Classroom Aide - Troutdale

Classroom Aide Job Description

The Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO) advocates for social justice and equity for diverse African immigrant and refugee communities. CAIRO Academy is a culturally specific, accessible nonprofit preschool program funded by Preschool Promise and Preschool for All (PFA).

We offer a safe, play-based learning environment using the Creative Curriculum and Second Step frameworks to foster student‑led curiosity, self‑expression, and lifelong learning.

• Northeast Portland: A year‑round, 10‑hour Early Learning Center.
• Multnomah & Washington Counties:
  School‑year classrooms (late August to mid‑June) in Portland, Beaverton, and Hillsboro elementary schools.

As a Classroom Aide, you will serve as a vital part of a cohesive teaching team, supporting Lead and Assistant Teachers with daily operational activities and curriculum delivery. Utilizing your understanding of children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, you will help maintain a safe, stimulating environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed.

You will use strong communication skills to connect with both children and adults, collaborate effectively with your team, and support teachers in addressing parent or guardian concerns. Additionally, you will assume the duties of the Assistant Teacher when they are on leave.

In this role, you will work in partnership with the Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher, and Multi‑Site Coordinators to ensure full compliance with all standards, regulations, and guidelines set by:

• Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC)
• Preschool For All (PFA)
• Preschool Promise (PSP)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Environmental Health Authority

• Minimum age 18 and ORO Step 4.
• At least 1 year of verified experience in a certified childcare center with children ages 3–5.
• Experience in inclusive settings supporting children with varying support needs.
• Must have at least 240 documented hours as an Aide I or Aide II in a certified childcare center.

Staff may be scheduled on short notice to work at any CAIRO Academy site to meet program needs, with locations across Hillsboro, Beaverton, Northeast and Southeast Portland. Travel may also be required for assigned training.

• Required:
  
  Proficient in English (speaking, reading, writing)
• Preferred:
  Bilingual in Somali, Arabic, Swahili, Farsi, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Cantonese, or American Sign Language

Employment offers require current enrollment in Oregon’s Central Background Registry. Candidates not yet enrolled may be considered but cannot receive an offer until enrollment is completed. For information on how to enroll in Oregon’s Central Background Registry, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). or call the Office of Child Care at .

• Intermediate skills using:
  • Windows OS
  • Google Workspace (including Gmail and Google Calendar)
  • Microsoft Office
  • BambooHR (or other web‑based time management software)
  • Excel / Google Sheets
  • Zoom virtual meeting space
  • Teaching Strategies web‑based platform (TSG)
  • Procare (or other web based childcare management system)
  • Mobile phone applications
  • Tablet devices
  • Typical office equipment:
    Printer, landline phone, projector, walkie talkie, camera, etc.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent bending, crouching, and sitting on the floor or child‑sized chairs.
• Ability to move quickly to ensure children’s safety.
• Ability to respond appropriately in emergencies (e.g., CPR, First Aid, evacuations).
• Ability to stand or walk for up to 6 hours per day.
• Frequent use of hands for grasping, pushing, pulling, and overhead tasks.
• Ability to communicate with children at their eye level.

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.