Preschool Aide (Recreation Associate)

The Position

Join Portland Park's Recreation Preschool for All Team and Connect with Our Community!

Job Summary

We are hiring for the 2026-2027 school year. These positions will start mid-August 2026.

Become a preschool assistant with Portland Parks Preschool, a Preschool for All Provider. In this role, you will work in classrooms with children aged 3-5 years. We are looking for individuals who enjoy working with kids and have an understanding of social emotional learning for preschool age students. Additionally, speaking a second language is beneficial.

Your Role

• Plan and lead various activities like arts, crafts, music, performance, science, games, nature, and sports
• Support the physical, social, and cognitive development of preschool-aged participants.
• Toileting and diaper changing support
• Nap time support
• Meal and snack support; an active food handlers certificate will be required
• Supporting dual language learners
• Supporting children with disabilities and/or learning differences
• Maintain a safe environment and respond to challenging behaviors in a kind and positive manner.
• Maintain accurate program records,
• Represent Portland Parks & Recreation with a positive attitude
• Work directly with children individually, in small and large groups under the direction of a Lead Teacher.
• Provide classroom management and facilitate the social and emotional development of children
• Provide in the moment coaching for students to gain skills in conflict resolution, skills to improve peer social relationships and emotional regulation.
• Contributes to the creation of an environment that reflects the values and norms of the diverse children and families we serve
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, planning meetings, and regular training.
• Facilitate open communication and promote group problem solving
• Relate in a positive, nurturing way and be sensitive to the needs of children and their families.
• Medication administration (i.e., Epi pen, inhaler)
• Maintenance of center facilities, equipment, and materials.
• Support changing diapers and soiled clothes
  
  

Preschool runs Monday-Friday. Full day and half day shifts are available between 8:45am-3:15pm. Assistants may be assigned to a regular site but may be needed to help cover shifts at other program locations.

Job Type: Casual, Part-time. This job is titled Preschool Assistant, but the City of Portland officially calls it a Recreation Associate.

Schedule: This job has flexible hours and might include working during the day, evenings, weekends, or holidays. The number of hours you work each week can change based on program needs, and there is no guarantee of work hours each week.

Location: You will work at different places across Portland, OR.

Benefits: This job has limited benefits. Click the Benefits tab for more information.

Language Pay: If you speak another language besides English and use it to help the community, you may get extra pay. To learn more, click here.

Union: This job is a part of (LiUNA) Labors' Local 483 - Recreation. You will start at the entry-level pay rate. To view the labor agreement, please click here.

How To Apply

• Click "APPLY" to submit your application online.
• You need to answer the supplemental questions and fill out your work history.
• If you are a Veteran and want preference, attach your Veteran documents.
  
  

Note: This job is open for a long time. The first round of interviews is expected to take place mid-July. Applicants will be contacted when positions become available.

Recreation Associate Pay

Training Pay is $20.59 for all Recreation Associate jobs.

Preschool Aide base pay is $20.59 - $24.03 (entry is $20.59)

Preschool Aide premium pay is $23.16-$26.60 (entry is $23.16)

• Employees working as Teacher’s Assistants in classrooms during the 2026-2027 program year, will receive a premium of $2.57 per hour for Preschool Specialty premium on all hours worked in preschool classrooms. For more information, please click here .
• The premium pay range listed includes the $2.57 premium.
  
  

About Us: Portland Parks & Recreation is dedicated to making sure everyone can enjoy our parks and services, no matter what their background. We value diversity and are committed to equity and inclusion. We encourage people who speak English and other languages to apply.

Contact Information

Loan Tran Polanco, Senior Recruiter

Loan.Tran@portlandoregon.gov

To Qualify

Qualifications Needed

• Be friendly and welcoming.
• Communicate well with different people.
• Be able to handle safety and emergency situations.
• Be able to solve problems and help customers with their concerns.
  
  

Applicant Must Also

• Possess or obtain a Food handler card ( https://www.orfoodhandlers.com/eMain.aspx ), within three weeks of hire.
• Education Requirements and Waivers Requests
  
  

Requirements

All interested applicants are encouraged to apply, regardless of current educational experience. Once hired, staff are expected to meet the following education and Oregon Registry Online (ORO) Step requirements ( myORO ), or employers submit a Waiver Request *:

Current requirements: Step 4 on the Oregon Registry Online (ORO)

After 2 years of participating in Preschool for All: Step 5 on the Oregon Registry Online (ORO)

By 2030, Preschool for All will require: Step 7 on the Oregon Registry Online (ORO) or a Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA)

• Educational Waiver Requests: Providers can submit a Waiver Request for any staff member that does not currently meet the requirements. Staff who do not currently meet the minimum requirements must work with their Supervisor to determine how they are going to reach the required level within two years of employment.
  
  

The Recruitment Process

Hiring Process

Step 1: Apply online between June 8, 2026 - June 29, 2026.

Step 2: We will review your application to see if you meet the minimum needs for this role.

Step 3: If you qualify, you will be placed on a list of eligible candidates.

Step 4: We will contact eligible candidates for interviews as positions become available.

Step 5: Job offers will be made after interviews.

Step 6: The start date will be set once all hiring conditions are met.

Additional Information

Click here for additional information regarding the following:

• City of Portland Core Values
• Recruitment Process - Work Status
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Veteran Preference
• ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations
  
  

An Equal Opportunity Employer