Lead Teachers also serve as Site Directors, with one on site during all hours of operation. They collaborate with Multi-Site Coordinators and classroom staff to ensure compliance with standards and requirements set by the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), Environmental Health, OSHA, Preschool Promise (PSP), and Preschool For All (PFA). Staff may be required to administer medication or receive training to do so from a registered nurse. CAIRO Academy is a culturally specific, accessible nonprofit preschool program serving African immigrant and refugee communities. It provides a safe, play-based learning environment using the Creative Curriculum and Second Step frameworks to encourage student-led curiosity, self-expression, and lifelong learning. The organization operates a year-round, 10-hour Early Learning Center in Northeast Portland and school-year classrooms, from late August to mid-June, in elementary schools in Portland, Beaverton, and Hillsboro. The position may be scheduled on short notice at CAIRO Academy sites in Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Northeast or Southeast Portland to meet program needs. Travel may also be required for assigned training. Work includes intermittent outdoor exposure to typical Oregon weather, and may involve frequent interruptions, evening or weekend work, long hours during peak periods, and confined spaces with limited room to maneuver. The schedule is 7:15 AM–3:45 PM, with hours subject to variation, for 40 hours per week. Compensation is $24.86–$33.15 per hour, depending on step number, education, and training under PFA requirements. Employees must maintain positive relationships with children, families, coworkers, and others; communicate effectively; follow instructions; meet deadlines; complete accurate and timely documentation; and manage multiple tasks while maintaining focus despite interruptions. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

At least one year of verified experience working in a certified childcare center with children ages 3–5.
Experience in inclusive settings supporting children with varying support needs.
At least 18 years of age.
Minimum Oregon Registry Online (ORO) Step 8.
Knowledge or experience in management and supervision of adults, financial management and budgeting, record keeping, staff evaluations, and training.
Meet at least one of the stated education or credential pathways: a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field; a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field plus equivalent early childhood education coursework and sufficient training as determined by the Division; an associate’s degree plus additional early childhood education training or certification as determined by the Division; or, pending development of sufficient alternative credentialing, a Child Development Associate (CDA) Preschool Credential or at least ORO Step 8.
Proficiency in English, including speaking, reading, and writing.
Current enrollment in Oregon’s Central Background Registry is required before an employment offer can be made.
Intermediate skills with Windows OS, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, BambooHR or other web-based time management software, Excel or Google Sheets, Zoom, Teaching Strategies web-based platform (TSG), Procare or another web-based childcare management system, mobile phone applications, tablet devices, and typical office equipment.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; bend, crouch, and sit on the floor or child-sized chairs frequently; move quickly for children’s safety; respond appropriately in emergencies; stand or walk for up to six hours per day; perform frequent grasping, pushing, pulling, and overhead tasks; and communicate with children at their eye level.
Maintain continual interaction with coworkers, parents, and children; relate positively to children and adults; communicate effectively; follow directions consistently; provide a supportive, caring preschool environment; and maintain attention to detail while handling interruptions and varied concentration demands.

Nice To Haves

ORO Step 7 is listed as preferred.
Bilingual ability in Somali, Arabic, Swahili, Farsi, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Cantonese, or American Sign Language.

Responsibilities

Develop a cohesive teaching team, coordinate curriculum, and manage daily classroom operations.
Create a safe, engaging learning environment that supports children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
Communicate with children, staff, and parents or guardians to meet children’s needs, guide staff, and address concerns.
Serve as a Site Director, ensuring a Lead Teacher is on site during all hours of operation.
Partner with the Assistant Teacher, Classroom Aide, and Multi-Site Coordinators to ensure compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and guidelines.
Maintain positive and respectful relationships with children, families, staff, and others.
Complete required tasks and documentation accurately and on time, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks.
Work at other CAIRO Academy sites on short notice when scheduled and travel for assigned training.
Administer medication or complete training to administer medication if required.
Follow supervisor instructions and perform additional duties as needed.