The People

The staff members are interviewed and selected based on their experience, education, love and respect for children.  All staff and regular volunteers meet the State of Arizona Health Services (ADHS) Day Care Licensure Division requirements.  All staff and regular volunteers meet and agree to the compliance requirements of the Diocese of Tucson for the safety of children.

In addition, the minimum requirement for teachers is having or working toward a Baccalaureate Degree in Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education and Child Development.  Teaching Assistants must have a minimum of a high school diploma and previous experience working with young children.  Staff members are required to complete a minimum of 12 Continuing Education/In Service hours per year.  Every effort is made to ensure staff stability and longevity.

The education of the teaching staff is paramount to the implementation of our vision, mission statement and philosophy. The teaching staff’s extensive knowledge and experience of early childhood education enables them to provide an environment where children can initiate their own learning journey. The members of the teaching staff are committed to our vision and are well versed in child development, have early childhood experience and are committed to ongoing education. All the staff at St. Thomas Preschool meet and exceed the state requirements for working in a preschool setting. Below please find the requirements for teaching staff and assistant teaching staff.

Teacher Qualifications/Education:

1. Bachelors degree an early childhood education emphasis and/or elementary education certificate;
2. 5 years experience as an assistant teacher at St. Thomas and working towards a bachelors degree;
3. CDA or AA Degree;
4. Continuous participation in on-going professional education

Experience

Minimum two years experience with young children in a licensed preschool/child care setting.

Teaching Assistant Qualifications/Education:

1. High school graduate
2. CDA or AA degree in early childhood education strongly recommended
3. Continuous participation in on-going professional education.

Experience:

Minimum two years successful work experience with young children in a licensed preschool/child care facility.

Additional requirements for all staff:

1. Verification of educational preparation;
2. 2 personal and 2 professional references;
3. Proof of negative T.B. test or X-ray within the previous year prior to employment;
4. State of Arizona Fingerprint background check;
5. Proof of current immunizations against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus;
6. Current certification for CPR and 1st aide.

If you have any further questions about our teachers, please feel free to contact us.