Individual Support Aide

Community Action Partnership of Cambria County; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local community service organization in Pennsylvania seeks a qualified professional to ensure the care and developmental growth of children. The role involves supervising children, conducting assessments, and supporting their learning through play. A CDA credential or equivalent is required, along with a PA driver's license. Experience with Individual Education Plans and pediatric first aid are preferred. This is a great opportunity for those passionate about early childhood education.

Qualifications

• Must have a CDA credential or be enrolled in a CDA credential program.
• Demonstrated writing, verbal, and computer skills required.
• Current PA driver's license and reliable transportation are mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Ensure children are supervised at all times.
• Conduct developmental screenings and assessments.
• Support children's play and problem-solving skills.

Skills

Ability to work independently

Basic computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel)

Communication (non-judgmental)

Knowledge of Individual Education Plans

Pediatric First Aid and CPR Certification

Education

CDA credential or state-awarded equivalent

Current PA driver’s license

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (Preferred)

Job description

Description

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures all children are appropriately chaperoned and never left unattended in all situations such as facility, transportation, playground, or community outing.
• When substituting for a Curriculum Support Aide on the bus, ensures all children have evacuated the bus, and checks for personal items left on the bus.
• Conducts developmental screenings within Performance Standard guidelines.
• Observes children daily and completes observation-based assessments.
• Complies with observation completion, plan for activities, and assessment integration with teaching teams.
• Assists in the development of follow-up activities based on observations, screenings, and child interests.
• Conducts supportive activities directly with children, such as, but not limited to: joins in child’s play as equal partner, follows child’s lead and interests, accepts ways that child acts on own ideas with available materials, models positive social skills, and involves children in the problem‑solving process.
• Records up‑to‑date observations, assessments, and follow‑up on all appropriate charts, forms, etc.
• Substitutes in the program rooms as needed.
• Attends in‑services, staffing, and other appropriate meetings.
• Assists in preparing end of the year information for parents, schools, and other outside agencies.
• Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other management as required.
• Works in small groups and individually with children to develop kindergarten readiness skills.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follows the program procedures relating to confidentiality.
• Attends evening meetings and participates in job‑related training as required.
• Performs day‑to‑day travel as well as overnight travel as required.
• Must pass initial and tri‑annual physical exam and TB screening.
• Mandated Child Abuse/Neglect reporter.
• When in centers, eats with children as needed, sharing the same menu.
• Assists children with toileting, changing, and hand washing as needed.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work independently.
• Basic knowledge of computer skills, including familiarity with MS Word and MS Excel.
• Ability to carry through and implement Creative Curriculum Agenda.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a non‑judgmental manner.
• Knowledge of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Behavioral Health Plans, and other developmental service plan goals.
• Pediatric First Aid and CPR Certification.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Have a CDA credential or a state‑awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA, coursework equivalent to a CDA, or enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire. (Required)
• Demonstrated writing, verbal, and computer skills. (Required)
• Current PA driver’s license and reliable transportation. (Required)
• Free of Child Abuse/Neglect history as verified by proper authorities. (Required)
• Must obtain Child Abuse, PA State Police, and FBI Fingerprinting Clearances prior to starting employment. (Required)
• Must meet vaccination requirements set by funding sources. (Required)
• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development. (Preferred)
• Training in or demonstrated knowledge of Creative Curriculum. (Preferred)