PreK Teacher's Aide - SS. Cyril and Methodius School - Vicariate V

Archdiocese of Chicago; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 22,041 - 23,419; Part time

Job summary

The Archdiocese of Chicago is seeking a part-time Pre-K Instructional Aide to support preschool students in Cyril and Methodius School. You will assist with daily instructional activities, supervision, and safety, while fostering a nurturing, faith-centered learning environment.

Responsibilities include small-group support, behavior guidance, and collaboration with the classroom teacher. This role requires a high school diploma and is up to 25 hours per week, onsite in Illinois.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associate degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education.
• Experience working with preschool or early elementary-aged children.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain patient, attentive, and calm in a fast-paced environment.
• Must pass all required background checks and complete required clearances.
• Ability to lift, move, bend, kneel, and remain physically active throughout the day.

Responsibilities

• Assist the classroom teacher with daily instructional activities, learning centers, and classroom routines.
• Provide individual and small-group support to students during academic and play-based learning.
• Maintain a positive, structured classroom environment that promotes student engagement, independence, and growth.
• Guide children's social-emotional development and assist with behavior management using positive, non-punitive methods.
• Encourage appropriate peer interactions, communication, cooperation, and problem-solving.
• Maintain active supervision of students in all learning environments and ensure student safety.
• Document student progress and classroom concerns to support communication with teachers.
• Prepare classroom materials and assist with organization and cleanup of instructional resources.
• Support school policies, procedures, and the mission of Cyril and Methodius School.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the classroom teacher.

Skills

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Patience

Physical stamina

Background checks

Education

High school diploma

Early Childhood Education coursework

Job description

The Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools serve more than 40,000 students in 154 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.

The Pre‑K Instructional Aide supports the classroom teacher in fostering a safe, nurturing, and faith‑filled learning environment for young children. Rooted in the mission of SS. Cyril & Methodius School, this role helps guide students in their academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development, modeling Christian values in all interactions.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Student Support & Classroom Assistance

• Assist the classroom teacher in implementing daily instructional activities, learning centers, and classroom routines.
• Provide individual and small‑group support to students during academic and play‑based learning.
• Support the teacher in maintaining a positive, structured classroom environment that promotes student engagement, independence, and.
• Guide children's social‑emotional development and assist with behavior management using positive, non‑punitive methods aligned with school.
• Encourage appropriate peer interactions, communication, cooperation, and problem‑solving.

Active Supervision & Student Safety

• Maintain active supervision of students in all learning environments throughout the school day, including but not limited to classrooms, hallways, lunchroom, recess (indoor and outdoor), playgrounds, arrival/dismissal, and other school or outdoor spaces.
• Remain actively on feet throughout the day while moving throughout classrooms and school environments to support students and teachers effectively.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, orderly, and secure environment for all students.
• Observe student behavior and respond promptly to safety concerns, injuries, or conflicts.

Crisis Response & Emergency Preparedness

• Demonstrate the ability to understand, follow, and execute the school's crisis and emergency response.
• Participate in required safety trainings and emergency.
• Respond appropriately and calmly during emergencies while prioritizing student safety and following school protocols.

Student Care & Development

• Assist children with self‑help and personal care skills appropriate for preschool‑aged students, including toilet coaching, handwashing, feeding/lunch supervision, dressing assistance, and classroom hygiene.
• Support students in developing independence, responsibility, and healthy.

Communication & Documentation

• Document student progress, behavior observations, and classroom concerns to support communication with teachers.
• Maintain cooperative, respectful, and professional relationships with students, families, faculty, administrators, and.
• Communicate concerns regarding student wellbeing, safety, or behavior promptly to the classroom teacher or administration.

Additional Responsibilities

• Prepare classroom materials and assist with organization and cleanup of instructional resources.
• Support school policies, procedures, and the mission of Cyril and Methodius School.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the classroom teacher or.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associate degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education.
• Experience working with preschool or early elementary‑aged children is.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a.
• Strong communication and interpersonal.
• Ability to remain patient, attentive, and calm in a fast‑paced.
• Ability to lift, move, bend, kneel, and remain physically active throughout the.
• Must pass all required background checks and complete required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to actively move throughout classrooms and school environments for extended periods of.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting, and assisting young children.
• Ability to supervise students both indoors and outdoors in varying weather.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency.

Employment Status

• Part time up to 25 hours per week.
• Reports to: Principal.

SS Cyril and Methodius School is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and faith‑centered learning environment for all students.

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 $16.00 - $17.60. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.