Assistant Teacher - ELC

Assistant Teacher Job Description

Organization Summary

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.

Our Locations

• 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.
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Assistant Position Summary

As an Assistant Teacher, you will partner with a collaborative teaching team to support daily classroom operations and curriculum delivery. Utilizing your knowledge of child development, you will help foster a safe, engaging learning environment, maintain strong communication with children and adults, and assist the Lead Teacher with family engagement. You will also step in to assume Lead Teacher responsibilities as needed.

Important Note: Staff may be required to administer medication or undergo training by a Registered Nurse (RN) to do so.

Compliance & Collaboration In this role, you will work closely with the 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

Education & Experience Requirements

• Minimum age 18.
• Minimum ORO Step 6.
• At least 1 year of verified experience with children ages 3–5 in a certified childcare center.
• Experience supporting children with varying needs in inclusive settings.
• Must meet one of the following:
  1. 750 hours of qualifying teaching experience in a certified childcare center or comparable group care program (ages 3–5)
  2. 1,500 hours (1 year) of qualifying teaching experience in a registered or certified family childcare program
  3. ORO Step 6 documentation or 9 quarter credits in two CKCs (including 3 credits in HGD or UGB)
  4. An associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Elementary Education, Human Development, or Child and Family Studies
  5. A state- or nationally recognized credential (e.g., CDA).

Preferred Education and Experience

Step 6 Preferred

Travel

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.

Language Requirements

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

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Central Background Registry Requirement: 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 https://secure.emp.state.or.us/ccd/  or call the Office of Child Care at +1 800-556-6616.

Other Skill Requirements

• 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.

 

Physical Requirements of the Job

• 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 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

Job Conditions

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.

Additional Requirements of the Job

• Maintain continual interaction with co-workers, parents, and children to provide information and support.
• Always relate positively to children and adults.
• Meet deadlines while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Complete tasks and required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintain focus despite frequent interruptions and varying levels of concentration demands.
• Manage multiple, multi-faceted tasks on a regular basis.
• Provide a supportive, caring environment for preschool children.
• Develop and maintain respectful, positive relationships with children, families, staff, and others.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills.
• Follow established directions and instructions consistently.

 

Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range

$23.16 - $24.50/hr. depending on step number, education level/Training per PFA

Requirements.

 

Required Hours

7:15 AM - 3:15 PM (Hours may vary)

FLSA Classification

Non - Exempt

Locations

• CAIRO Academy at Imlay Elementary School
• CAIRO Academy at Vestal Elementary School
• CAIRO Academy at Errol Hassell Elementary school
• CAIRO Academy at Woodmere Elementary School
• CAIRO Academy at Davis Elementary School
• CAIRO Academy at Troutdale Elementary School
• CAIRO Academy Early Learning Center

 

Benefits

• Up to 7 days of accrued Paid Time Off per year
• Up to 40 hours of accrued sick leave per year
• Up to 16 paid company holidays
• Paid Time Off for Spring Break - in alignment with school district
• Paid Time Off for Winter Break - in alignment with school district
• Medical and Dental insurance with employee-only premiums covered 100% by CAIRO
• Vision Insurance low-cost employee premium
• 401(k) plan with up to 3% employer match
• Paid professional development opportunities

 

Note: This job description outlines primary responsibilities but is not all-inclusive. Employees may be required to follow supervisor instructions and perform additional duties within, below, or occasionally above their job level as needed.