Position Title:      Escuelita Esperanza Classroom Aid/Bus Monitor 

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 classroom aid / bus monitor, under the general direction of the Lead Teacher and Teacher Assistant helps  prepare materials for the classroom, ensures safety of students in the classroom as well as on the bus, assists with meal service, and helps implement developmentally appropriate activities. This is a hands-on position that directly supports early learning and family engagement and ensures the safety of the children during transport. 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 classroom aid is an integral part of the preschool team, providing direct support to preschool aged children, engaging them in educational activities and promoting active family engagement. As the bus monitor this person also plays a key role in the continued development of the children while in their care. When possible and following all safety protocols the bus monitor will engage the children through songs and open-ended questions, continuing to provide a safe learning environment. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Day-to-day program delivery, working directly with young children and their parents/families
• Provides a welcoming and inclusive environment children and families by using nurturing and affirming language, tone, and demeanor 
• Develops and utilizes integrated curriculum plans, which include mandated elements and components, parental, and cultural influences
• Encourages experimentation, exploration, problem-solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice-making; asks open-ended questions and listens respectfully to children 
• Provides classroom management and facilitates the social and emotional development of children by using the program policies, procedures, and training provided by the organization in the prevention and intervention of challenging behaviors
• Using data from the online ongoing assessment system, develops and implements an individual education plan for each child that is specific to his/her interests, strengths, and areas for growth and development
• Assesses the ongoing development and progress of children through a variety of observation methods, such as but not limited to, written, anecdotal, video, photo, parent observations, etc.
• Engages in coaching and reflective practices that lead to healthy early development and increased school readiness for children and families and improved pedagogy
• Documents and submits data and follow up for children and families per prescribed timelines
• Maintain regular communication with families, including phone calls, newsletters, letters home etc. 
• 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 with coworkers, children, and families
• Maintains punctual, regular, and predictable attendance, and works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
• Assists in the implementation of the program’s policies and procedures and Positive Behavior Supports in facilitating social and emotional development of children.
• Communicates with the team and supervisor about any schedule or attendance challenges in a timely manor. 
• Approaches conflict with an open mind and with the goal of finding resolution and/or accepting non-closure if resolution is not the desired outcome.
• Reports suspected child abuse in accordance with Oregon Statute and Latino Network Policies.Other duties as assigned by supervisor

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• *All teaching and support positions require a review of transcripts and/or certificates.*
• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, or a field related to early childhood education preferred; 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.
• Commitment to creating a welcoming environment for young children to play, learn, explore, and cultivate curiosity, joy, and positive sense of self.
• Ability to select and use 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.