Head Start Teacher Assistant/Paraeducator

Berks County Intermediate Unit; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 2,000 - 3,000; Full time

Job summary

Berks County Intermediate Unit is seeking a full-time Paraeducator in Reading, United States, to support teachers in supervising students and implementing curriculum. Responsibilities include assisting IEP teams, monitoring student safety, and encouraging self-help skills.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED, and experience with preschool children is preferred. The role offers a competitive salary, with variations depending on educational qualifications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED certification required.
• One year experience working with preschool aged children is preferred.
• Must obtain CDA within 18 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in gaining independent skills related to daily activities.
• Monitor student activities for safety and well-being.
• Support students with IEP goals and objectives under teacher supervision.

Skills

Experience with preschool aged children

Knowledge of IEP goals and objectives

Self-help/adaptive skills support

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in ECE

Job description

Summary of Position

The paraeducator assists the teacher in supervising students, in helping plan and implement a curriculum, and in creating an environment which responds to the needs of the students in the classroom. When applicable, assist IEP teams in implementing IEP goals and objectives.

Job Responsibilities

• Help students develop self‑help/adaptive skills by actively participating in all phases of mealtime activities, toileting, and dressing activities.
• Monitor activities to ensure the safety and well‑being of students at all times.
• Assist in supervising students independently and assist with difficult students under the supervision of the teacher.
• Assist students to participate in daily activities to gain independent skills which are aligned with the Pennsylvania Learning Standards.
• Assist in evaluating individual students and in data collection/recordkeeping. Under the direction of the teacher and/or team, work with individual students to address needs identified in an IEP, and participate in activities designed by the teacher/therapist under his/her direction to implement, and collect data on IEP objectives, when applicable.
• Attend meetings and professional development opportunities, and maintain records of such attendance, as required by program and/or supervisor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general educational development certification (GED), Associate degree in ECE or current CDA preferred.
• One year experience working with preschool aged children, preferred.
• Must be willing to obtain CDA within 18 months of employment and maintain current CDA.
• Parents of Head Start children are given the first priority, and other priority given to applicants with low income, as determined by federally established poverty guidelines.
• The holder of this position could be required as part of his or her duties to engage in activities that can be charged to a Medical Assistance (MA) or other state or federal healthcare program. Clearance as a provider by both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government is therefore an essential qualification for this position.

Locations

• BCIU Learning Center at BCTC-West – Blue Marsh
• BCIU Learning Center at Highlands
• BCIU Learning Center at Holy Cross
• BCIU Learning Center at Nativity
• BCIU Learning Center at St. Luke's

Schedule

Full‑time, 7.5 hours/day, 209 days/year.

Salary

$16.45 – HS Diploma/GED (need to obtain CDA within 18 months of employment)

$17.80 – HS Diploma/GED plus CDA

$19.18 – Associate degree

$20.57 – Bachelors degree