Substitute Teacher - Preschool

Archden; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local preschool in Denver is seeking an Assumption Preschool Teacher's Aide/Para to assist in planning activities for children. The role includes maintaining a clean classroom, preparing lesson materials, and fostering a supportive environment for students’ development. Candidates should have a high school diploma, some college education in early childhood development, and relevant experience in a childcare setting. The position promotes collaborative relationships with families and emphasizes mutual respect and safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 12 semester units ECE/CD preferred.
• 6 months experience in a child care setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist with lesson planning and preparation of materials.
• Maintain positive relationships with families.
• Greet students and parents warmly each day.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Nurturing attitude

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum 12 semester units ECE/CD

Job description

Description

It is the responsibility of the Assumption Preschool Teacher's Aide/Para to help plan activities for children, such as art projects and read stories. They instruct and supervise social and developmental activities and generally provide one‑on‑one attention when needed. He or she will help organize the classroom and help plan intellectual activities for children, according to the lead teacher's requests.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assist with lesson planning and preparation of materials
• Assist with classroom schedule and room arrangement
• Identify barriers to learning and report to the teacher
• Maintain positive relationships with families, allowing the teacher to address concerns to parents
• Promote feelings of trust and security in the program
• Keep classroom and storage areas clean and organized
• Daily and weekly housecleaning duties
• Check e-mails and mailbox daily
• Understand and apply mission statement
• Greet students and parents warmly and enthusiastically each day
• Maintain safe, clean environment, teaching and modeling good hygiene skills
• Getting the classroom ready for lessons and clearing away afterwards to maintain a safe and clean environment
• Assist teacher in preparing lesson materials and school equipment
• Helping students stay focused during class
• Supervising arrival, group activities, recess, dismissal, snacks, lunch, and field trips
• Helping teacher manage student behavior
• Looking after unwell or upset children
• Interacting with children, teaching children new skills, assisting children with large and fine motor skills
• Supporting students' social development and physical well‑being.
• Preschool Teacher’s Aide/Para should be prepared to take on the role of lead teacher when needed
• Additional duties, as assigned, by the preschool director or principal

• Perform clerical duties related to state licensing, and other related paperwork tasks

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent qualification
• Minimum of 12 semester units ECE/CD (Child, Family & Community, Child Growth & Development and curriculum)-preferred
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (transcripts requested);
• 6 months experience in child care setting
• Complete 15 hours annually of State of Colorado required training, according to timetable provided
• Ability to pass Criminal Record Background Clearance with no exemptions
• Maintain good physical health with the ability to perform job duties, lift 30 pounds, move quickly, bend, squat, kneel, sit on floor, reach overhead
• Solid understanding of classroom activities and teaching best practices
• Strong interpersonal skills including ability to work and communicate effectively and collaboratively with a diverse population
• Ability to work cooperatively with other staff members, to accept supervision and to help promote a positive environment
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including clear speech enunciation, and accurate spoken English grammar that can serve as a good model for children who are developing their language skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including ability to present to groups and individuals about the organization’s mission
• Warm nurturing attitude
• Friendly, inviting, self‑motivated, even‑tempered and adaptable
• Solid computer skills and ability to manage and report data accurately and efficiently
• Outstanding interpersonal and presentation abilities
• Ability to demonstrate and teach Christ‑based behaviors
• An active Christian, Catholic preferred, in good standing with the church

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Good people skills are essential as the person who works in this position works around children and with others as a team
• Able to communicate clearly, be self‑aware of appearance, language and behavior always
• Able to foster teamwork; able to work with others in a supportive manner
• Be willing and able to receive ongoing training regarding any aspect of this position
• Have a positive and supportive attitude toward the Catholic Church, her teachings and her work; refrain from public promotion or approval of any conduct or lifestyle that would reflect discredit or disgrace on, or cause scandal in relationship to, the Archdiocese of Denver, or considered to be in contradiction with Catholic Doctrine or morals
• Capable of receiving and following instructions
• A self‑starter, capable of independent work
• Must meet all requirements to pass a background check
• Must complete all classes/seminars as directed by Assumption Catholic School and the Archdiocese of Denver

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to be physically active for the number of hours prescribed by the employment contract
• Must always be mentally alert. Position requires working with equipment and safety must be always observed. Safety applies not only to the worker but to those who may be around the worker
• Must be able to stand as directed by the learning activity or supervising duty
• The position may require lifting objects up to 30 lbs.
• Must be able to tolerate loud noises associated with ordinary management of children