Preschool Inclusion Support Aide

Preschool Inclusion Support Aide

About Friendly House

Friendly House, a nonprofit neighborhood center and social service organization, promotes the interdependence of people from all walks of life to meet educational, recreational, and human service needs in the Portland metropolitan area. Friendly House creates opportunities for people of all income and age groups to increase social capital, which we define as the bonds that encourage mutually beneficial support. We operate three major programs in Northwest Portland: Friendly House Community Center, Community Services and our Children’s Programs. Founded in 1930, the organization has remained true to its settlement house roots, giving special attention to the needs of people facing extraordinary challenges, including children, low-income families, older adults, and LGBTQ+ older adults, to assure their inclusion in the fabric of society. We encourage applicants to visit our website (www.fhpdx.org) to learn more.

Job Overview

Desirable candidates for the Preschool Inclusion Support Aide position bring enthusiasm for helping children to learn and develop to their fullest potential within a preschool setting. In the Friendly House Preschool program, the Preschool Inclusion Support Aide is responsible for assisting the teaching staff by providing support for classrooms that qualify for Preschool For All inclusion funding. 

Position Type

Non-exempt, regular, full-time, 40 hours/week. $23.16 per hour.

This position is funded through inclusion support funds, which are awarded annually based on program needs. Funding is currently available through June 30, 2027; however, continued funding beyond that date is not guaranteed. 

This position is union-eligible and is represented by ILWU Local 5.

Schedule

Monday to Friday – hours to be arranged, and subject to change based on program needs and student schedules. Program hours are 8 am to 6 pm.

Job Conditions

This job is performed in classrooms at Friendly House, Chapman Elementary, Wallace Park and the two-block walking route between Friendly House and the park. The program occasionally travels to other locations for field trips on foot and by bus.  

Benefits

Health and dental package valued at $5,000/year and up to a 4% employer match on employee contributions to our 403(b)-retirement plan, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays (prorated based on FTE). Free access to day camps for employees’ children ages 5–12 (winter, spring break, summer camps), as well as free after-school care for children ages 5–12 who attend Chapman Elementary. A Friendly House fitness membership and discounts on other activities are also provided.

Responsibilities and Duties

Support implementation of classroom curriculum 

• Assist the teaching team to implement daily routines, curriculum, and an inclusive classroom.
• With the teaching team, implement activities that are developmentally appropriate and inclusive of all children (anti-bias curriculum).
• Help set up learning centers in the classroom to facilitate implementation of inclusive curriculum with support from the teaching team.
• Work with the teaching team to ensure the classroom and outdoor environments are adapted to meet the changing needs of the children.
• Help set, clear, clean, and monitor tables for meal services.

Classroom management

• Assist the teaching team to implement a classroom schedule and routines that are predictable for the students with flexibility to accommodate the individual needs of all children in the class.
• Engage students experiencing big emotions using Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports strategies.
• Using current health guidance, strictly adhere to and model all health and safety practices including but not limited to handwashing, cleaning of space, and sanitation of materials.

Individualization

• Assist teaching team with the implementation of individual goals for students, help lead activities that are designed to support the goals created and track the progress students are making.

Documentation and reporting

• Maintain accurate record keeping and report information as requested.

Communication with preschool team and organization

• Work closely with the teaching team and Early Childhood Programs Director on family and/or child concerns.
• Check and respond to email and voicemail daily.
• Establish rapport and professional relationships with other staff and programs.

Qualifications

• An Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development preferred; OR related coursework that includes seven quarter college credits in ECE, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Special Education; and 1 year of experience teaching 3–5-year-old children in an early childhood education setting; OR equivalent combination of education and experience; and Step 5 or higher on the Oregon Registry.
• At least two years’ experience teaching 3–5-year-old children in a center-based program.
• Must be registered in the Office of Childcare Central Background Registry.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must obtain a Food Handlers Card, and First Aid/CPR Certifications within 60 days of employment.
• Must take all mandatory Office of Childcare video classes within 60 days of employment.
• Physical requirements include the ability to:
• routinely lift 50 pounds.
• bend, stoop, twist and sit on the floor with children.
• run after children.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• General principles and best practices of early childhood education.
• Anti-bias curriculum and developmentally appropriate curricula for preschoolers.
• Social-emotional support curriculum (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports or similar).
• Office of Childcare rules for preschool programs.
• Friendly House’s mission, vision, and values.

Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with adults and children.
• Talents or areas of expertise that can be shared through class curriculum.
• Good organizational and time management skills.

Ability to:

• Assist the preschool teaching team’s implementation of curriculum, observations, developmental assessments, and individualized skill development for students.
• Supervise children in an appropriate, positive manner.
• Actively participate in activities with preschool-aged children.
• Incorporate Friendly House mission, vision, and values into your work life.
• Work cooperatively with preschool and after school teams and all Friendly House staff members, understanding that all programs support the fulfillment of the mission.
• Work independently with little supervision.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Be culturally responsive.
  

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Friendly House values equity, diversity, and inclusion. People with lived experience in communities of color and other marginalized groups are encouraged to apply. It is the policy of Friendly House to treat all people with dignity and respect. The agency prohibits discrimination based upon race, sex, religion, color, gender identity, age, national origin, marital or familial status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, citizenship status, military service, veteran status, housing status, source of income, political affiliation, union affiliation, physical or mental disability or other protected status in accordance with applicable law. In addition, we shall not discriminate against minority-owned, women-owned, or emerging small businesses.