Preschool Teaching Assistant - Alphonsus Academy and Center for the Arts - Vicariate II

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The Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools serve more than 40,000 students in 150+ elementary and high schools in Cook and Lake counties. It is one of the largest private school systems in the United States. Its schools have received 96 Blue Ribbon awards from the U.S. Department of Education over the past 10 years. 

Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts is seeking a caring, enthusiastic, and collaborative Preschool Teaching Assistant to support our early childhood program. The Preschool Teaching Assistant works closely with the lead teacher to create a safe, nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment where young children feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow.

Rooted in our Catholic identity and commitment to arts-integrated education, the Preschool Teaching Assistant plays an essential role in fostering children's social-emotional, academic, physical, and spiritual development. The ideal candidate understands the importance of play, exploration, creativity, and positive relationships in early childhood education.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Classroom Instruction and Student Support

• Collaborate with the lead teacher to implement engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Support students during whole-group instruction, small-group activities, learning centers, and independent exploration.
• Encourage student independence, curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity through purposeful play and hands-on experiences.
• Provide individualized support to students with varying developmental, academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Assist with classroom transitions, routines, and daily activities, including arrival, dismissal, meals, rest time, and toileting as needed.

Classroom Environment and Management

• Help establish and maintain a welcoming, inclusive, organized, and safe classroom environment.
• Support positive classroom management practices that promote kindness, respect, responsibility, and belonging.
• Model and reinforce appropriate social interactions, emotional regulation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Assist in preparing and maintaining classroom materials, learning centers, displays, and documentation of student learning.
• Encourage children to take ownership of their classroom by supporting age-appropriate responsibilities, organization, and cleanup.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work collaboratively with the lead teacher, fellow assistants, specialists, and school leadership to meet student needs.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with students, families, and colleagues.
• Share observations about student development, behavior, and learning with the lead teacher.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, families, and school matters.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, school events, and other activities as assigned.

Catholic Identity and School Community

• Support and model the mission, values, and Catholic identity of Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts.
• Foster a classroom culture grounded in faith, kindness, compassion, respect, and service to others.
• Participate in and support age-appropriate prayer, religious activities, and school traditions.
• Embrace AACA's commitment to arts integration, creativity, and educating the whole child.
• Contribute positively to the broader school community through collaboration, flexibility, and a willingness to assist where needed.

Student Safety and Well-Being

• Actively supervise students throughout the school day, including classroom activities, playground time, transitions, and other assigned settings.
• Follow school policies and procedures related to student safety, health, hygiene, and emergency preparedness.
• Respond to student needs with patience, empathy, and developmentally appropriate guidance.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and follow all child protection and safeguarding requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework or a degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience working with preschool-aged children strongly preferred.
• Understanding of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Ability to build positive relationships with young children, families, and colleagues.
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Patience, flexibility, creativity, and a genuine enthusiasm for working with young children.
• Willingness to support and uphold the Catholic mission and values of the school.
• Ability to meet applicable Archdiocese of Chicago employment, background screening, and child protection requirements.

Professional Expectations

A successful Preschool Teaching Assistant at AACA:

• Puts children first by prioritizing their safety, well-being, and developmental needs.
• Takes initiative by anticipating classroom needs and actively supporting the lead teacher without requiring constant direction.
• Builds relationships by creating meaningful connections with students and fostering a strong sense of belonging.
• Embraces teamwork by communicating openly, accepting feedback, and contributing positively to the classroom and school community.
• Promotes independence by encouraging children to develop confidence, responsibility, and age-appropriate self-help skills.
• Demonstrates professionalism through reliability, punctuality, confidentiality, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
• Commits to growth by engaging in reflection, professional learning, and continuous improvement.

The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here.

This position has an hourly range of $20.00 - $22.00. An employee’s pay within the hourly range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.