Educational Assistant IIA, Early Childhood Assistant and Replacement Assistants

Breathe Project; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Breathe Project in Pittsburgh is seeking an Early Childhood Assistant IIA to support a classroom teacher in delivering a school readiness program in an urban public school setting.

You will assist with lesson planning, individualized instruction, and data collection, while promoting safe, engaging activities and positive family interactions. Training and growth opportunities are provided within a 10-month cycle.

Qualifications

• Ability to work collaboratively as a team player, under pressure with multiple deadlines.
• Ability to build, foster, and maintain strong relationships with school staff.
• Capacity to solve problems, stay organized and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to exercise confidentiality, professionalism, poise and diplomacy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• First Aid certification/training (preferred).
• Familiarity with various student assistive devices (preferred).
• Value, demonstrate, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Plans with the teacher for various assignments, areas of responsibility, and/or specific duties.
• Assists the teacher with lesson planning and delivery of lessons, including individualization for students.
• Assists in mealtime preparation as needed.
• Assists with classroom management / behavior management plans.
• Assists with meeting individual students' IEP goals and adaptations.
• Assists with student assessments, screenings, and data collection.
• Assists in outdoor and indoor play planning and quiet time.
• Maintains a range of activities so children can choose according to interests and needs.
• Assists with diapering, toileting, and potty training.
• Supports transitions between activities.
• Completes home-visits and parent-teacher conferences as mandated by program and Head Start guidelines.
• Works to build trust and positive interactions with families.
• Insures equipment and materials are in good condition and setting is orderly.
• Participates in program initiatives like Keystone STARS, NAEYC Accreditation.
• Attends pre- and in-service training and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Teamwork

Relationship building

Problem solving

Communication

Confidentiality

First Aid

Assistive devices familiarity

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Associate degree

Preschool CDA

High School Diploma with plan to pursue Associate/CDA

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Early Childhood Assistants IIA assist and support the classroom teacher in carrying out an educational program which prepares the children for school readiness.

WORK MONTHS

10 Months

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Responsibilities of an Early Childhood Assistant IIA include but are not limited to:

• Plans with the teacher for various assignments, areas of responsibility, and/or specific duties.
• Assists the teacher with lesson planning and delivery of lessons, including individualization for students.
• Assists in mealtime preparation as needed.
• Assists with classroom management / behavior management plans.
• Assists the EC classroom teacher and Early Intervention teacher with meeting individual students' IEP goals and making necessary adaptations.
• Assists with student assessments, screenings, and data collection as needed.
• Assists in carrying out a plan for meeting appropriate outdoor and indoor play and quiet time.
• Assists in maintaining a wide range of suitable activities so that the children can make choices according to their own interests and needs.
• Assists in diapering, toileting, and potty training in a positive manner.
• Assists in providing easy and natural transitions for children moving from one activity to another.
• Assists in completing home-visits and parent-teacher conferences as mandated by the Early Childhood Program and Federal Head Start guidelines.
• Works to build trust and promote positive interactions with families.
• Assists in insuring that equipment and materials are in good condition and provide a setting that is orderly and attractive.
• Participate in and support program initiatives such as Keystone STARS, NAEYC Accreditation, etc. as necessary.
• Attends pre- and in-service training as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE REQUIRED

Early Childhood Assistant IIA: Associate degree OR Preschool Child Development Credential (CDA) OR High School Diploma AND must acquire an Associate Degree or CDA in the next 2 years at your own cost.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Varies based on the needs of the department

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Candidates must be enthusiastic about the fundamental goal of advancing student achievement in an urban public school district. In addition, we are seeking candidates with:

• Ability to work collaboratively as a team player, under pressure with multiple competing deadlines, and with culturally, educationally, and racially diverse internal and external customers.
• Ability to build, foster, and maintain strong relationships with school staff.
• A capacity to solve problems, to stay organized and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of confidentiality, professionalism, poise, tact and diplomacy to accomplish objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• First Aid certification/training (preferred)
• Familiarity with various student assistive devices (preferred)
• Value, demonstrate, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The working conditions and physical requirements described here are representative of, but not limited to, those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made.

Physical Demands: This position requires physical effort and not subjected to Occupational Health and Safety risks.

Work Environment:

• Indoor in busy classroom, working in close proximity to co-worker
• Frequently required to work at fast pace
• Requires considerable concentration and creativity.
• Subject to stress caused by a changing environment, diversity in the organization, tight deadlines and workload.

ADA: The employer will make reasonable accommodation in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILE CRITERIA

N/A

CITY OF PITTSBURGH RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

This position does not have a residency requirement.