Juniata County Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Juniata County Early Childhood Services invites applicants for a Teacher Assistant/Teacher Aide.  

Applicants must apply via Applitrack and complete the online application.  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.

Preschool Classroom Activities

1. 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.
2. Assists in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural background of the children and families served.
3. Participates in the screening, observation and documentation of children.
4. 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.
5. Assists the teacher to ensure that health and safety practices are being utilized at all times when children are present in the center.
6. 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
7. Uses initiative and imagination to assist the child and be perceptive and knowledgeable about the needs of each child.
8. Assist the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises.
9. Takes charge of the class in the teacher's absence.
10. 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.
11. Understands and documents in-kind as the non-federal share requirement for the programs.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Parent/Family Involvement and Community Relations

1. Assist the teacher in meeting the program's needs for parent/family engagement in the class.
2. Establishes a relationship of trust and rapport with the families and their children.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. To assist parents/families to increase their knowledge, understanding, skills and experience in basic child development.
6. Assist with identifying and arranging for parents to volunteer in the classroom as volunteers.
7. Assist the teacher with collecting monthly in-kind records from parents and community members. 
8. Positively promotes Head Start/Early Head Start/Pre-K Counts in the community.
9. Assists with the supervision of all assigned volunteers in the classroom.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

Training

1. Attend all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
2. Attend all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
3. Responsible for understanding Head Start Program Performance Standards, federal, state and other local regulations as appropriate.
4. 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.
5. 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

1. Knowledge of the basics of working with preschool children.
2. Knowledge of PA Early Learning Standards and/or Head Start Early Learning Outcomes and Framework for preschool children.
3. Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start/Pre-K Counts programs.
4. Knowledge of local resources, customs and language helpful.
5. Ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well with staff, parents and families.
6. Ability to follow directions and take initiative.
7. Ability to keep all information regarding families strictly confidential.
8. Ability to communicate effectively with children, families and staff.
9. Ability to work with typically developing children and children with disabilities.

Language Skills

1. Ability to communicate both written and orally.
2. Ability to follow directions from both written and oral instructions.
3. Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and memos.
4. Ability to write simple correspondence.
5. Ability to communicate with families and children in a positive and helpful manner.
6. Bilingual skills helpful. (English/Spanish).

Mathematical Skills

1. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Reasoning Skills

1. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
2. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Other Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to exhibit patience and tact when communicating with children, families, staff, management, referral sources and the public.
2. Ability to project professionalism in conducting daily activities.

Education and Experience

1. Minimum requirement for Head Start Assistant Teacher is a high school diploma and enrollment in a CDA credentialing program within 1 year of hire with attainment of CDA Preschool credential within 2 years of hire. Minimum requirement for PreK Counts Teacher Assistant is a CDA preschool credential, or completion of at least two years postsecondary study with a minimum of 60 college credits or an AA or higher degree in Early Childhood Education.
2. Prior experience preferred working with the preschool population.
3. Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish).
4. Must be willing and able to obtain Basic First Aid and CPR Certification and maintain certification.
5. The program will verify references and complete a sex offender registry check. An initial health exam with acceptable tuberculosis screening results, a clear criminal records, FBI, and Child Abuse clearances check. These are required post job offer and prior to employment.
6. Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

1. May be required to lift up to 45 pounds.
2. Some exposure to communicable diseases.
3. Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.
4. Work is typically performed in a classroom setting and some office work required.
5. Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events such as Family Curriculum Nights, social and community events.