The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization
Location
Portland, Oregon
Salary
$45,000 - $45,000 / YEAR
The Preschool Teacher Aide ensures the wellbeing of children by supporting developmentally appropriate activities and maintaining a safe learning environment. They assist lead teachers with daily routines, supervise children, and partner with families to promote social and intellectual growth.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, some experience caring for young children, and registration in the Central Background Registry. Proficiency in English is required, while bilingual skills and knowledge of child development are preferred.
Description 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 www.irco.org.
(1) APPLY AT: www.irco.org STATUS: Full-Time with Benefits PROGRAM(S): Early Learning Services – Preschool SECTOR: Preschool
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.
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.
Essential Functions 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. 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 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
Education & Experience MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS: 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; 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 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
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 Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements 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. 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.
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.
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 jobs@irco.org Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO’s main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. 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.
Market context
In Oregon, classroom teacher openings often draw candidates with childcare, tutoring, or youth-program experience, and employers may favor applicants who can show strong classroom management and child-centered communication. These roles can be competitive because schedules, advancement paths, and childcare-related benefits matter alongside pay. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then tailor your application to highlight any licensed childcare experience and your motivation for working with children.
Salary benchmark
$46,483 avg / yr
Typical range: $37,565–$49,899 based on 160 active listings in Oregon
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