Assistant Teacher/Teacher Aide

Applicants must upload the following required clearances: Act 24 Arrest and Conviction Report, Act 34 Pennsylvania Criminal History Clearance, Act 151 Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance, and Act 114 Federal Criminal History Clearance. Links to these clearances can be found at https://www.tiu11.org/human-resources/.

About the Role

This position works as part of a teaching team to develop activities for preschool children, providing varied experiences and an appropriate learning environment. Works with typically developing children and children with disabilities. Assists the teacher in carrying out goals, policies, and activities designed to implement educational objectives and performance standards. Promotes parent engagement in the program. May be assigned additional duties based on program needs and areas of developing expertise. May be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as needed. May serve as an aide on the bus to assist with transportation services.

Responsibilities

Preschool Classroom Activities

• Assist the teacher in all classroom activities, field trips, and outdoor activities, including lesson plans.
• Assist in planning instructional activities as described in the Pre-K Counts Regulations and PA Early Learning Standards and/or Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• Assist in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural background of the children and families served.
• Participate in the screening, observation, and documentation of children.
• Help supervise mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good nutrition and proper social skills.
• Support the nutritional aspect of the program by encouraging practices that promote family-style meal service.
• Assist the teacher to ensure health and safety practices are utilized at all times when children are present.
• Assist with classroom management by organizing instructional materials and preparing in advance for children's activities.
• Help keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
• Use initiative and imagination to assist the child and be perceptive about the needs of each child.
• Assist the teacher in any aspect of the program as needed.
• Take charge of the class in the teacher's absence.
• Annually obtain at least 24 hours of continuing professional development in early childhood education.
• Understand and document in-kind as the non-federal share requirement for the programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Parent/Family Involvement and Community Relations

• Assist the teacher in meeting the program's needs for parent/family engagement in the class.
• Establish a relationship of trust and rapport with families and their children.
• Communicate with families to facilitate positive interaction, emphasizing the child's needs and development.
• Involve parents/families in educational activities to emphasize their role as the principal influence on the child's education and development.
• Assist parents/families to increase their knowledge, understanding, skills, and experience in basic child development.
• Assist with identifying and arranging for parents to volunteer in the classroom.
• Assist the teacher with collecting monthly in-kind records from parents and community members.
• Positively promote Head Start/Early Head Start/Pre-K Counts in the community.
• Assist with the supervision of all assigned volunteers in the classroom.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Training

• Attend all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Attend all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Understand Head Start Program Performance Standards, federal, state, and other local regulations as appropriate.
• Be knowledgeable of regulations associated with the prevention of occupational disease and injury, including universal precautions and contamination prevention.
• Maintain a minimum of a CDA credential and work towards a higher degree in Early Childhood Education.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the basics of working with preschool children.
• Knowledge of PA Early Learning Standards and/or Head Start Early Learning Outcomes and Framework for preschool children.
• Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start/Pre-K Counts programs.
• Ability to relate sensitively with children and work well with staff, parents, and families.
• Ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• Ability to keep all information regarding families strictly confidential.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, and staff.
• Ability to work with typically developing children and children with disabilities.
• Ability to communicate both written and orally.
• Ability to follow directions from both written and oral instructions.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to communicate with families and children in a positive and helpful manner.
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) helpful.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to exhibit patience and tact when communicating with children, families, staff, management, and the public.
• Ability to project professionalism in conducting daily activities.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirement for Head Start Assistant Teacher: high school diploma and enrollment in a CDA credentialing program within 1 year of hire, with attainment of CDA Preschool credential within 2 years of hire.
• Minimum requirement for Pre-K Counts Teacher Assistant: CDA preschool credential, or completion of at least two years postsecondary study with a minimum of 60 college credits, or an AA or higher degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Prior experience working with the preschool population preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Must be willing and able to obtain Basic First Aid and CPR Certification and maintain certification.
• Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• May be required to lift up to 45 pounds.
• Some exposure to communicable diseases.
• Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.
• Work is typically performed in a classroom setting; some office work required.
• Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events such as Family Curriculum Nights, social, and community events.