Classroom Aide - Woodmere

CAIRO; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) plan

Paid professional development

Holiday benefits

Job summary

CAIRO seeks a Classroom Aide to join a collaborative teaching team in our Portland-area CAIRO Academy sites. You will support Lead and Assistant Teachers, help deliver curriculum, and engage preschool children in a safe, stimulating environment.

You will apply your understanding of child development, communicate effectively with families, and assist during teacher absences. This is a non-exempt, on-site role with regular hours and local travel between CAIRO Academy locations.

Qualifications

• Experience in certified childcare centers serving 3–5 year olds.
• Ability to follow safety and health guidelines and policies.
• Experience collaborating with teaching teams and families.

Responsibilities

• Support Lead/Assistant Teachers with daily operations and curriculum delivery.
• Maintain a safe, engaging environment for preschool children.
• Assist during teacher absences and communicate with families as needed.

Skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Child development knowledge

Inclusive settings experience

Strong written English

Tools

Windows OS

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

BambooHR

Excel / Sheets

Zoom

TSG

Procare

Mobile apps

Tablets

Job description

Classroom Aide 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.

Position Summary

As a Classroom Aide, you will serve as a vital part of a cohesive teaching team, supporting Lead and Assistant Teachers with daily operational activities and curriculum delivery. Utilizing your understanding of children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, you will help maintain a safe, stimulating environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed.

You will use strong communication skills to connect with both children and adults, collaborate effectively with your team, and support teachers in addressing parent or guardian concerns. Additionally, you will assume the duties of the Assistant Teacher when they are on leave.

Compliance & Collaboration

In this role, you will work in partnership with the Assistant Teacher, 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 and Experience Requirements

• Minimum age 18 and ORO Step 4.
• At least 1 year of verified experience in a certified childcare center with children ages 3–5.
• Experience in inclusive settings supporting children with varying support needs.
• Must have at least 240 documented hours as an Aide I or Aide II in a certified childcare center.
• Food Handler Certification Adult And Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED-BL-R.21
• Safety Set Trainings:
  • Introduction to Child Care Health & Safety
  • Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
  • Prevention Is Better Than Treatment
  • Foundations For Learning

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 [phone].

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 for 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/hr.

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.