Preschool Teacher Aide

Preschool Teacher AideThe 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 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.Minimum job specific qualifications include 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; 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 include 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.In-person classroom setting. Impact and Influence: Positions at this level have a minimal need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have minimal impact and influence on organization operations, programs, expenses, or budgetary outcomes. Work Independence: Positions perform routine work with regular supervision and generally are given instructions or written procedures. Positions occasionally encounter variation and are encouraged to suggest ways to respond, but can't take final action without approval. Environment: This level has a work environment that is usually well protected, free from hazards or obstacles. There is little element of personal risk or hazard. Job conditions are usually comfortable, with only occasional issues, including, temperature change. Schedule: The work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior notice.Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.IRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit package to our staff: many flexible working arrangements and schedule; amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world; work that helps your community; 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year; 401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting; 3% match for student loans or college savings; 12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday; medical & dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles; employer paid life, short term, and long-term disability insurance; flexible spending account.Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO's mission, vision, and values-based initiatives.Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers. For questions about this position, please email View email address on click.appcast.io is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.