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 Inthis 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 35 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 35)
  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 associates 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 Oregons 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 childrens safety
• Ability to respond appropriately in emergencies (e.g., CPR, First Aid, evacuation