Lead Teacher - ELC

Lead Teacher Job Description
Organization Summary
The Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO) advocates for social justice and equity for diverse African immigrant and refugee communities. CAIRO Academy is a culturally specific, accessible nonprofit preschool program funded by Preschool Promise and Preschool for All (PFA).
We offer a safe, play-based learning environment using the Creative Curriculum and Second Step frameworks to foster student-led curiosity, self-expression, and lifelong learning.
Our Locations:
Northeast Portland: A year-round, 10-hour Early Learning Center.
Multnomah & Washington Counties: School-year classrooms (late August to mid-June) in Portland, Beaverton, and Hillsboro elementary schools.
Lead Position Summary
The Lead Teacher develops a cohesive teaching team, coordinates curriculum, and manages daily classroom operations. They must understand children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development to create a safe, engaging environment that supports success. Strong communication skills with both children and adults are essential to meet children’s needs, guide staff, and address parent/guardian concerns.
In our program, Lead Teachers also serve as Site Directors, with one on site during all hours of operation. They collaborate with Multi-Site Coordinators to ensure compliance with standards set by DELC, Environmental Health, OSHA, Preschool Promise (PSP), and Preschool For All (PFA).
Staff may be required to administer medication or be trained to do so by an RN nurse.
Compliance & Collaboration In this role, you will work in partnership with the Assistant Teacher, Classroom Aide, and Multi-Site Coordinators to ensure full compliance with all standards, regulations, and guidelines set by:
Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC)
Preschool For All (PFA)
Preschool Promise (PSP)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Environmental Health Authority
Education and Experience Requirements
Minimum of 1 year experience working in a Certified Childcare Center with children ages 3-5 (Verified)
Experience in inclusive settings supporting children with varying support needs
Must be at least 18 years of age
Minimum ORO step 8
Must have knowledge or experience in:
Management and Supervision of Adults
Financial management and budgeting
Record keeping
Staff evaluations and training
Must meet at least one the following criteria:
At least a bachelor’s degree in: (1) Early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education; or (2) A field not related to early childhood education but teacher has completed coursework that is equivalent to a major in early childhood education and has sufficient training in early childhood education as determined by the Division.
An associate’s degree with additional training or additional certification in early childhood education or a field related to early childhood education, as determined by the Division.
Until sufficient alternative credentialing to indicate that the teacher is highly trained is developed by the Division, in partnership with the Educator Advancement Council and affected stakeholders, the lead preschool teacher must have a Child Development Associate (CDA) Preschool Credential or at least Step 8 on the Oregon Registry Online (ORO).
Preferred Education and Experience
Step 7 Preferred
Travel
Staff may be scheduled on short notice to work at any CAIRO Academy site to meet program needs, with locations across Hillsboro, Beaverton, Northeast and Southeast Portland. Travel may also be required for assigned training.
Language Requirements
Required: Proficient in English (speaking, reading, writing)
Preferred: Bilingual in Somali, Arabic, Swahili, Farsi, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Cantonese, or American Sign Language
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Central Background Registry Requirement: Employment offers require current enrollment in Oregon’s Central Background Registry. Candidates not yet enrolled may be considered but cannot receive an offer until enrollment is completed. For information on how to enroll in Oregon's Central Background Registry, please visit https://secure.emp.state.or.us/ccd/ or call the Office of Child Care at +1 800-556-6616.
Other Skill Requirements
Intermediate skills using:
Windows OS
Google Workspace (including Gmail and Google Calendar)
Microsoft Office
BambooHR (or other web-based time management software)
Excel / Google Sheets
Zoom virtual meeting space
Teaching Strategies web-based platform (TSG)
Procare (or other web based childcare management system)
Mobile phone applications
Tablet devices
Typical office equipment: Printer, landline phone, projector, walkie talkie, camera, etc.
Physical Requirements of the Job
Ability to lift up to 50 lb

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No