Teacher Preschool Aide

THE POSITION: It is usually the responsibility of the preschool teacher's assistant to plan activities for children, such as storytelling or art projects. They instruct and supervise them in social and developmental activities, help feed them, and generally provide one-on-one attention when needed. He or she must help organize the classroom and plan intellectual activities for children, per the lead teacher's requests.

Some assistants work specifically with children who have developmental disabilities. They help them with exercises and games designed to facilitate their development. Their work is supervised by qualified therapists or teachers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Assist with lesson planning
• Assist with classroom schedule and room arrangement
• Identify barriers to learning and report to Teacher
• Maintain positive relationships with families, allowing Teacher to address concerns to parents.
• Promote feelings of trust and security in the program
• Keep classroom and hallways clean and organized
• Daily and weekly housecleaning duties, as assigned, in each classroom
• Check e-mails and mailbox daily
• Understand and apply mission statement
• Greet students and parents warmly and enthusiastically each day
• Maintain safe, clean environment, teaching and modeling good hygiene skills
• Getting the classroom ready for lesson and clearing away afterwards so as to maintain a safe and clean environment
• Assisting Teachers in preparing the lesson materials and school equipment
• Helping pupils stay focused during class hours
• Supervising group activities, recess, dismissal or start-of-school day, cafeteria, and field trips
• Helping Teachers manage student behavior
• Looking after children unwell or upset
• Interacting with children, preparing snacks, teaching children about numbers, colors and shapes, assisting children when using the restroom
• Evaluate students' social development and physical well-being.
• Preschool teacher's assistants should be prepared to take on the role of lead teacher when needed
• Additional duties, as assigned, by the preschool director or principal

Requirements:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent qualification
• Minimum of 12 semester units ECE/CD (Child, Family & Community, Child Growth & Development and curriculum)-preferred
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (transcripts requested);
• 6 months experience in child care setting
• Ability to maintain current CPR and 1st Aid certifications
• Complete 15 hours annually of State of Colorado required training, according to timetable provided
• Ability to pass Criminal Record Background Clearance with no exemptions
• Maintain good physical health with the ability to perform job duties, lift 30 pounds, move quickly, bend, squat, kneel, sit on floor, reach overhead
• Solid understanding of classroom activities and teaching best practices
• Strong interpersonal skills including ability to work and communicate effectively and collaboratively with a diverse population
• Ability to work cooperatively with other staff members, to accept supervision and to help promote a positive environment
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including clear speech enunciation, and accurate spoken English grammar that can serve as a good model for children who are developing their language skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including ability to present to groups and individuals about the organization's mission
• Warm nurturing attitude
• Friendly, inviting, self-motivated, even-tempered and adaptable
• Solid computer skills and ability to manage and report data accurately and efficiently
• Outstanding interpersonal and presentation abilities
• Ability to demonstrate and teach Christ-based behaviors
• An active Christian, Catholic preferred, in good standing with the church

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Good people skills are essential as the person who works in this position works around children and with others as a team
• Able to communicate clearly, be self-aware of appearance, language and behavior at all times
• Able to foster team work; able to work with others in a supportive manner
• Be willing and able to receive ongoing training in regard to any aspect of this position
• Have a positive and supportive attitude toward the Catholic Church, her teachings and her work; refrain from public promotion or approval of any conduct or lifestyle that would reflect discredit or disgrace on, or cause scandal in relationship to, the Archdiocese of Denver, or considered to be in contradiction with Catholic Doctrine or morals
• Capable of receiving and following instructions
• A self-starter, capable of independent work
• Must meet all requirements to pass a background check
• Must complete all classes/seminars as directed by Good Shepherd Catholic School and the Archdiocese of Denver

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to be physically active for the number of hours prescribed by the employment contract
• Must be mentally alert at all times. Position requires working with equipment and safety must be observed at all times. Safety applies not only to the worker but to those who may be around the worker
• Must be able to stand as directed by the learning activity or supervising duty
• The position may require lifting objects up to 30 lbs.
• Must be able to tolerate loud noises associated with ordinary management of children