Preschool Teacher Aide

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.

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.

Essential Functions:

• 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.

Secondary Functions:

• 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

Education & Experience:

Minimum Job Specific

Qualifications:

• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements:

• In-person classroom setting
• Impact and Influence:
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