Preschool Teacher Assistant

Oregon Child Development Coalition; Hermiston (OR); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Life and disability coverage

FSAs for healthcare & dependent care

EAP & wellness resources

Pet insurance

Job summary

Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) is seeking a Preschool Teacher Assistant CE to support the lead teacher in delivering a developmentally appropriate early childhood program in Oregon. The role emphasizes social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development aligned with Head Start standards and local policies.

The position requires a High School Diploma or GED, a CDA certificate within 6 months, and ongoing coursework toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in early

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or Diploma de Educacion Secundaria with an Oregon Registry Step equal to or greater than 8
• Preschool CDA certificate within 6 months from date of hire
• One year Oregon community college certificate2 in field WITH training or coursework in early childhood development with a focus on preschool development within 1 year from date of hire
• Enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s program in early childhood education or child development to be completed within 2 years from date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Support the classroom teacher in maintaining a safe, positive learning environment
• Supervise children indoors and outdoors using positive guidance and behavior-management techniques
• Assist with classroom setup, organization, cleaning, and inventory of materials and supplies
• Support implementation of individualized curriculum and daily classroom activities
• Help balance teacher-directed and child-directed learning experiences
• Assist with observations, assessments, and maintaining children’s portfolios and documentation
• Communicate regularly with the teacher regarding children’s health, behavior, and development
• Support family engagement, including newsletters, conferences, and home visits
• Promote healthy practices related to nutrition, wellness, and child development
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all safety policies and procedures
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Skills

Classroom support

Teacher collaboration

Health and safety

Attendance reliability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Preschool CDA certificate

Oregon Registry Step 8+

Associate or Bachelor in ECE (enrollment)

Job description

About Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC):

Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) is a nonprofit organization serving children and families across Oregon through early education and family support programs. At OCDC, our work has purpose. Every role contributes to creating stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures for children across Oregon.

Position Summary:

Collaborates with the teacher in providing a positive learning environment and curriculum that support children’s social, emotional, physical, language and cognitive development, consistent with Head Start Performance Standards, OCDC policies and procedures, USDA, CCD Licensing regulations and/or other applicable standards.

Essential Functions:

• Support the classroom teacher in maintaining a safe, positive, and engaging learning environment
• Supervise children indoors and outdoors using positive guidance and behavior‑management techniques
• Assist with classroom setup, organization, cleaning, and inventory of materials and supplies
• Support implementation of individualized curriculum and daily classroom activities
• Help balance teacher‑directed and child‑directed learning experiences
• Assist with observations, assessments, and maintaining children’s portfolios and documentation
• Communicate regularly with the teacher regarding children’s health, behavior, and development
• Support family engagement, including newsletters, conferences, and home visits
• Promote healthy practices related to nutrition, wellness, and child development
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all safety policies and procedures
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Education and Experience Requirements:

Preschool Teacher Assistant CE -$20.95-$23.28 hourly ($23.05-$25.61 hourly in Metro locations)

• High School Diploma, GED, or Diploma de Educacion Secundaria with an Oregon Registry Step equal to or greater than 8
• Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate within 6 months from date of hire
• One year Oregon community college certificate2 in field WITH training or coursework in early childhood development with a focus on preschool development within 1 year from date of hire
• Enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s program in early childhood education or child development to be completed within 2 years from date of hire.

1. PTA-E who meet the education requirements and are on Oregon Registry Step 7 or higher are paid at PG E5 starting on step A-1
2. Oregon Registry Step 8 or higher per certificate or college coursework pathway
3. Oregon Registry Step 9 or higher per degree or college coursework pathway

Metro locations include Washington County and Multnomah County sites. Placement within the range is determined by factors such as relevant experience, skills, certifications, and internal equity.

Benefits:

OCDC offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Eligible employees (20+ hours/week) may receive:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off, sick leave, holidays, and paid leave programs
• Employer paid life and disability coverage, with voluntary options available
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources
• Optional benefits including pet insurance

At OCDC, employee well-being is a priority and an essential part of supporting our mission and communities.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

OCDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. We strongly encourage individuals from historically underrepresented communities to apply. OCDC is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation. If you need an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please let us know.