Benefits
- Up to 7 days of accrued Paid Time Off per year
- Up to 40 hours of accrued sick leave per year
- 5 days of Paid Time Off for paid spring break - in alignment with school district
- 16 paid company holidays
- Medical and Dental insurance with employee-only premiums covered 100% by CAIRO
- Vision Insurance low-cost employee premium
- 401(k) plan with up to 3% employer match
- Paid professional development opportunities
Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range$20.91 - $22.66 per hour, depending on experience.Reports toPreschool Program Supervisor / Multi-Site Coordinator Required Availability:7:15 am - 3:15 pm(Actual schedule will vary based on workload, additional hours will be required as needed)Position Duration:New Hire Job Posting:August 22, 2024 - June 13,2025Organization and Position 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 non-profit preschool program funded by Preschool Promise and Preschool For All. We have multiple preschool classrooms located within different elementary schools throughout Multnomah and Washington County including outer Northeast and Southeast Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, and Hillsboro. The Academy's focus is to provide a culturally specific and accessible preschool curriculum. Our program follows a school-year schedule operating from late August - mid June.Classroom Aide Position Summary:The Classroom Aide is responsible for participating as part of a cohesive teaching team, supporting the Lead, and Assistant Teachers in coordinating the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom. Classroom Aides must understand children's cognitive, social, emotional and physical development to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. The Classroom Aide must be skilled in communicating with both children and adults in order to meet the needs of the children, effectively participate on the teaching team, and support the Lead, and Assistant Teachers to resolve parent/guardian concerns. The Classroom Aide will assume the duties and responsibilities if the Assistant Teacher is off on leave.This position will work in collaboration with the Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher, and Multi-Site Coordinators to ensure standards set by the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), the Environmental Health Authority, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)Preschool Promise (PSP) and Preschool For All (PFA) are met and maintained.Essential Functions:*Enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry is a prerequisite for this position and is a requirement to work in any certified childcare center in the state of Oregon.Processing can take some time, to avoid the wait, apply online now at *Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this positionProgram Operation:
- Coordinate with teaching team in implementing daily activities as well as general program activities.
- Support the team with developing a consistent classroom schedule which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, and meals.
- Assist in setting up the program environment (indoor/outdoor) for the activities of the day.
- Support classroom schedule and routines as directed by the Lead Teacher.
- Maintain a well-designed, safe environment that engages children in activities
- Implement lesson plan activities and encourage participation by children.
- Actively engage in activities, manage cleanliness, maintenance, and availability of classroom materials.
- Understand and implement: Preschool Promise (PSP), Preschool For All (PFA), and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) rules and guidelines in all areas of duties performed.
- Model behaviors that demonstrate an understanding, acceptance and welcoming of diversity, and inclusion.
- Bring your own cultural wealth and lived experiences into your work.
- Ensure smooth daily transitions for children from drop-off to pick-up.
- Provides a classroom environment that is inclusive of all children, regardless of ability or family income.
- Provide support and/or accommodations to help children engage with peers
- Organize materials and furniture into an environment that supports active and quiet playtime and collaborating with the team in modifying the environment to respond to individual children's needs.
- Develop supportive relationships with each child.
- Implement a balance of child-directed and teacher directed activities.
- Practice developmentally appropriate positive guidance and behavior management approaches.
- Collaborate with the teaching team to plan: family engagement events, class field trips, and conferences.
Curriculum Planning and Implementation:
- Support Lead and Assistant Teachers in the development of weekly activity planning and program activities.
- Meet with the teaching team weekly to discuss curriculum, resolve problems, and plan program activities.
- Assist Lead and Assistant Teachers with observations and portfolio development of children.
- Assist Lead and Assistant Teachers in observing and evaluating children's learning styles and behaviors and determining their readiness for new learning opportunities.
- Assists Lead and Assistant Teachers in helping children develop basic health habits and planning health and educational activities.
- In collaboration with teaching team, plan and conduct developmentally appropriate educational activities for children.
- Take regular inventory of all classroom equipment and supplies and perform steps necessary to replace depleted/missing/damaged supplies.
- Implement Creative Curriculum, Second Step SEL, and Teaching Strategies Gold teaching tools to fidelity in daily program operations.
- Implement the Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines using developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, trauma informed practices, and regular ongoing family engagement.
Observations, Assessments, and Outcomes:
- Assist Lead and Assistant in recording observations and maintaining portfolio development for students.
- Assist Lead and Assistant Teachers in observing and evaluating children's learning styles and behaviors and determining their readiness for new learning opportunities.
- Assist Lead and Assistant Teachers in conducting, and reviewing student developmental screenings (ASQ) three times per program year for all enrolled students
- Understand and implement comprehensive and individualized family and student services plans (IFSP) (and/or: IEP, 504 plans) for each child with special needs in collaboration with parents, co-workers, specialists, and consultants.
- Develop and maintain children's work sample portfolios
- Maintain requirements for applicable quality rating and improvement system ECERS / ERS / QRIS / SPARK / NAEYC/ etc.
Family Engagement and Partnerships:
- Assist Lead and Assistant Teachers in conducting conferences with each enrolled student's family three times per program year to discuss ASQ results, student goals, progress, and outcomes.
- Assist Lead and Assistant Teachers in planning, hosting, and facilitating bi-monthly parent/guardian meetings held in the classroom after program to promote family involvement in curriculum planning, program governance, and the overall program.
- Promote families as the primary educators of their children.
- Collaborate with the teaching team to assist parents in obtaining clear and understandable information about their child's individual needs and program services.
- Respect the family's point of view and follow through on their goals for their child.
- Maintain an open, friendly, and cooperative relationship with each child's family.
- Plan and facilitate student orientations/enrollments to the program.
- Maintain consistent communication with families through informal discussions, monthly newsletters, daily ProCare engagement, and conferences (Communicate with families in multiple languages, as available).
- Provide a high quality, culturally responsive family engagement environment that supports families as partners in a child's learning and development.
- Work in collaboration with community programs to ensure that families have knowledge of, and are connected to, community resources and support to meet their needs.
- Support families of enrolled children during transitions to other early learning settings, including kindergarten.
- Support children's development taking into account and adjusting for a child's culture and language.
- Maintain confidentiality of all information regarding children and families.
- Incorporate best practices in outreach, enrollment and programming for diverse cultural and linguistic populations.
Health, Safety, and Nutrition:
- Communicate with Lead Teacher regarding children's health, nutrition, communicable diseases, medications or injuries so that Lead teacher can communicate with parents.
- Assist Lead and Assistant Teachers in completion of attendance, health checks, home correspondence, accident/incident reports, referrals, safety inspections, etc.
- Assist Lead and Assistant Teachers in follow-up actions noted in reports when required.
- Assist in planning and conducting monthly emergency drills.
- Apply safe practices in all facets of duties performed.
- Ensure a healthy classroom environment - including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children.
- Ensure classroom and playground supervision of children while incorporating positive child guidance techniques
- Maintain a strong understanding of safety and sanitation rules and guidelines set by the Environmental Health Authority, DELC, and the CDC, in addition to state and local regulations.
- Assist with custodial duties of the classroom as needed which can include sweeping floors, disinfecting toys and furniture, replenishing supplies, laundry duties and other related tasks.
- Follows DELC procedures for maintaining health records, administering first aid.
- Promotes and supports the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of children.
- Ensure that no child will be left alone or unsupervised.
- Report and correct any unsafe or hazardous working conditions and/or injuries immediately.
- Collaborate with management staff for the prompt completion of injury investigation, corrective actions, and inspections as required.
- Assist students as needed in toileting, diaper changes, clothing changes, and preparing to be picked up from program.
- Accurately document student activities, meals, and rest periods in ProCare daily.
CACFP
- Complete all required CACFP training as assigned.
- Accurately document student daily attendance, and meal counts
- Understand and adhere to CAIRO Academy CACFP Policies and Procedures
General Communication:
- Demonstrate Ability to:
- Maintain professional composure under pressure.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing:
- Organize and manage time and tasks efficiently.
- Approach issues with an attitude of learning and an intent to grow and improve.
- Adapt quickly to changes, embrace challenges, and problem solving in the moment.
- Participate and engage in group discussions.
- Participate in daily morning huddles with teaching team to check-in with each other, and to discuss plans and goals for the day ahead.
- Communicate positively with staff, families, children and others.
- Implement and support a dual language classroom.
- Welcome feedback from others on your teaching team.
- Protect program operations by maintaining strict confidentiality practices.
- Provide clear directions, demonstrating patience, offering calm and consistent responses and responding quickly to children, and other team member needs.
- Work to resolve issues and problems among co-workers cooperatively and respectfully.
- Clearly communicate when help is needed.
Professional Development:
- Participate in staff meetings, parent meetings, training, and all relevant center activities including meeting with Lead Teacher and Program Supervisor on a regular basis.
- Demonstrate understanding of the philosophy and current best practices of early childhood education and describing its goals and objectives to others.
- Attend and participate in one-on-one reflective supervision meetings regarding workload, goals, and professional development.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge
- Take advantage of training or educational experiences to increase qualifications, and advance Step number in the Oregon Online Registry (ORO). A minimum of 20 hours of professional development per program year is required.
- Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
Other Responsibilities:
- Scheduled attendance is required to ensure an adequate staffing level to operate the program and maintain the required classroom ratios.
- It is a requirement to remain on the designated work premises as assigned during all hours of operation (except for your unpaid meal period).
- Perform other work-related duties as assigned.
Compliance:
- Assist Lead and Assistant Teachers in completion of attendance, health checks, home correspondence, accident/incident reports, referrals, safety inspections, etc.
- Assist Lead and Assistant Teachers in follow-up actions noted in reports when required.
- Assist in planning and conducting monthly emergency drills.
- Responsibilities include compliance with any/all Federal and State Standards, Agency Policies and Procedures, Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care regulations, Preschool For All (PFA, and Preschool Promise (PSP) program guidelines, and NAEYC/SPARK/QRIS/ECERS/ERS standards (as applicable)
- Maintain confidentiality of all information regarding children and families.
- Strictly adhere to the agency code of ethics and standards of workplace behavior.
- Keep center records current to ensure inclusion of attendance, team meetings, field trip forms, lesson plans, menus, observation notes, SEL plans, family training, family newsletters, center/reflection meeting notes, and all other applicable documentation.
- As applicable, complete attendance, health checks, family correspondence, accident/incident reports, referrals, safety inspections, etc.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Minimum of 1 year experience working in a Certified Childcare Center with students ages 3-5 years old - will be verified.
- Previous experience teaching in a setting that focuses on inclusion and supporting students with individual needs ranging from low-support to high-support needs.
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Minimum ORO step 4
- Must meet the following criteria:
- Have at least 240 documented hours of experience as an aide I or aide II in a Certified Childcare Center
Travel:
- Staff in all positions may be scheduled to work at any of our CAIRO Academy sites to fulfill program operation requirements and may be given short notice. CAIRO Academy Sites are located on the outer limits of: Hillsboro, Beaverton, Gresham, Northeast and Southeast Portland
- Travel may be required to attend appropriate training as assigned.
Language Requirements:
- Required: Fluency in speaking/reading/writing English proficiently
- Preferred bilingual, ability to speak/read/write: Somali, Arabic, Swahili, Farsi, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Cantonese, American Sign Language.
Additional Eligibility Requirements:Central Background Registry Requirement:To be offered any position, you must be currently enrolled in Oregon's Central Background Registry. If you are not currently enrolled, you may still be considered for this position, but no offer of employment may be extended to you until this requirement has been completed. For information on how to enroll in Oregon's Central Background Registry, please visit or call the Office of Child Care at 1.800.###.####.Other Skill Requirements:
- Intermediate skills using:
- Windows OS
- Google Workspace
- Gmail
- Google Calendar
- Microsoft Office
- BambooHR (or other web-based time management software)
- Excel / Google Sheets
- Zoom virtual meeting space
- Teaching Strategies web-based platform
- ProCare (or other web based childcare management system)
- Mobile phone applications
- Tablet devices
- Typical office equipment: Printer, landline phone, projector, walkie talkie, camera, etc.
Physical Requirements of the Job:
- Must be able to lift up to 50lbs
- Frequent bending/crouching down to the floor, sitting in small chairs, sitting on the floor actively engaging in activities with children.
- Physical ability to move quickly in order to redirect children for the purpose of ensuring a child's safety or the safety of others in the environment.
- Ability to respond appropriately both physically and mentally to an emergency or crisis situation, such as to provide CPR and/or First Aid to a pre-school age child, to evacuate a building, etc.
- In a normal workday, may stand/walk 6 hrs./day
- May use hands for repetitive grasping, pushing and pulling, may use hands at or above shoulder level.
- Must be able to communicate with children at their eye level.
Job Conditions:Will be required to work outdoors intermittently with exposure to typical Oregon weather conditions. There may be frequent interruptions, evening or weekend work, working long hours in peak periods. May work in a confined and small space with minimal room for maneuverability. Additional Requirements of the Job:
- Continual interaction with co-workers, parents, and children to provide information.
- Must relate positively to children and adults.
- Frequently faces deadlines with high demand for attention to detail
- Must complete numerous tasks and required documentation in a timely manner.
- Considerable amount of variable levels of concentration with frequent or constant interruptions.
- Must be able to handle multi-faceted tasks on a frequent basis.
- Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for preschool children.
- Ability to develop and maintain positive, respectful working relationships with children, families, staff and others.
- Effective communication skills.
- Ability to follow established directions and instructions.
NOTE: This agency believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. At all times, employees will be required to follow any instruction and perform any other duties within this or a lower job level upon the request of the supervisor. At times, employees may also be required to perform higher-level duties.