Preschool Teacher Aide

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization•Portland, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Preschool Teacher Aide is primarily responsible for ensuring the wellbeing of the preschool children in their care and supporting developmentally appropriate activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth while following Oregon state licensing guidelines and early childhood best practices. This role involves assisting Lead and Assistant Teachers with daily activities, actively supervising children to ensure their safety, and fostering their independence with daily routines. The aide will also promote and model health, safety, and nutrition, assist with classroom cleaning, and support children's social, physical, emotional, and intellectual development. A key aspect of the role is partnering with families to ensure a positive early learning experience and communicating effectively with the teaching team. The position requires adherence to all relevant IRCO, Preschool for All, and Oregon state licensing policies and procedures, maintaining safe and respectful classroom environments, and participating in family-focused activities. Additionally, the aide will participate in professional development and staff meetings, and assume the responsibilities of the Lead or Assistant Teacher in their absence, including serving as a main point of contact for families and partners, planning activities, and guiding volunteers or substitutes.

Requirements

Some experience, lived or professional, caring for young children
High school/GED and at least a Step 4 in ORO
Proficiency in the English language; oral and written communication skills commensurate with the needs of the position
Registration with the Central Background Registry and completion of orientation and required trainings before working with children
Strong effective and community focused communication skills
Compassionate with the ability to adapt to stressful conditions and manage time efficiently
Ability to work independently and with multi-background staff in a team setting
Ability to courteously communicate with families, other employees, and external partners
Ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment, demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently, and meet commitments
High level proficiency in written and spoken English
Registration in the Central Background Registry
Completion of required health and safety trainings before working with children

Nice To Haves

Some knowledge and understanding of child development, positive discipline approaches, developmentally appropriate practices, and school/classroom health and safety procedures
Knowledge of Oregon state childcare licensing guidelines
Knowledge and understanding of immigrant, refugee, and local populations
Bilingual in English and a second language preferred
Experience observing and documenting children’s development
Familiarity with Teaching Strategies/Creative Curriculum
Ability to use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities
Bilingual preferred

Responsibilities

Assist Lead and Assistant Teachers with facilitating daily activities in a community aware and responsive learning environment
Actively supervise children to always ensure their safety
Assist children and foster their independence with daily routines (e.g. using the restroom, changing clothes, mealtime, naptime)
Promote and model health, safety, and nutrition; assist with cleaning the classroom throughout the day and at the end of each day
Promote and support social, physical, emotional, and intellectual development through planned activities and an engaging classroom environment
Partner with families to ensure a positive early learning experience for them and their child(ren)
Communicate with the teaching team regarding classroom routine, classroom management, and all aspects of children’s care
Gain familiarity with, follow, and uphold all relevant IRCO, Preschool for All, and Oregon state licensing policies and procedures
Maintain classroom and outdoor environments while always considering safety, security, and respectful engagement
Participate in family-focused activities such as conferences, home visits, field trips, and events
Participate in professional development opportunities (both required and optional)
Participate in Early Learning Services Department and IRCO All Staff meetings and events as required and allowed by the classroom schedule
Assume the Lead or Assistant Teacher’s responsibilities in their absence including serving as the main point of contact for families and internal/external partners, planning and leading activities, serves as a primary contact to guide volunteers, student teachers, or substitutes.

Benefits

Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
Work that helps your community
3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year
401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting
3% match for student loans or college savings
12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance
Flexible spending account