Head Start Mentor Classroom Teacher Assistant

Allegheny Intermediate Unit; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 20,800 - 33,858; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Pittsburgh seeks a professional for an early childhood education role focusing on mentorship and implementation of educational programs. Responsibilities include supervising children and guiding teaching assistants. Ideal candidates will have at least an Associate's degree and five years of experience in early childhood education. The position offers a salary of $20.52 hourly, requiring compliance with various certifications. Apply online with requested documents and inquiries to [e-mail].

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of early childhood education classroom experience.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow policies.

Responsibilities

• Implement educational programming with support for children's development.
• Observe and provide constructive feedback to mentees.
• Ensure safety and well-being of children during all activities.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Interpersonal skills

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Basic computer skills

Education

Associate’s degree or CDA

Job description

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Mentor Teacher to implement educational programming within the program philosophy and under all Office of Head Start Performance Standards in addition to OCDEL requirements for early childhood accreditation and licensing requirements to support the developmental needs of each child
• Help supervise children during all activities, including indoor and outdoor play, meals, and rest time, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
• Assist teacher assistants temporarily assigned to the Demonstration Classroom in navigating the position of a Head Start or Pre‑K Counts teacher assistant.
• Collaborate with Preschool Early Intervention program staff to model inclusive practices to assigned teaching assistant staff.
• Provide information about OHS, OCDEL, and AIU policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Share expertise, resources, and effective support strategies to ensure operational success of the classroom.
• Observe mentees' classroom support and provide constructive feedback.
• Offer guidance on how to partner with the teacher to create a warm, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment.
• Engage in reflective conversations with mentees about their classroom experiences.
• Provide constructive feedback on teaching support performance.
• Encourage mentees to reflect on their own practice and set goals for improvement.
• Foster a positive and collaborative professional environment.
• Keep records of onboarding, retraining, upskilling and mentoring activities, including observations, feedback, and goals.
• Encourage a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.

Qualifications - External

• Minimum of an Associate’s degree or CDA
• Minimum of 5 years of early childhood education classroom experience
• Knowledge and skills in working with Preschool Early Intervention and serving children with Individualized Education Plans
• Demonstrated patience, empathy, and sensitivity in working with children and families facing various challenges and circumstances.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively and effectively with colleagues
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and strong interpersonal skills
• Models continual professional improvement with evidence of growth
• Basic computer and software skills to support instruction
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job
• Ability to promote and follow AIU policies, Head Start Performance Standards, and OCDEL requirements
• Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with all people, including those from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds
• Willingness to contribute to cultural diversity for educational enrichment
  Additional Requirements:
• 1. Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151 and NSOR Clearances required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).
• 2. School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.

Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting for extended period of time
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling 50 pounds
• Ability to kneel, crouch, bend and reach to retrieve and handle teaching materials, supplies, and children
• Moving fingers and hands in a repetitive manner
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly when communicating with limited English speaking students and families
• Hearing clearly
• Adequate vision to perform duties

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position.

Reports To: Education Specialist
Department: Early Childhood Education
Position Schedule: Monday – Friday 220 Day School Year
Salary: $20.52 hourly (Annual Salary $33,858.00 non-negotiable)
Benefits: HSEA Contract
To Apply: Create an on-line application and upload a cover letter, resume, clearances, PDE Teaching Certificate (if applicable) and transcripts at the AIU Career Site.
Please send any questions to: [e-mail]

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or limited English proficiency in its educational programs, services, facilities, activities or employment practices as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Section 204 Regulations of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable federal or state statute.