Preschool Paraprofessional - St. Frances of Rome School - Cicero

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The Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools serve more than 40,000 students in 150+ 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 Preschool Paraprofessional / Teacher Assistant supports the Lead Preschool Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool-aged children. Working under the supervision of a licensed teacher, the paraprofessional assists with classroom instruction, student supervision, daily routines, and the implementation of activities aligned with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS). The position helps ensure that each child receives individualized support to promote academic, social, emotional, and physical growth.

This is for the 2026- 2027 school year.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Licensure Requirements

Illinois Paraprofessional License Required

Candidates must hold one of the following:

Option 1:
Short-Term Approval for Paraprofessionals

* High school diploma or equivalent.

* Valid Illinois Short-Term Approval for Paraprofessionals.

* Approval is valid for three fiscal years and is non-renewable.

* Candidate must be actively working toward obtaining the ELS Paraprofessional Educator Endorsement during the approval period.

Option 2: ELS Paraprofessional Educator Endorsement

* Associate degree or higher, or

* 60 semester hours of college coursework, or

* High school diploma/GED with qualifying scores on the ETS Paraprofessional Test, or

* High school diploma/GED with qualifying ACT Work Keys scores.

* Valid Illinois Educator License with Stipulations (ELS) - Paraprofessional Educator Endorsement

Additional Qualifications

* Experience working with preschool-aged children in an educational or childcare setting

preferred.

* Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.

* Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, staff, students, and families.

* Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

* Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

* Successful completion of required background checks and compliance with school and

state regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Classroom Support

* Assist the Lead Preschool Teacher in implementing daily lesson plans and classroom activities aligned with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS).

* Support instruction in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, physical development, and social-emotional learning.

* Help prepare, organize, and maintain instructional materials, learning centers, and classroom displays.

* Assist in setting up and rotating classroom materials to create an engaging learning environment.

* Support small-group and individual instruction as directed by the teacher.

Student Supervision and Care

* Supervise children at all times, including during classroom activities, transitions, meals, toileting, handwashing, cleanup, outdoor play, and field trips.

* Promote positive behavior, social skills, and independence in students.

* Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.

* Help implement behavior management strategies and reinforce classroom expectations.

* Provide support to children with varying developmental, social, emotional, and learning needs.

Assessment and Documentation

* Assist in collecting anecdotal notes, portfolio items, and other documentation related to children's development and progress.

* Help maintain accurate classroom records and student information as directed by the teacher.

* Support the teacher in preparing materials and documentation for parent conferences and program reporting.

Family and Staff Collaboration

* Communicate professionally and respectfully with parents, guardians, staff, and community members.

* Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.

* Collaborate with the Lead Preschool Teacher and other support staff to meet student needs and program goals.

* Assist with parent involvement activities, classroom events, and educational field trips as needed.

Professional Responsibilities

* Support and uphold the mission, values, policies, and procedures of St. Frances of Rome School.

* Maintain professional competence through required training and continuing education.

* Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead Preschool Teacher or Principal that are consistent with the goals of the position.

Physical Requirements

* Ability to actively supervise and engage with preschool-aged children throughout the school day.

* Ability to sit on the floor, bend, kneel, crouch, lift, and move classroom materials and equipment.

* Ability to participate in indoor and outdoor activities and respond quickly to student needs and emergencies.

Working…