Preschool Aide

South Hills Interfaith Movement•West Mifflin, PA

About The Position

South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) is a human services organization dedicated to mobilizing community resources and implementing sustainable programs that compassionately help our neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency, and build community. We provide direct assistance (food, clothing, and utility assistance) as well as a variety of programs including service coordination, children and youth programs, and the South Hills Family Center. Program Summary: SHIM’s Preschool Program strives to equip nonnative English-speaking preschoolers with the necessary academic skills and social confidence to overcome barriers and minimize the education gap upon entry to their academic journey. SHIM Preschool currently operates September through May, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 11:45 am. Enrichment and kindergarten camps occur during the summer months. Preschool integrates English as Second Language and social emotional curriculum into the PA Learning Standards to create a holistic environment that supports each child’s unique stage of development and abilities. SHIM’s Preschool is licensed through the PA Department of Education as a private academic nursery school. Job Summary: The Preschool Aide is a part time, full-year position. The Preschool Aide is responsible for assisting the program in running the day-to-day programming and ensuring the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of children ages 3 – 5 years old. The responsibility of the Aide is to work in conjunction with the program staff and volunteers to provide a safe and educational environment for all students. The Aid is expected to be on site Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Requirements

Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a positive, calm attitude
Demonstrated ability working with children, youth, or community development
Sensitivity and awareness of working with a multi-cultural community
Ability to positively guide and direct students
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and verbal communication skills
Must possess initiative, creativity and problem solving skills
Ability to work as a team member and to be highly flexible
High school diploma or equivalent required
Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) through the Pennsylvania State Police
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History (PACA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
FBI Criminal History Background Check (FBI Fingerprint); requires the individual to submit their fingerprints to the FBI and have the background check run through the PA State Police’s designated agencies
NSOR
Mandated Reporter Training
Ability to reasonably engage in play with students

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with early learning standards preferred
Experience with English learners preferred
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, or Special Education preferred
Relevant experience or education within youth development, education, social emotional support, and program management may be considered

Responsibilities

Assist the Lead Teacher in preparing for weekly lessons
Help to create, clean, organize, and maintain a classroom environment
Participate in the arrival and dismissal procedures at the beginning and end of the school day
Establish positive and trusted relationships with students and families
Engage in physical activity/play, communication, and activities with students
Supervise activities to ensure safety at all times and follow appropriate safety plans
Work cooperatively with staff and volunteers
Participate in staff meetings and trainings
Understand, support, and implement the preschool teaching philosophy of “learning through play”
Appropriately correct student behavior when needed
Assist in consistent evaluation and monitoring of each student to measure growth
Other duties as assigned