Pre-K Teaching Assistant: St. Thomas Aquinas School | Metro Catholic School

Catholic Diocese of Cleveland; Cleveland, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,981,000 - 54,443,000; Full time

Job summary

Partnership Schools in Cleveland seeks a caring Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Assistant to support the Lead Teacher in creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging classroom environment. The ideal candidate has experience with preschoolers, respects Catholic education values, and collaborates well with staff to support academic, social, emotional, and physical development.

This is a full-time position with responsibilities including supervision, meals, transitions, and documentation to meet Ohio

Qualifications

• Experience working with preschool-aged children in school or childcare settings.
• Warm, patient, and encouraging approach with young children.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher with classroom activities, lessons, and routines.
• Create a positive, structured, and engaging classroom environment.
• Support students individually and in small groups.
• Ensure care and safety of students at all times.
• Assist with meals, transitions, toileting, and arrival/dismissal.

Job description

Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Assistant

St. Thomas Aquinas School | Metro Catholic School

Employer: Partnership Schools

Status: Full-Time

Compensation: $15–$19 per hour, based on experience and qualifications

Position Summary

Partnership Schools is seeking a caring, dependable, and collaborative Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Assistant to support the Lead Teacher in creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging classroom environment.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with young children, respects the culture, identity, and values of Catholic education, and is patient, flexible, eager to learn, and committed to supporting the academic, social, emotional, and physical development of every child.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher with classroom activities, lessons, learning centers, and daily routines.
• Help create a positive, structured, and engaging classroom environment.
• Support students individually and in small groups.
• Provide attentive supervision and help ensure the care and safety of students at all times.
• Assist children with meals, transitions, toileting, rest time, arrival, and dismissal as needed.
• Prepare classroom materials and help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming learning space.
• Reinforce positive behavior and support students' social-emotional development.
• Observe students and share relevant information with the Lead Teacher.
• Support completion of attendance records, incident reports, developmental portfolios, and other required documentation.
• Communicate with students, families, and colleagues in a positive and respectful manner.
• Participate in professional development, coaching, and required staff meetings.
• Help ensure the classroom follows applicable Ohio preschool licensing requirements.
• Support the school's mission to educate the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.

Qualifications

• Experience working with preschool-aged children in a school, childcare, camp, or similar setting.
• A warm, patient, and encouraging approach with young children.
• Ability to take direction and work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and other school staff.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Dependability, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Willingness to receive feedback and continue growing professionally.
• Flexibility to manage multiple responsibilities and respond to students' needs throughout the day.
• Basic technological proficiency and the ability to learn new systems.

Position Requirements

• Respect for and appreciation of the Catholic faith and Catholic education.
• Strong belief that all children can learn and thrive.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Coursework or a degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to meet all applicable Ohio preschool staff qualification requirements.
• Ability to actively engage with young children throughout the school day.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to push, pull, carry, climb, balance, kneel, sit, stand, walk, bend, and squat as required by the position.

Requirements Upon Hire

• Pass all background checks and clearances required by ODJFS and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce licensing.
• Obtain any required Ohio preschool permit, license, or credential.
• Hold or obtain current CPR, First Aid, and Child Abuse Recognition and Prevention certifications.
• Complete Diocese of Cleveland VIRTUS training before beginning work.
• Obtain required religious certification through the Diocese within the first year of employment.

Compensation

The hourly rate for this full-time position is $15–$19 per hour. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience, education, credentials, and qualifications.

About Partnership Schools

Partnership Schools supports Catholic education and is committed to creating school communities where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

The organization values diversity and is an equal-opportunity employer.