St Agnes Catholic School - Teaching Assistant PK

St. Agnes Catholic School

Preschool Aide

Job Description

Position Title: Preschool Aide

Grade: Preschool, Pre-K

Supervisor: Classroom teacher/Preschool Director

Purpose and Scope

Under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher/Preschool Director, the Aide/Assistant will assist in the supervision and instruction of the students.  The Preschool Aide/Aftercare Assistant is responsible for providing a well organized, smoothly functional learning environment, while also following DES Licensing guidelines as set forth by the state of Arizona.

They should also strive to achieve the goals of Catholic education, which include, but are not limited to embracing and modeling the Catholic philosophy of education and assisting in preparing students in their care to live a faithful life in today's Church and society.

Essential Job Functions

• Assumes responsibility to assist the classroom teacher or assume the teacher’s duties in their absence
• Assists in supervision/care of students and care-giving routines
• Assists in maintaining a safe physical environment (during emergency drills, assemblies, outdoor play, etc) as well as the implementation of health & emergency procedures and first aid as needed
• Assists in the set up and maintenance of the classroom, including the cleanliness and security of the classroom, furniture and materials. 
• Assists the teacher in tasks such as making copies, preparing supply set up for daily activities and displaying filing student work, as decided by the teacher
•  Establish a good rapport with the students, assisting the teacher in whole and small group instruction
• Actively engages with the students in meaningful learning activities and experiences daily, including attending weekly Mass and assisting with  Mass etiquette 
• Appropriately assists with bathroom procedures (following Safe environment guidelines) and supports good hygiene practices
• Communicates appropriately with parents and staff regarding students. Will refer questions or concerns regarding students to the teacher/Director 
• Assists/guides  parent volunteers helping in the classroom
• Willing to become more knowledgeable of effective and appropriate care-giving practices utilized in Early Childhood care and education
• Attends meeting and In-Services as required by Director
• Establishes and maintains cooperative and supportive relationships with all school and parish staff
• Follows DES licensing guidelines as set forth by the state of Arizona
• Scheduled to work in Aftercare a minimum of 1 day per week (or as needed)
• Performs other related duties as assigned or deemed necessary by the teacher or Director, remaining flexible to changes that may occur

Knowledge Skills and Abilities to Perform Essential Job Functions

• Catholics must be willing to make a public profession of faith.  Non-Catholics must be willing to sign the Diocese of Phoenix Division of Educational and Evangelization Profession of Faith form
• Assists with indoor and outdoor recreational activities
• Effectively communicates with students, parents and staff
• Communicates in English at a level sufficient for successful job performance
• Effectively supervises and cares for students in their play and routines
• Meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the assigned duties safely and effectively

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must be a high school graduate or hold a GED
• Six months of childcare experience required; should  have received or be working toward an Associates degree or higher level of education in Early Childhood education or other related field 
• Must  participate in Safe Environment (Call to Protect) training and sign the code of Ethics policy
• Fingerprint clearance card, CPR and First Aid certification, Tuberculin tests and any other requirements shall be obtained prior to employment according to the Arizona Department of Health Services, Diocese of Phoenix and the Arizona State Department of Education.