Pre-K Counts Assistant Instructor

JOB LOCATION: This is a new position for the CSIU Pre-K Counts program at Berwick Area School District (Nescopeck Elementary School.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: The position of Pre-K Counts Assistant Instructor reports to the Pre-K Counts Program Supervisor; and in their absence to the Director of Early Childhood Education.

JOB DEFINITION: The Pre-K Counts Assistant Instructor is an integral part of classroom life and is expected to participate in all activities including some level of instruction, planning and assessment of children.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in all classroom activities, including planning and preparation of daily activities.

• Follow the Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood (Pre-Kindergarten).

• Help with assessment and planning for each child.

• Carry out special programs for individual children.

• Help with breakfast, lunch or snack.

• Consult with parents about child's needs and progress.

• Maintain updated records and complete paperwork, including progress monitoring, in order to successfully operate the program.

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Attend and make use of appropriate training.

• Communicate effectively with children and adults. Keep the classroom teacher informed of any problems and/or needs of each family and child. Utilize support staff for teaching and programmatic concerns / needs.

• Demonstrates ability to utilize technology including using a computer for program record keeping and communication.

• Assist the Pre-K Counts Teacher with lesson plan development and acquiring classroom resources.

• Help with planning parent-child orientation and parent-teacher conferences.

• Perform Safe Crisis Management in the event students pose harm to themselves or others.

• Displays competence and good judgment in dealing with any physical and/or medical emergency which might arise.

• Attend and be punctual for staff meetings; notifying the classroom teacher and program supervisor if unable to attend.

• Adheres to Federal, State, IU, District and other applicable procedures, policies, and regulations.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs other related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or designee.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• A high school diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED) is required.

• The attainment of the Special Education Competency Assessment checklist (as approved by the immediate supervisor) within the first 90 working days of initial employment start date is required to remain in this position.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to accept great cultural diversity, flexibility to accommodate a changing caseload.

• Ability to cope with stressful situations and a professional attitude are required.

• Must have ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel, and students/trainees.

• Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.

• Must be flexible in adapting to student needs and various teaching styles.

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:

• Attainment of 24 PQAS (Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System) hours of staff development annually.

• Attend training seminars and in-service programs identified as important to the operation of the instructional program.

• Training in First Aid, CPR and Safe Crisis Management are required and subject to recertification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) and able to lift approximately 50 lbs. and to position students.

• Must tolerate considerable bending, stooping and squatting. And able to assist children with self-help skills.

• In accordance with PA Chapter 14.133, staff will participate in training regarding behavior prevention, de-escalation, and/or safe physical management techniques.

• Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).

• Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.

• Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.

• Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.

• Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

• Must be able to assist children with self-help skills.

• Ability to travel to various work site locations and meetings as needed.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:

• This is a full time non-exempt position working a 185 days per year; 7.5 hours per day schedule which, at times, could include several evening hours; five days per week.

• 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:

• 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.

• 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.

• The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

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.