Teaching Assistant I/II

Community Action Partnership of Cambria County•Salix, PA

About The Position

The Teaching Assistant I/II position is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children in various settings, including the facility, transportation, playground, and community outings. This role involves assisting in the creation and implementation of an active learning environment, coordinating with the assigned Teacher to meet daily educational requirements, and adhering to routines consistent with the Creative Curriculum. The assistant will use Teaching Strategies Gold On-line as an assessment tool, maintain a positive learning environment, and observe/assess children to develop and implement lesson plans. They will also facilitate communication between home and the center, encourage parent participation, conduct home visits, and participate in parent-teacher conferences. Daily health routines, emergency procedures, and record-keeping, including screenings within the first 45 days, are also key responsibilities. The Teaching Assistant will act as a teacher in their absence, assist with child safety on the bus, and ensure active participation during bus rides. Additional duties include attending evening meetings, participating in job-related training, following confidentiality procedures, and performing overnight travel as required. This role is a Mandated Child Abuse/Neglect reporter and requires passing initial and tri-annual physical exams and TB screenings.

Requirements

Working knowledge of computers, including MS Word, Excel, and other related programs.
Working knowledge of social service systems.
Proficient oral and written communication skills including effective listening skills.
Ability to deal tactfully with the public.
Working knowledge of outcome-based services.
Knowledge of Creative Curriculum.
Knowledge of State Learning Standards.
Knowledge of CLASS.
Pediatric First Aid and CPR Certification.
Have a CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA, are enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or, are enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire.
Current PA driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Free of Child Abuse/Neglect history as verified by proper authorities.
Must obtain Child Abuse, PA State Police, FBI Fingerprinting and NSOR Clearances prior to starting employment.
Must meet vaccination requirements set by funding sources.
Must pass initial and tri-annual physical exam and TB screening.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Early Childhood (ECE).
Minimum one (1) year professional work experience with preschool children.

Responsibilities

Ensures all children are appropriately chaperoned and never left unattended in all situations such as facility, transportation, playground, or community outing.
When substituting for a CSA on the bus, ensure all children have evacuated the bus, and checks for personal items left on the bus.
Assists in establishing and implementing an appropriate active learning environment.
Coordinates with the assigned Teacher to ensure daily educational requirements are being accomplished.
Aids in establishing a daily routine consistent with Creative Curriculum.
Assists in the use of Teaching Strategies Gold On-line as assessment tool and entering data into the system three times per program year.
Maintains a positive learning environment, models positive behavior, and engages in positive adult-child interactions.
Observes and assesses children, developing and implementing appropriate lesson plans pursuant to required timelines using the Individual Program Room Self-Assessment Plan for developing strategies to enhance outcomes.
Assists in establishing home and centers communications by encouraging parent participation.
Participates in periodic home visits and in parent teacher conferences.
Practices daily health routines including potty training, hand washing, etc.; and follows emergency procedures if needed.
Records and updates all associated records including the screenings which must be completed within the first 45 days of service.
Acts in capacity of teacher during teacher’s absence.
Assists with fastening children in to harnesses on bus and attaching name tags.
Rides the bus as required and ensures active participation by the children while on the bus.
Attends evening meetings and participates in job related training as required.
Follows the program procedures relating to confidentiality.
Performs overnight travel as required.
Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.