POSITION SUMMARY The Preschool Teacher Aide supports all aspects of the classroom environment, including the classroom, playground, and gym. This role assists with daily operations such as food preparation, cleaning, and laundry. The aide helps ensure that classroom structure and practices are developmentally appropriate to meet children's needs. This position may be subject to temporary layoffs for up to 10 weeks during the school year. Teacher Aide must interact with children respectfully and uphold the agency's core values of stewardship, compassion, integrity, and equity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support classroom teachers in daily activities
• Assist in supervising indoor and outdoor play
• Support student arrival and departure routines
• Help with classroom setup and cleaning
• Assist children with personal hygiene needs
• Maintain sanitation of diapering areas, toys, blankets, and other materials
• Maintain confidentiality of all child and family information
• Complete 25 hours of required annual training
• Follow all USDA, DELC, PBC, SPARK, and grant guidelines
• Attend family events, staff meetings, team meetings, and family staffing meetings.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Knowledge of child development, including signs and impacts of abuse, neglect, and maltreatment
• Understanding of nutrition, health, safety, and special needs
• Ability to learn and apply trauma-informed, therapeutic, and positive behavior support practices
• Strong stress management and self-care skills
• Flexibility in work schedule to meet program needs
• Basic proficiency with computers, email, and word processing
• Strong commitment to confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Positive attitude and adaptability under pressure
• Effective communication and conflict resolution skills
• Willingness to accept feedback and implement improvements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Registered in the Oregon Registry and progressing toward Step 4
• Minimum of 240 documented hours of experience working with toddler-aged or older children (Aide I or II level)
• Enrollment in the Central Background Registry
• Current First Aid and CPR certification
• Valid Food Handler's Card
• Completion of annual Mandatory Reporter/Child Abuse and Neglect training