Catholic Diocese of Columbus·Powell, Ohio
The Educational Aide will support the lead teacher in implementing daily lesson plans for preschool and kindergarten students, reinforcing lessons and maintaining a warm, structured, and authentically Catholic classroom environment. Key duties include assisting with classroom setup, student supervision during activities and transitions, and modeling Catholic virtues.
Ave Maria Academy, a new Catholic school in the Diocese of Columbus, seeks a compassionate, joyful, and mission-driven Early Childhood Educational Aide to support the preschool and kindergarten classrooms. Working under the direction of the classroom teacher, the aide helps create a warm, structured, and authentically Catholic environment where children feel safe, valued, and loved. This role is essential to fostering a classroom culture that reflects the dignity of the child, Catholic virtues, and the school’s mission of forming disciples of Christ. Key Responsibilities Classroom Support ● Assist the lead teacher in implementing daily lesson plans and classroom activities for preschool and kindergarten students. ● Provide one-on-one or small-group support to children, reinforcing lessons, skills, and classroom expectations. ● Help maintain a calm, orderly, and joyful classroom environment that encourages learning and virtue development. ● Assist with setup, cleanup, and organization of classroom materials, workspaces, and learning centers. Faith & Culture Support ● Support the teacher in leading prayers, songs, and simple faith-based activities. ● Reinforce Catholic values, virtues, and classroom expectations throughout the day. ● Model kindness, patience, and reverence in interactions with students, families, and colleagues. ● Encourage children to engage with God’s creation, Scripture, and the lives of the saints in age-appropriate ways. Student Care & Safety ● Assist with supervision during classroom activities, recess, outdoor play, and transitions. ● Monitor children’s behavior, health, and safety, reporting concerns promptly to the lead teacher. ● Support social-emotional development through guidance, redirection, and positive reinforcement. ● Help ensure that all students feel included, respected, and supported. Administrative & Professional Support ● Help maintain accurate records, attendance, and documentation as directed by the teacher. ● Assist with classroom communications, bulletin boards, and preparation for special events or liturgical celebrations. ● Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and school community activities as appropriate.
Required ● Commitment to supporting an authentically Catholic environment. ● High school diploma or equivalent; some post-secondary coursework in education preferred. ● Experience working with young children in a school, daycare, or parish setting. ● Strong interpersonal and communication skills. ● Ability to follow directions, take initiative, and work collaboratively with the classroom teacher. ● Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information. Preferred ● Experience in a Catholic or faith-based educational setting. ● Familiarity with early childhood development principles or Montessori/Catechesis of the Good Shepherd approaches. ● Bilingual abilities (English/Spanish) a plus. Personal Qualities ● Joyful, patient, and compassionate ● Flexible, dependable, and detail-oriented ● Warm and engaging with children, families, and colleagues ● Prayerful and supportive of the school’s mission and Catholic identity Mission Alignment The Early Childhood Educational Aide at Ave Maria Academy is a vital partner in forming young hearts and minds in a Christ-centered environment. This team member helps ensure that each child experiences a classroom full of joy, faith, and virtue, supporting the lead teacher in creating an environment where the Gospel is lived daily. Please apply for this position at the bottom of the page.
Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to supporting an authentically Catholic environment and possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with some post-secondary coursework in education preferred. Required experience includes working with young children in a school, daycare, or parish setting, along with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with the classroom teacher.
Market context
Ohio classroom teacher roles are typically in steady demand, especially for candidates who can manage a classroom and plan instruction aligned to state and center expectations. These positions are competitive because schools and centers often look for both teaching experience and the ability to stay active with children throughout the day. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform, then confirm your age, classroom leadership experience, and lesson-planning background before applying.
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