Preschool Teacher Aide

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non‑profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more o.org.

Preschool Teacher Aide

Assistant / Grade 9

Starting at $45,000 per year based on experience

Non‑Exempt;
Professional; 8864

IRCO Early Beginnings Preschool Glisan Landing, 385 NE 75th Ave., Portland, OR 97213

1.0 FTE;
Full‑Time with Benefits;
Regular

2

Early Learning Services – Preschool

Preschool

High level proficiency in written and spoken English;
Bilingual preferred

Registration in the Central Background Registry

Completion of required health and safety trainings before working with children

This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job.

The Preschool Team’s purpose is to provide safe and accepting learning environments and engaging interactions for the children in their care.

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.

• 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

• 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
• Strong community focused communication skills with varied background communities
• Communicate in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone with individuals and groups
• Listen to understanding and assist in problem solving
• Punctuality and ability to maintain good attendance
• Ability to handle distressed individuals and employees in a calm and effective manner
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with people outside of the organization
• This position works under the guidance of the Lead Teacher and the Assistant Manager, Preschool Programs
• This position does not supervise any employees