Head Start Teacher Assistant​/Paraeducator

Para educator Position

The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) is seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to make an impact on the 70,000+ students and their families in Berks County. The para educator assists the teacher in supervising students, in helping plan and implement a curriculum, and in creating an environment which responds to the needs of the students in the classroom. When applicable, assist IEP teams in implementing IEP goals and objectives.

Job Responsibilities:

• Help students develop self-help/adaptive skills by actively participating in all phases of mealtime activities, toileting, and dressing activities.
• Monitor activities to ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times.
• Assist in supervising students independently and assist with difficult students under the supervision of the teacher.
• Assist students to participate in daily activities to gain independent skills which are aligned with the Pennsylvania Learning Standards.
• Assist in evaluating individual students and in data collection/recordkeeping.
• Under the direction of the teacher and/or team, work with individual students to address needs identified in an IEP, and participate in activities designed by the teacher/therapist under his/her direction to implement, and collect data on IEP objectives, when applicable.
• Attend meetings and professional development opportunities, and maintain records of such attendance, as required by program and/or supervisor.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or general educational development certification (GED), Associate degree in ECE or current CDA preferred
• One year experience working with preschool aged children, preferred
• Must be willing to obtain CDA within 18 months of employment and maintain current CDA
• Parents of Head Start children are given the first priority, and other priority given to applicants with low income, as determined by federally established poverty guidelines

Locations:

• BCIU Learning Center at BCTC-West - Blue Marsh
• BCIU Learning Center at Highlands
• BCIU Learning Center at Holy Cross
• BCIU Learning Center at Nativity
• BCIU Learning Center e's

Schedule:

Full-time, 7.5 hours/day, 209 days/year

Salary: $17.26 - HS Diploma/GED (need to obtain CDA within 18 months of employment) $17.91 - HS Diploma/GED plus CDA $19.30 - Associate degree $20.70 - Bachelors degree

Benefits Included:
Health, vision, and dental insurance Long term disability Life insurance Eligible for PSERS, PA Public School Employees Retirement System Employee Assistance Program to include three free counseling sessions