The Preschool Teacher Aide plays an important role in helping our youngest students experience school as a place where they are known, cared for, encouraged, and excited to learn.

As a Catholic school, John Ireland seeks employees who support the mission and purpose of the Catholic Church and contribute positively to our school community's faith life. An active, participating Catholic in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church is preferred; reasonable accommodation for the religious practices of employees of other faiths is provided.

The Preschool Teacher Aide will:

• Assist the classroom teacher with daily learning activities, routines, and transitions.
• Provide individual and small-group support to reinforce age-appropriate skills and concepts.
• Help prepare and organize engaging, developmentally appropriate classroom activities and materials.
• Support positive classroom and child-care management practices.
• Assist students with a variety of learning and behavioral needs using appropriate supports and strategies.
• Help maintain a welcoming, organized, and safe preschool environment.
• Supervise children during classroom activities, play, transitions, playground time, church, and other school activities as assigned.
• Encourage independence, positive relationships, and developmentally appropriate classroom routines.
• Collaborate closely with the preschool teacher, school staff, and administration to support student success.
• Communicate positively and professionally with families as directed by the classroom teacher.
• Participate with students and staff in prayer, liturgies, and other faith-formation activities within the school community.

Ideal candidates will:

• Enjoy working with preschool-age children and demonstrate patience, consistency, and a positive approach to working with young learners.
• Demonstrate effective teaching, classroom management, and child-care management skills.
• Be able to assist with creative, engaging, and age-appropriate educational activities.
• Be dependable, flexible, collaborative, and able to respond calmly to the changing needs of young children.
• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be willing to learn and implement new teaching and child-development strategies.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Be supportive of the mission, philosophy, and Catholic identity of John Ireland Catholic School.
• Complete appropriate educational experiences and training as required by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
• Fulfill all Diocese of New Ulm and Church of St. Peter Safe Environment requirements, including a background check and VIRTUS training.