Preschool Teacher Assistant

Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

Catholic Schools Office

Preschool Teacher Assistant Job Description

POSITION TITLE:         Preschool Teacher Assistant

Department:                Catholic Schools

Grade:                            

Supervisor:                  Preschool Director

Purpose and Scope

Under the general supervision of the preschool director, the preschool teacher assistant strives to achieve the goals of Catholic education; assumes responsibility for leadership; works as a member of the preschool team; develops an appropriate learning and social environment; evaluates the needs of each student; assists in developing and supervising all areas; evaluates and reports student progress; establishes positive school community relationships; continues professional development; performs other job related tasks as deemed necessary and/or assigned by the director.

Essential Job Functions

Strives to achieve the goals of Catholic education

• shows evidence of the Catholic philosophy of education.
• promotes Gospel values and Catholic moral teachings.
• upholds the doctrinal teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Exemplifies Catholic living both in and out of the classroom.

 Assumes responsibility for the leadership of the classes assigned

• demonstrates knowledge and understanding of effective teaching techniques and child development.
• provides daily instruction and selects learning activities appropriate to the students’ needs.
• establishes learning outcomes or educational objectives based on Diocesan Early Childhood Standards and reviews curriculum materials.
• works with Preschool teacher on lesson plans and evaluates them daily.
• acts as a positive role model.
• is adaptable and flexible in routine and unexpected situations.
• uses good judgment in daily encounters.

 Works as a member of the preschool team

• attends staff meetings.
• attends trainings as assigned by the director.
• participates in parent activities.
• maintains a professional attitude.
• uses positive communication skills both in and out of the classroom.

Develops an appropriate learning and social environment

• works toward the creation of a Catholic community within the classroom and the entire school community.
• creates a room arrangement most appropriate to the educational objectives.
• develops an environment that promotes learning and social interaction.
• provides for the safety, welfare and care of the students while they are in school.

Evaluates the needs of each student

• observes and records information on child’s development.
• alters learning activities to meet specific needs.
• refers students with suspected learning challenges to the Preschool teacher & Director.

Assists in the development and supervision of all areas

• consults with the Preschool teacher, director and staff.
• provides appropriate materials.
• insures that the area is safe.

Evaluates and reports student progress

• help the Preschool teacher observe and maintain record of student’s progress regularly.
• reports students’ progress to the Preschool teacher & director.
• confers with Preschool teacher.

Establishes positive school community relationships

• maintains cooperative relations with parents.
• work with Preschool teacher for regular conferences and meetings with parents.
• cooperates with and helps promote all school programs.
• maintains awareness of his/her role as a Catholic preschool teacher assistant and its impact on the community.

Continues professional development

• remains current with religious and academic standards.
• keeps informed of current instructional practices through professional reading and educational opportunities.
• participates in professional activities and joins appropriate professional organizations.
• attends school and diocesan sponsored in-services and staff development opportunities.
• attends and participates in school faculty meetings and in-services.

Performs any other job related tasks deemed necessary and/or assigned by the Preschool teacher & director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Must meet Ministry Formation Certification as required by Diocesan Policy.
• If Catholic, willing to make a public Profession of Faith.
• Ability to comply with the requirements specified in the Arizona Department of Health Daycare Licensing Regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have a high school or high school equivalency diploma and six months of child care experience or NAC, CDA, CCP, or CPC credential or Associate degree from an accredited college or university in the areas of early childhood, childhood development or closely related field.

• Preference given to Catholic teachers.
• Participated in Safe Environment Training and signed the Code of Ethics.
• FBI Fingerprint Clearance completed.