Position Title:      Escuelita Esperanza Teacher Assistant

Reports To:           Director of Early Learning Department/Preschool Director

Classification:      Full-Time, 1.0 FTE

FLSA Status:         Non-Exempt 

Location:               Portland, OR

Compensation:    $23.16/hour 

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

Latino Network’s mission is: Leading with love, we cultivate our staff and community as a powerful force for radical social change. We do this through Latino community-driven programs, advocacy, and service. Our work springs from the core belief in Latino community self-determination, that is, the ability of community members to participate meaningfully in the decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their families. We actively partner across a variety of city, county, state, and community organizations to deliver training and support, a wide range of services, as well as influence policy.

BENEFITS & PERKS

Latino Network provides a generous benefits package that includes:

• Health Plans including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Alternative Care
• FSA - Flexible Spending Account for Medical & Dependent Care expenses
• 401k Plan with Match 
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer sponsored Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Leave (Vacation, Sick, Sabbatical)
• Professional development opportunities
• Self - Care perks
• Team and family events

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Latino Network seeks committed and energetic community members who have a strong desire to improve educational outcomes for Latino children. As part of a dedicated team working toward a shared vision, in partnership with parents, the Teacher Assistant under the general direction of the Teacher, prepares materials for the classroom, ensures safety of students and staff, assists with meal service, and helps implement developmentally appropriate curriculum.  Guides and directs volunteers and children. This is a hands-on position that directly supports early learning and family engagement. If you share similar life experiences to those of the families in Escuelita Esperanza, are committed to giving back to your community, and bring experience working with families with young children, this position is for you.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This position is critical to the continued growth and sustainability of Latino Network’s early childhood programs. The Teacher Assistant is an integral part of the preschool team, providing direct support to preschool aged children and their parents, engaging them in educational activities and promoting active family engagement and leadership.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in the planning and implementing of a developmentally appropriate classroom environment and curriculum.
• Assists in the implementation of the program’s policies and procedures and Positive Behavior Supports in facilitating social and emotional development of children.
• Encourages experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making; asks open-ended questions and listens respectfully to children.
• Assumes responsibility for the classroom in the absence of the teacher. 
• Helps cover the van if the classroom aide is out or if needed.
• Completes observations documenting children’s strengths and areas for growth.
• Assists Teacher in maintaining accurate written records, including ongoing assessments, anecdotal observations of children and other required forms.
• Prepares and maintains classroom materials and a clean environment.
• Assists with meal services and meal reports when necessary and applicable.
• Assists with the implementation of parent involvement plans including evening parent services as assigned.
• Supports implementation of an individual education plan for each child.
• Meet deadlines for mileage and program expense reimbursements and timesheets. 
• Comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and existing confidentiality laws. 
• Attend all team meetings, staff meetings, and staff trainings.
• Maintain clear, open, respectful communication and behavior towards/with coworkers, children, and families.
• Maintains punctual, regular, and predictable attendance, and works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
• Ensures to communicate with the team and supervisor about any last minute changes or issues with getting to work on time. 
• Approaches conflict with open mind and with goal of finding resolution and/or accepting non-closure if resolution is not desired outcome.
• Reports suspected child abuse in accordance with Oregon Statute and Latino Network Policies.

QUALITIES, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• *All teaching and support positions require a review of transcripts and/or certificates.*
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in early childhood education, or a field related to early childhood education; OR an associate degree with additional training or additional certification in early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education, as determined by the Division; OR Child Development Associate (CDA) or a Step 5 or higher in ORO
• Three years of related experience or relevant coursework.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Current driver’s license, insurance, and access to a reliable automobile during work hours.
• Member of the community in which you will work.
• Fluent in Spanish, with Spanish reading and writing skills.
• Strong desire to promote educational justice in your community.
• Ability to work well independently and within a team.
• Respect for diversity; desire and ability to work cross-culturally.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Willingness to grow, change and learn.
• Demonstrate the following characteristics: patience, open-mindedness, high level of responsibility, courage, motivation, empathy, compassion, non-judgmentalness, flexibility, persistence, creativity.

ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of initial and ongoing employment screens, including but not limited to criminal background, fingerprinting and vehicle record as required
• Frequent lifting, bending, squatting, and kneeling while assisting children or conducting janitorial responsibilities 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 35 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.   

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Latino Network is a fast-paced, highly engaged work environment with satellite operations with positions performing work both onsite and remotely. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); outdoor weather conditions; extreme cold (non-weather) and extreme heat (non-weather). The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Latino Network strives to communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.

TO APPLY

If you, or anyone you know, are interested in joining us in supporting our mission to positively transform the lives of Latino Youth families and communities, please submit your application, resume, and cover letter at:  Careers 

Successful completion of initial and ongoing employment screens, including but not limited to criminal background and vehicle record as required. Latino Network is an equal opportunity employer. We value and support diversity and inclusion to create a culture of dignity and respect.