Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

Catholic Schools Office

Preschool Instructional Assistant Job Description

POSITION TITLE:         Preschool Instructional Assistant

Department:                Catholic Schools

Grade:                            

Supervisor:                  Preschool Director

This position reports directly to the Preschool Director.  The Preschool Director assigns projects and completes evaluation of performance.    

Purpose and Scope 

Under the general supervision of the principal, the teacher assistant will assist the classroom teacher in the supervision and instruction of students.  The teacher assistant is responsible to help provide a well-organized, smoothly functional class environment in which students can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resource material.   

Essential Job Functions   

• Assumes responsibility to assist the classroom teacher 
• Assists the teacher in maintaining a safe physical environment 
• Assists the teacher in classroom caregiving routines 
• Assists with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, and outdoor play 
• Assists in the classroom set up, clean-up, and materials preparation 
• Assists in arrangement, maintenance, cleanliness, and security of the classroom (including toys and equipment) 
• Assists in foodservice and supervises children at meals: 
• Receives food and set up snacks/lunch 
• Maintains a clean environment for the food service area 

• Assists the teacher to work with individuals and groups of students 
• Establishes good rapport with children
• Utilizes respectful individual and responsive caregiving practices with students
• Throughout class time actively engages children in meaningful learning activities and experiences 
• Assists with the implementation of health, emergency procedures, and ?rst aid
• Immediately reports witnessed accidents to the supervisor 
• Prepares a written report stating the date, time, nature of the accident, and action taken 
• Attends meetings and in-services as required by the Principal/Preschool Director 
• Willing to become more knowledgeable of e?ective and appropriate caregiving practices utilized in early childcare 
• Communicates appropriately with parents and sta? and refers all parent questions and concerns pertaining to students to the teacher 
• Assists parent volunteers helping in the classroom 
• Treats confidential information about students, staff, and school affairs in a professional and ethical manner 
• Establishes and maintains cooperative, supportive, and effective relationships with all school and parish personnel 
• Must be punctual and on time for work 
• Performs other related duties as assigned and demonstrates the ability to be flexible and carries out duties  

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS   

• Catholics must be willing to sign a public profession of faith. Non-Catholic must be willing to sign the Diocese of Phoenix Division of Education 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 suffcient 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 Qualifcations  

• Must be 18 years of age 
• Must be a high school graduate or GED 
• Six months of childcare experience required; must be working towards or must have already received NAC, CDA, or CPC credentials, or Associate Degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred 
• Must participate in Safe Environment (Called to Protect) Training and sign the Code of Ethics Policy 
• Fingerprinting and 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

As all diocesan employees represent the Roman Catholic Church, they are expected to conduct themselves according to the teachings, goals, and mission of the Church in performing their work. Every employee of the school is expected to model virtue and justice: 

• Embrace a spirit of docility, obedience, and accept the leadership and vision of the Pastor and Principal
• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job 
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality and personal integrity, personal issues do not interfere with managing work responsibilities 
• Adhere to business professional dress code

This position also needs to perform any tasks assigned by the Preschool Director.