Note:  Position will begin with the 2019-2020 school year.

 

JOB LOCATION:  Head Start Program - Shamokin, PA (Shamokin 1 Center)

 

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:  The assistant instructor reports daily to the Instructor and in his/her absence to the Head Start regional team supervisor.  This position is supervised by the Head Start regional team supervisor

 

JOB DEFINITION:  The assistant instructor's main job is to assist the Instructor in carrying out the Head Start program.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Take part in all classroom activities, including planning and preparation of daily activities.
2. Assist with parent involvement in the Head Start program.
3. Help with assessment and planning for each child.
4. Carry out special programs for individual children.
5. Prepare breakfast or snack.
6. With instructor supervision, consult with parents about child's needs and progress which includes education, health, nutrition and social service components at Parent/Teacher conferences on the phone or in the home.
7. Help facilitate volunteer involvement in the classroom (e.g. foster grandparents, college & high school students).
8. Follow universal precautions when cleaning up bodily fluids.
9. Keep necessary records.
10. Serve as bus rider for one run daily and as needed.
11. Arrange transportation (children and parents) when needed for Head Start functions.
12. Attend and make use of appropriate training.
13. Participate in center staff and/or planning meetings.
14. Participate in Parent Meetings.
15. Substitute for absent Instructor.
16. Assist in recruitment of children (usually by making referrals) and volunteers.
17. Communicate effectively with children and adults.
18. Use computer for program record keeping and communication.
19. Promote a positive Head Start image in the community.
20. Maintain a current physical on a biennial schedule.

 

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs other related duties as assigned. Attends some evening events/activities as appropriate.

 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

1. Must have a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) and be willing to participate in training to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential within two years of employment.
2. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, flexibility to accommodate a changing caseload, and a professional attitude are required.
3. Must have an interest in and concern for children and their families and some experience dealing with children and/or families.

 

 ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

1. Obtain and maintain valid Child Development Associate certificate (CDA).
2. Earn CEUs for continued CDA certification for full time staff.
3. Attend training seminars and in-service programs identified as important to the operation of the instructional program.
4. Continued training in First Aid is required.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must have strength and ability to lift young children (approximately 45 lbs.).
2. Must have strength and ability to carry teaching materials/bags (approximately 20 lbs.).
3. Must tolerate considerable bending, stooping and squatting.
4. Must be able to assist children with self-help skills.
5. Must be able to negotiate stairs and rough terrain at centers and homes.

 

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:

1. This is a full time non-exempt position working 196 days per year (7.5 hours per day) position, which, could include evening hours up to five days per week.
2. Regular attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.

 

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS:

1. All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.
2. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.
3. The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too".

 

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.  It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the director of Human Resources of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.