Head Start Teacher Assistant Clairton II

Allegheny Intermediate Unit•Clairton, PA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head Start Teacher Assistant will support the lead teacher in planning and conducting daily activities that promote children's development across all domains. This role involves facilitating small group activities, providing individualized support, and encouraging positive social interactions. The assistant will also be responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all children by maintaining a safe and clean classroom environment and supervising children during all activities. They will assist in implementing positive behavior guidance strategies and model respectful behavior. Collaboration with the lead teacher and other staff is crucial, as is effective communication with children, parents, and colleagues. The role also includes assisting with record-keeping and documentation, such as attendance, developmental milestones, and incidents. Ongoing professional development is required to stay informed of best practices in early childhood education and to comply with program guidelines.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
Knowledge of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education.
Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Ability to follow instructions, take initiative, and work effectively as part of a team.
Commitment to maintaining a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for children of all backgrounds and abilities.
Ability to lift children (up to 50 pounds) and engage in physical activities, including standing, sitting on the floor, and moving around the classroom.
Ability to perform tasks that may require bending, kneeling, and crouching to engage with children at their level.
Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151 and NSOR Clearances required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).
School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s Degree or Child Development Associate (CDA) credential preferred.
Experience working with preschool-aged children in an early childhood education setting is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the lead teacher with planning and conducting daily activities that promote the children’s development across all domains (social, emotional, cognitive, and physical).
Facilitate small group activities and provide individualized support to meet diverse learning needs.
Encourage positive social interactions and support children in building age-appropriate social skills.
Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children by maintaining a safe and clean classroom environment.
Supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities, maintaining a constant awareness of their whereabouts and needs.
Follow all safety guidelines and protocols established by the program and licensing agency.
Support the lead teacher in implementing positive behavior guidance and conflict resolution strategies.
Model respectful and positive behavior, reinforcing a nurturing and inclusive classroom atmosphere.
Work closely with the lead teacher and other staff to provide cohesive support for each child’s growth and development.
Participate in meetings, training sessions, and professional development as required by the program.
Communicate effectively with children, parents, and colleagues, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Assist in maintaining accurate records of attendance, developmental milestones, and any incidents or observations related to the children.
Contribute to progress reports and other required documentation for the program.
Engage in ongoing professional development to stay informed of best practices in early childhood education.
Attend all required training sessions to remain compliant with Pre-K Counts program guidelines.