Preschool Teacher Assistant

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 at  

POSITION: Preschool Teacher Assistant

JOB CLASS/GRADE: Specialist 1; Grade 8

WAGE: Starting at $48,600 per year based on experience

FLSA; EEO; WC: Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864

LOCATIONS: IRCO Early Beginnings Preschool Glisan Landing

NE 75th Ave. Portland, OR 97213

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular

NUMBER OF POSITIONS:

APPLY AT:

STATUS: Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S): Early Learning Services – Preschool

SECTOR: Preschool 

REQUIREMENTS:

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. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

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

Position Summary
The Preschool Teacher Assistant is primarily responsible for ensuring the wellbeing of the preschool children in their care and assisting with 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 Teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and facilitating daily activities in a community aware and responsive learning environment
• Actively supervise children to ensure their safety at all times.
• 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)
• Maintain and keep confidential records following IRCO Policies and Procedures and state licensing guidelines
• 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
• Support Lead Teacher to complete all necessary paperwork in a timely manner, including weekly lesson plans, student documentation, conference forms, monthly newsletters, etc.
• 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 Teacher's responsibilities in their absence include serving as the main point of contact for families and internal/external partners, planning and leading activities, serves as a primary contact and provide guidance to the Teacher Aide and any interns, 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
• Ability to meet multiple, including conflicting, deadlines
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities for related job functions
• Strong community focused communication skills with varied experiences communities
• Communicate in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone with individuals and groups
• Listen for understanding and assist in problem solving
• Assist with preparing clear, accurate, and concise materials
• 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. It will however be asked on occasion to train, orient, and direct the work of new employees, interns, volunteers, substitutes, and student teachers 

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 1-2 years of experience working with young children in a classroom setting
• Knowledge and understanding of child development, positive discipline approaches, developmentally appropriate practices, and school/classroom health and safety procedures
• An Associate's degree in a related field, Child Development Associates, ORO Step 6, or other commensurate degree/training
• 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
• 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:

• Strong community-aware approach and community focused communication skills
• 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 planning lessons, observing and documenting children's development, and using Teaching Strategies/Creative Curriculum
• Ability to use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities 

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• In-person classroom setting
• Position requires some analysis of problems or decision-making ability
• Work under close supervision
• Well protected environment with minimal hazards or obstacles
• Stable work schedule with limited fluctuations

Supervisory Responsibilities

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.

What We Offer

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

Required Engagement 

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. 

How To Apply

1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.  
2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.  
3. For questions about this position, please email

Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO's main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application. 

IRCO 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.