What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pre-K Counts Teacher Assistant Duquesne PKC position at Allegheny Intermediate Unit?
Key Responsibilities:
Classroom Support
- 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.
Supervision and Safety
- 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.
Behavior Management
- 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.
Communication and Collaboration
- 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.
Record Keeping and Documentation
- 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.
Professional Development
- 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.
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent; 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.
- 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.
Physical Requirements:
- 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.
Additional Requirements:
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.
Working Conditions:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Sitting for extended period of time
Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling 50 pounds
Ability to kneel, crouch, bend and reach to retrieve and handle teaching materials and supplies
Moving fingers and hands in a repetitive manner
Ability to speak clearly and distinctly when communicating with limited English speaking customers
Hearing clearly
Adequate vision to perform duties
This position requires regular interaction with children, families, and staff in a classroom or office setting. Occasional travel to community meetings and partner sites may be required. Some evening or weekend work may be necessary for family engagement activities and professional development.
The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.
Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position.
Reports To:
Department: Early Childhood Education
Position Schedule: 200 days
Salary: (add grade if applicable)
Benefits: (Benefit Guide Name)
To Apply: Create an on-line application and upload a cover letter, resume, clearances, PDE Teaching Certificate (if applicable) and transcripts at the AIU Career Site.
Please send any questions to: recruitment@aiu3.net
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or limited English proficiency in its educational programs, services, facilities, activities or employment practices as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Section 204 Regulations of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable federal or state statute.