Teacher Assistant - Early Intervention

Montgomery County Intermediate Unit 23 • Lansdale, PA

11h • Onsite

About The Position

The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit is hiring a full-time Teacher Assistant - Early Intervention to provide classroom support to children ages 3–5 within its Office of Early Childhood Services. The position is located at the MCIU’s Discovery Center in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and may involve working as a 1:1 classroom assistant. MCIU classrooms are located throughout Montgomery County.

The assistant supports teachers with instruction, classroom organization, lesson preparation, student behavior, data collection, and record keeping. The role requires effective interaction with students, families, school personnel, and professionals, including students with disabilities and complex behavioral or emotional needs. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7.5 hours per day, for 12 months (194 workdays per year).

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; must be willing to obtain the PA Paraeducator Credential of Competency Certificate within the probationary period.
• Associate degree or higher, completion of two years of post-secondary education, or 48 credit hours from an accredited college or university.
• Knowledge and experience in taking student data; experience with direct-instruction programs and online learning systems.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately and to establish rapport with students, understand their needs and feelings, and work with students with disabilities.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel to classrooms throughout Montgomery County.
• Visual acuity to read whiteboards, student work, and printed materials; auditory acuity to hear spoken words; and ability to speak clearly and distinctly.
• Ability to work as a team member, deal courteously and effectively with people, and work in an environment with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to cope with children's needs and behavior patterns and withstand emotional stress; warm, friendly, and helpful personality.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions, complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision, and read, write, and perform simple computations.
• Ability to complete CPI/Safety Cares training.
• Ability to work independently, make work-related decisions, and exercise good judgment in interactions with students.
• Original certificates of clearance from the State Police, Child Abuse Registry, and PDE FBI.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred.
• Background in special education preferred.
• Experience working with students with severe or complex behavioral or emotional issues preferred.
• Valid Pennsylvania teaching certification qualifies for a $1.00-per-hour stipend.

Responsibilities

• Use direct-instruction programs and online learning systems.
• Follow teacher direction and support student behavior by responding proactively and implementing behavior plans as directed.
• Communicate effectively and interact positively with students, professionals, parents, supervisors, administrators, and school district personnel.
• Assist the teacher with preparing daily lesson assignments, materials, assignment corrections, and record keeping.
• Implement principles of applied behavior analysis when needed and collect student data.
• Assist with classroom organization and prepare materials and bulletin boards, including lifting and manipulating books or materials.
• Support individual and group instruction by carrying out activities designed by the teacher.
• Work as a 1:1 assistant in the classroom when assigned.
• Present a positive image of the Intermediate Unit, its programs, and services.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the classroom teacher or supervisor.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, prescription, vision, and life insurance for those who qualify.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Participation in the Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS).
• Paid time off benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED