<p>Job Description:</p> <p>Pre-School Aide (2025-2026 School Year)</p> <p>St. Mary Catholic School - Ridgefield, CT</p> <p>Under the direction of the Principal and general supervision of the Lead Pre-School teacher, the Pre-School Aide is responsible for supporting the school and the Diocese of Bridgeport in its mission. Aide may perform a wide range of tasks in order to support the efforts of the teacher, meet the needs of all students, and ensure the provision of quality instruction for all students. Employee assists lead teacher with general housekeeping and clerical duties. Educators are engaged in a school conducted by the Roman Catholic Church for the express purpose of education in the academic, social, moral, and religious values promulgated by the Church.</p> <p>OVERVIEW:</p> <p>We are seeking an enthusiastic Pre-School Aide for our four-year-old program. We are looking for a compassionate, energetic and inspiring individual to support a classroom of young children in a variety of educational activities, including arts and crafts, free play, storytelling and class outings. You will assist the lead teacher with the primary goal of teaching the fundamental concepts in preparation for kindergarten such as beginning to identify numbers, letters, shapes and colors, socializing well with others and working effectively in a classroom structure. Additional responsibilities include:</p> <ul> <li>Recognizing and supporting the unique Catholic Mission of the school by speaking, acting, and instructing consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church </li><li>Promoting a clean and well-organized classroom environment conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning </li><li>Using creative, hands-on methods of learning </li><li>Encouraging, monitoring and mediating social interactions between children </li><li>Conducting learning exercises with small groups of children </li><li>Participating in professional growth opportunities when presented </li><li>Encouraging parental involvement in students' education and assisting in effective communication with parents and students </li><li>Coordinating with the lead teacher on the classroom curriculum, goals and objectives </li><li>Supporting students' social and emotional growth through consistent instruction and supports to bring young learners into a positive culture of high expectations. </li><li>Cooperating and working effectively with all staff members to promote positive relationships with students and parents </li><li>Demonstrating professional responsibility and serving as a role model for impressionable minds </li><li>Maintaining confidentiality, sound judgment, professional dress, and general behavior </li><li>Performing other related tasks as assigned by the Head of School </li></ul> <p>Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.</p> <p>DESIRED QUALITIES</p> <ul> <li>Working knowledge and strong commitment to the mission of the Catholic Church </li><li>Excellent communications skills </li><li>Excellent human relations and interpersonal skills; must be a team player </li><li>Be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and be well organized </li><li>Ability to educate with age-appropriate language </li><li>Patience, optimism, compassion, enthusiasm and empathy </li><li>Creative mindset to assist in classroom learning </li><li>Proficient in computer technology and related educational technology </li></ul> <p>MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:</p> <ul> <li>High-school diploma </li></ul> <p>PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:</p> <ul> <li>Practicing Roman Catholic, in good standing </li><li>Successful prior related experience for the appropriate grade level </li></ul> <p>Please complete all CT Reap Application Information to be considered for this job opening, including your cover letter, resume and 3 letters of recommendation.</p>