Bilingual Classroom Aide

Job Title:  Bilingual Classroom Aide

Direct Supervisor:  School Manager/Director

Summary of Position:

The Classroom Aide works alongside our trained guides/teachers, primary classroom assistant(s), floating classroom assistants, and other team members in our Montessori Program.  They will support primary classroom(s) of children ages 3-5 at our tuition free full day Montessori program. The Classroom Aide will be responsible for handling a variety of tasks both inside and outside of the classroom. The Classroom Aide is a supplemental and vital member of the classroom educational environment and will spend their day creating a positive educational experience for each student.   

This is a full-time non-exempt position based on a school year/school day schedule.  Occasional evening or weekend work may be required as it relates to annual or specialized training or school events.  Monday through Friday on all school days. The start date and hours are detailed in writing upon acceptance of employment, and the schedule may be updated in writing by the School Manager/Director.  This position will require enrolling and completing assigned Montessori assistant training, or 3 months of work experience within a Montessori Primary Classroom and will require immediate and ongoing training throughout employment. At this time we can only promise this position to continue through the 25-26 school year.

Job Purpose: 

On day-to-day activities this position will report to and works with the classroom lead teachers/guides, with the School Manager/Director being their formal supervisor to assign new duties or areas of responsibility.  Responsible for assisting the lead teachers in classroom preparation & management and children's learning.  They will also work closely with the full classroom team, floating classroom assistants and other members of the AEME team. 

Minimum Requirements Include:

• Verified with documentation in place that they age 18 or older and meet Oregon Office of Childcare Aide 1 qualifications' and will meet Aide II work hour requirements (240 documented hours of experience as Aide 1 or Aide 2, with 80 hours within an AEME classroom at hire or within 4 weeks after start of position.
• Enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry verified prior to start date
• Attain and maintain Current CPR/1st Aid, RRCAN, and Food Handlers certificate. And complete other mandated training by hire or within week 1 of the start date.
• Meet State of Oregon ORO Step level requirements for Preschool For All funding. Step 4 or higher. At minimum must have ORO Step 2 and will be able to complete all training hours to attain Step 4 within school year of hire.

And,

• Some experience working within a Montessori primary classroom and assessed to have the skills and personal attributes to perform this role consistently. 
• Fluency in Spanish/English – written and verbal (or other specific language needed for that classroom placement)
• Experience (and joy in) working with young children, including children with delays, disabilities or behaviors that are impacting learning
• Compassionate communication style and positive attitude
• Highly dependable- will consistently arrive on time and complete work tasks.
• Must have a High School Degree or GED or skills necessary to perform this role well.
• Personal dedication to continual self-improvement and skills growth.
• Significant physical abilities including mobility in the classroom/outdoor areas, lifting/carrying, reaching/handling, talking/haring conversations, near/far visual acuity/depth perception/accommodation/field of vision.

Preference for Applicants with

• Direct experience within our Montessori classrooms, OR 1+ years experience in a Montessori Primary or Infant/Toddler classroom.
• Current enrollment in Oregon Central Background Registry, and up to date with CPR/1st Aid, Food Handlers, and other required training with an AIDE 2 status.
• ORO Step 7

Daily Responsibilities:

1. Working with the teacher, other assistants, and AEME staff to create an environment that demonstrates rapport with, and respect and kindness for, all students, as well as positive relationships between students. The aide models and teaches with dedication to equity, diversity and inclusion, integrating in age-appropriate conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies in the classroom. 
2. Work as a team to promote positive work dynamics and care of the children/classroom.
3. The aide pays close attention to the safety of the children. No child should ever be left unsupervised either inside or outside the classroom. Adhere to staff/student ratios of 1/10 and always sign-in and out of the classroom as well as verbally communicate with team to ensure ratio is met before leaving the classroom or playground space for other work tasks or breaks. Aide 1 staff are not to be unsupervised with children.
4. Support the teacher with interpretation or translation of information to support student learning within the classroom.
5. Remains open to coaching and continued skill development and refreshing of skills and best practices to support our classrooms high quality standards.
6. Classroom Preparation, including daily general cleaning, inventory of supplies (pencils, paper, etc.), helping to arrange the furniture and activities, material making, etc.
7. Assisting the children in the development of independence. This will include supporting children in choosing purposeful activities; dispensing supplies; greeting late arrivals; assisting children with their communication or helping them resolve conflicts; indicating where to wait for the Guide when necessary; reporting any abnormal or unusual situations to the Guide; helping a child who is injured to take care of herself. 
8. Communicate promptly information shared by a parent/guardian with the Lead Teacher or School Manager/Director as appropriate.
9. Provide toileting support and active assistance to a child when a toileting accident occurs. This may include changing diapers or pull ups for a child throughout the year.
10. Developing and maintaining a positive and supportive relationship with each child, while respecting and fostering her/his independence. Using positive language phrases and words with the children. Providing emotional support and understanding through active listening and feedback.
11. Setting up and putting away napping cots and linens.
12. Washing and caring for bed and classroom linens for program/classrooms.
13. Food preparation and nutritional program support, which may include cooking or transferring of meals between cafeteria and classroom.
14. Perform all other duties as assigned.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Work collaboratively with the teacher to prepare an environment that meets the sensitive period/plane of development of the children within the classroom.
2. Learn the first name or preferred name of each student as well as their parent/guardian for daily greeting and building positive relationships.
3. Assisting or inventorying the classroom materials and supplies and communicating with the teacher and manager/director on items needing replacement or repair.
4. Remain eager to learn and grow skills within the classroom environment. Ask the teacher to provide training and coaching in providing lessons or classroom tasks.
5. Making classroom materials under the guidance of the Lead Guide/Primary Classroom Assistant.
6. Escorting and supervision of students using our bus transportation services and following protocols and demonstrating professional judgment in situations as they arise.
7. The aid may be asked to support and participate in school functions, including but not limited to open houses, performances and celebrations, parent orientations, parent events and information nights, and school picnics.
8. Have a firm commitment to upholding our mission and anti-bias/anti-racist pedagogy.

Physical Requirements:

Must have the ability to:

• Lift up to 50 lbs.
• Be able to perform repetitive bending, stretching, and stooping.
• Have the personal mobility required to ensure the safety of the children.
• Flexibility to be able to work with children on the floor.
• Lead physical education or outdoor activities in all seasons.
• Perform light duty cleaning regularly.
• Visually monitor students and classroom activities for safety, hygiene, and learning.
• Handle strong smells.

ORO Step 4 – requires a minimum of 50 hours of ORO approved training hours in early childhood education.  Step 4 requires 4 hours in Human Growth & Development; 4 hours in Understanding and Guiding Behavior; and at least 4 other training hours in the other 8 core knowledge categories.  A college quarter credit option is also available with specific requirements.  All training must be uploaded and accepted by ORO in the State Portal.