Inclusion Classroom Aide - 2 Positions

Inclusion Classroom Aide

Location

CAIRO Academy Early Learning Center

Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range

$22.72 per hour

Benefits

• Up to 11 days of accrued Paid Time Off per year
• Up to 40 hours of accrued sick leave per year
• 5 days of Paid Time Off for spring break - in alignment with school district
• Up to 16 paid company holidays
• 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

Organization Summary:

The Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO)’s mission is to enhance social justice and achieve parity for the diverse African immigrants and refugee communities through community organizing, collaborative leadership, and service advocacy. We envision a more just and equitable society in which children, youth, and families live in sustained, supportive communities that reinforce the family's cultural wealth and lived experience.

At CAIRO Academy, we believe every child deserves a chance to flourish in a safe environment designed to encourage creativity, equity and learning. Our program implements Creative Curriculum, and Second Step Social Emotional teaching tools in a play-based learning environment. With this approach teachers thoughtfully attend to the interests of children, believing that fostering student-led curiosity and reflection strengthens the children’s capacity to continue as life-long learners. Students in our care are encouraged to express themselves and expand on what they are learning through verbal and non-verbal language, music, visual art, writing, movement, and experimentation.

CAIRO Academy is a culturally specific, accessible nonprofit preschool program funded by Preschool Promise and Preschool for All. We operate a CAIRO Academy Early Learning Center in Gresham that runs year-round as a 10-hour program, along with multiple classrooms located in elementary schools across Multnomah and Washington county, including Northeast and Southeast Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Beaverton, and Hillsboro, that operate on a school-year schedule from late August through mid-June.

Position Summary:

Inclusion Aides are responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher and the Assistant Teacher with classroom operations in a collaborative setting. The Inclusion Aide will assist daily classroom operations, reinforce instruction for individual children and small groups, and occasionally lead activities under teacher guidance. This position also assists with preparing instructional materials, supporting daily routines, documenting observations, and maintaining a welcoming, culturally responsive classroom environment.

The Inclusion Aide will be assisting teachers to support children at all levels to help them engage in the classroom activities alongside their peers. The Inclusion Aide works closely with classroom staff, families, and community partners—including Multnomah Early Childhood Program (MECP) and other specialists—to help implement accommodations, strategies, and support plans aligned with each child’s goals, including those with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs). In alignment with Preschool for All’s Inclusion and Retention Policy, this role supports children in the least restrictive environment and helps prevent exclusionary practices such as unnecessary removal from classroom activities.

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

PFA Inclusion Expectations & Supports:

• Welcome families regardless of children’s needs and abilities
• Be flexible and willing to learn new skills to teach children with different and complex needs
• Work with families using strengths-based, solution-focused approaches
• Request additional support and consultation from your PFA coach, the Early Learning Inclusion Coordinators, and the Early Childhood Consultants seek support and consultation from community partners, especially those currently working with the family
• Partner with MECP and accept their services in your program
• Request inclusion support funding from PFA when additional resources are needed to provide appropriate accommodations
• Work with Preschool & Early Learning Division staff and PFA coaches to review and adapt policies, practices, and curriculum that may contribute to suspension and expulsion
• Participate in – and support your team with participating in – professional development focused on inclusion
• Allow ample time for inclusion strategies and practices to work, based on best practices and/or consultant recommendations

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 4
• Must meet the following criteria:
  • 240 documented hours of experience as an aide I or aide II in a Certified Childcare Center

Required Hours:

Monday–Friday, approximately 8am - 4:30pm.

Actual hours may vary based on program needs. Additional hours may be required for staff meetings, professional development, family events, or program activities.

Travel:

Staff may be scheduled on short notice to work at any CAIRO Academy site to meet program needs, with locations across Hillsboro, Beaverton, Gresham, and Northeast and Southeast Portland. Travel may also be required for assigned trainings.

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: You must have this Completed before applying

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 1 800-556-6616.

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 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

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.

Salary : $23