Teacher Assistant / Teacher Aide

Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11; Mifflintown (Juniata County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11's Juniata County Head Start seeks a dedicated Teacher Assistant/Teacher Aide to join a supportive preschool team. You will help implement activities, supervise meals, and assist with family engagement to promote developmental learning.

Applicants must obtain required clearances (Act 24, 34, 151, 114) and maintain a CDA credential, with opportunities for ongoing professional development; bus duties may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications

• Requires Act 24/Arrest and Conviction Report, Act 34, Act 151, Act 114 clearances.
• Must maintain a CDA credential and will be encouraged to pursue a higher degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Experience with preschool children is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher with classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities, including lesson plans.
• Assist in developing instructional materials and activities aligned with standards.
• Help supervise meals and promote healthy, family-style dining and social skills.
• Support health and safety practices and maintain orderly classrooms.
• Promote parent/family engagement and assist with volunteer coordination.

Skills

Team collaboration

Classroom support

Education

CDA credential

Job description

Juniata County Head Start invites applicants for a Teacher Assistant/Teacher Aide.

To be considered for an open position, 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
Act 114 Federal Criminal History Clearance
Links to these clearances can be found here: https://www.tiu11.org/human-resources/.

This position works as a part of a teaching team to work as a partner with the in developing activities for preschool children to provide them with varied experiences and an appropriate learning environment. Works with typically developing children and children with disabilities. Assistance is given to the teacher in carrying out the goals, policies, and activities designed to implement educational objectives and performance standards. This position works with families to promote parent engagement in the program. The assistant teacher/teacher aide may be assigned additional duties based upon program need and areas of developing expertise. This position works along with the teacher to attain the goals of the program. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations. As needed the assistant teacher may serve as an aide on the bus to assist with transportation services.

Fundamental Duties/Essential Functions

Duties of the position are described in major functional areas listed below. Additional duties may be assigned.

• Assist the teacher in all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities including lesson plans. Assist teacher 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.
• Assists in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural background of the children and families served.
• Participates in the screening, observation and documentation of children.
• Helps supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good nutrition and proper social skills. Supports the nutritional aspect of the program by encouraging practices which promote family style meal service.
• Assists the teacher to ensure that health and safety practices are being utilized at all times when children are present in the center.
• Assists with classroom management, by organizing instructional materials and being prepared in advanced for children's activities. Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly
• Uses initiative and imagination to assist the child and be perceptive and knowledgeable about the needs of each child.
• Assist the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises.
• Takes charge of the class in the teacher's absence.
• Annually, obtain at least 24 hours of continuing professional development. Acceptable professional development includes instruction eligible for Act 48, continuing education credits, college credits, or hours through DHS and available on the PA Keys website. Professional education should be related to the field of early childhood education.
• Understands and documents in-kind as the non-federal share requirement for the programs.
• Performs 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.
• Establishes a relationship of trust and rapport with the families and their children.
• Communicates with families to facilitate positive interaction with the awareness of the child's needs and development, how the activities of the program promote positive development and their roles in the child's overall education and development.
• Involves parents/families in the educational activities of the program to emphasize their role as the principal influence on the child's education and development
• To 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 as volunteers.
• Assist the teacher with collecting monthly in‑kind records from parents and community members.
• Positively promotes Head Start/Early Head Start/Pre‑K Counts in the community.
• Assists with the supervision of all assigned volunteers in the classroom.
• Performs 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.
• Responsible for understanding Head Start Program Performance Standards, federal, state and other local regulations as appropriate.
• Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.
• Must maintain a minimum of a CDA credential and will be encouraged to work towards a higher degree in the field of Early Childhood Education.

Knowledge and Abilities

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.

Knowledge of local resources, customs and language helpful.

Ability to relate sensitively with children and to 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