Recreation Employment - Preschool Aide (Recreation Associate) - Talent Pool

City of Portland • Multiple Locations, OR

7d • Onsite

About The Position

We are hiring for the 2026-2027 school year. Become a preschool assistant or a preschool substitute with Portland Parks Preschool, a Preschool for All Provider. In this role, you will work in classrooms with children aged 3-5 years. We are looking for individuals who enjoy working with kids and have an understanding of social emotional learning for preschool age students. Additionally, speaking a second language is beneficial. This is a talent pool and is collecting a list of people who are interested in the job. When a job opens, we will look at your application to decide who to invite for an interview.

Requirements

• Be friendly and welcoming.
• Communicate well with different people.
• Be able to handle safety and emergency situations.
• Be able to solve problems and help customers with their concerns.
• Possess or obtain a Food handler card ( https://www.orfoodhandlers.com/eMain.aspx ), within three weeks of hire.
• Staff are expected to meet the following education and Oregon Registry Online (ORO) Step requirements ( myORO ), or employers submit a Waiver Request :
• Current requirements: Step 4 on the Oregon Registry Online (ORO)
• After 2 years of participating in Preschool for All: Step 5 on the Oregon Registry Online (ORO)
• By 2030, Preschool for All will require: Step 7 on the Oregon Registry Online (ORO) or a Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA)

Nice To Haves

• Speaking a second language is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead various activities like arts, crafts, music, performance, science, games, nature, and sports
• Support the physical, social, and cognitive development of preschool-aged participants.
• Toileting and diaper changing support
• Nap time support
• Meal and snack support; an active food handlers certificate will be required
• Supporting dual language learners
• Supporting children with disabilities and/or learning differences
• Maintain a safe environment and respond to challenging behaviors in a kind and positive manner.
• Maintain accurate program records,
• Represent Portland Parks & Recreation with a positive attitude
• Work directly with children individually, in small and large groups under the direction of a Lead Teacher.
• Provide classroom management and facilitate the social and emotional development of children
• Provide in the moment coaching for students to gain skills in conflict resolution, skills to improve peer social relationships and emotional regulation.
• Contributes to the creation of an environment that reflects the values and norms of the diverse children and families we serve
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, planning meetings, and regular training.
• Facilitate open communication and promote group problem solving
• Relate in a positive, nurturing way and be sensitive to the needs of children and their families.
• Medication administration (i.e., Epi pen, inhaler)
• Maintenance of center facilities, equipment, and materials.
• Support changing diapers and soiled clothes

Benefits

• Limited benefits
• Language Pay: If you speak another language besides English and use it to help the community, you may get extra pay.
• Premium pay of $2.57 per hour for Preschool Specialty premium on all hours worked in preschool classrooms.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree