Lead Teacher - ELC

CAIRO; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and Dental insurance with emp.

Vision Insurance

401(k) plan

Paid professional development

Job summary

CAIRO Academy in Portland, OR is seeking a Lead Teacher to guide a classroom team, coordinate the curriculum, and manage daily operations for 3–5 year olds. You will support children’s development and communicate with families while ensuring a safe, engaging learning environment.

You will collaborate with site coordinators to meet DELC, PSP, PFA, and OSHA standards, supervise staff, and contribute to program quality.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year in a Certified Childcare Center (ages 3-5).
• Experience in inclusive settings with diverse needs.
• Must meet Oregon background registry requirements.
• Knowledge of curriculum and staff development.
• Ability to supervise staff and manage daily operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead a teaching team and coordinate curriculum.
• Ensure safe, engaging learning environment for children 3–5.
• Communicate with families and guardians.
• Collaborate with Multi-Site Coordinators to maintain standards.

Skills

Classroom leadership

Communication with families

Curriculum coordination

Staff supervision

Safety and compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in ECE

Associate degree with ECE credential

Tools

Windows OS

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

BambooHR

Excel/Sheets

Procare

Job description

Lead 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.

Lead Position Summary

The Lead Teacher develops a cohesive teaching team, coordinates curriculum, and manages daily classroom operations. They must understand children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development to create a safe, engaging environment that supports success. Strong communication skills with both children and adults are essential to meet children’s needs, guide staff, and address parent/guardian concerns.

In our program, Lead Teachers also serve as Site Directors, with one on site during all hours of operation. They collaborate with Multi-Site Coordinators to ensure compliance with standards set by DELC, Environmental Health, OSHA, Preschool Promise (PSP), and Preschool For All (PFA).

Staff may be required to administer medication or be trained to do so by an RN nurse.

Compliance & Collaboration

In this role, you will work in partnership with the Assistant Teacher, Classroom Aide, 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 of 1 year experience working in a Certified Childcare Center with children ages 3-5 (Verified)
• Experience in inclusive settings supporting children with varying support needs
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Minimum ORO step 8
• Must have knowledge or experience in:
  • Management and Supervision of Adults
  • Financial management and budgeting
  • Record keeping
  • Staff evaluations and training
• Must meet at least one the following criteria:

1. At least a bachelor’s degree in: (1) Early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education; or (2) A field not related to early childhood education but teacher has completed coursework that is equivalent to a major in early childhood education and has sufficient training in early childhood education as determined by the Division.
2. An associate’s degree with additional training or additional certification in early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education, as determined by the Division.
   • Until sufficient alternative credentialing to indicate that the teacher is highly trained is developed by the Division, in partnership with the Educator Advancement Council and affected stakeholders, the lead preschool teacher must have a Child Development Associate (CDA) Preschool Credential or at least Step 8 on the Oregon Registry Online (ORO).

Preferred Education and Experience

Step 7 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 [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/Range

$24.86 - $33.15/hr. depending on step number, education level/Training per PFA Requirements.

Required Hours

7:15 AM - 3:45 PM (Hours may vary)

40 hours per week

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.