PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

• Under the direct supervision of the Director of Youth Formation, develops, implements, supervises, trains and evaluates all aspects of the following weekend children’s ministries: Childcare, CLOW (Children’s Liturgy of the World) and Young Disciples.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Childcare Ministry:

• Develops and maintains a staffing schedule for the childcare room.
• Assesses and evaluates the parish need for childcare outside of Sunday Mass.
• Communicates the current staffing schedule to the childcare ministers.
• Communicates with the Director of Youth Formation about needs and concerns arising with childcare ministers. (For example, training, logistical needs like room cleaning and particular scheduling challenges.)
• Supervises the operation of the Childcare Room during weekend Masses and parish events:
• Recruits, supervises, evaluates, appreciates and schedules ministers.
• Recruits and communicates with Middle and High School ministers.
• Communicates with parents of children using childcare.
• Maintains toys by disinfecting and sorting toys monthly.
• Organizes cabinets on a regular basis keeping supplies replenished.
• Promotes childcare ministry to parish at large.
• Maintains supplies: name tags, wipe-ups, tissue, sign-in sheets, batteries in toys and pagers.
• Coordinates and schedules parent participation as childcare ministers.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) and Young Disciples:

• Develops and plans “Young Disciples” ministry for the preschool and kindergarten children at the 8:30am and 10:30 am masses.
• Researches current trends in early childhood pedagogy and meets with neighboring faith communities to investigate their approach and what developments they’ve taken in the field in order to determine what might work for St. Patrick Catholic Community.
• Plans exciting and stimulating Children’s Liturgy of the Word time that includes the Word, music, and storytelling.
• Creates a nurturing atmosphere where the young child can grow in knowledge, example and experience of God’s love.
• Schedules the Sundays and time frame of Children’s Liturgy of the Word and Young Disciples.
• Manages registration for these programs
• Plans an orderly and safe method for parents to pick up their child following Young Disciples.
• Recruits, interviews and trains a team of adults and teens to work at these programs.
• Schedules regular team meetings for the purpose of planning, lesson review and evaluation so each week is sequential in scope.
• Extends regular opportunities for parental evaluation of the experience.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Advertises all programs through the website, bulletin, weekly email and video at masses.
• Maintains roster of ministers and submits changes to parish office for database updates.
• Ensures that all ministers are current with their Safe Environment training and are familiar with safety requirements essential to the health and well-being of children .
• Participates in other job related activities as appropriate.
• Participates as a member of parish staff.
• Participates in staff activities, staff meetings, days of prayer and staff development as needed or required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Training in early childhood development helpful.
• Must have previous experience in childcare and/or elementary formation.
• Must have CPR training.
• Must have good leadership and communication skills. Be able to write and speak in a clear, concise and effective manner.
• Must be able to work nights and weekends.
• Complete and maintain Safe Environment training as required by Diocese.
• Must possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License and own personal transportation. Employee is subject to Diocesan and parish personnel policies prescribed for all personnel.