Escuelita Esperanza Teacher Assistant

Latino Network•Portland, OR

36d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Teacher Assistant is an integral part of the preschool team, providing direct support to preschool aged children and their parents, engaging them in educational activities and promoting active family engagement and leadership. This position is critical to the continued growth and sustainability of Latino Network’s early childhood programs. The Teacher Assistant, under the general direction of the Teacher, prepares materials for the classroom, ensures safety of students and staff, assists with meal service, and helps implement developmentally appropriate curriculum. Guides and directs volunteers and children. This is a hands-on position that directly supports early learning and family engagement.

Requirements

All teaching and support positions require a review of transcripts and/or certificates.
Bachelor’s degree preferred in early childhood education, or a field related to early childhood education; OR an associate degree with additional training or additional certification in early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education, as determined by the Division; OR Child Development Associate (CDA) or a Step 5 or higher in ORO
Three years of related experience or relevant coursework.
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Current driver’s license, insurance, and access to a reliable automobile during work hours.
Member of the community in which you will work.
Fluent in Spanish, with Spanish reading and writing skills.
Strong desire to promote educational justice in your community.
Ability to work well independently and within a team.
Respect for diversity; desire and ability to work cross-culturally.
Proficient computer skills.
Willingness to grow, change and learn.
Demonstrate the following characteristics: patience, open-mindedness, high level of responsibility, courage, motivation, empathy, compassion, non-judgmentalness, flexibility, persistence, creativity.
Successful completion of initial and ongoing employment screens, including but not limited to criminal background, fingerprinting and vehicle record as required.

Nice To Haves

If you share similar life experiences to those of the families in Escuelita Esperanza, are committed to giving back to your community, and bring experience working with families with young children, this position is for you.

Responsibilities

Assists in the planning and implementing of a developmentally appropriate classroom environment and curriculum.
Assists in the implementation of the program’s policies and procedures and Positive Behavior Supports in facilitating social and emotional development of children.
Encourages experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making; asks open-ended questions and listens respectfully to children.
Assumes responsibility for the classroom in the absence of the teacher.
Helps cover the van if the classroom aide is out or if needed.
Completes observations documenting children’s strengths and areas for growth.
Assists Teacher in maintaining accurate written records, including ongoing assessments, anecdotal observations of children and other required forms.
Prepares and maintains classroom materials and a clean environment.
Assists with meal services and meal reports when necessary and applicable.
Assists with the implementation of parent involvement plans including evening parent services as assigned.
Supports implementation of an individual education plan for each child.
Meet deadlines for mileage and program expense reimbursements and timesheets.
Comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and existing confidentiality laws.
Attend all team meetings, staff meetings, and staff trainings.
Maintain clear, open, respectful communication and behavior towards/with coworkers, children, and families.
Maintains punctual, regular, and predictable attendance, and works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
Ensures to communicate with the team and supervisor about any last minute changes or issues with getting to work on time.
Approaches conflict with open mind and with goal of finding resolution and/or accepting non-closure if resolution is not desired outcome.
Reports suspected child abuse in accordance with Oregon Statute and Latino Network Policies.