Head Start Assistant - Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit

This position is located at the Sunbury Children's Center - 600 Arch Street, Sunbury, PA.

JOB LOCATION / ASSIGNMENT:  Head Start Classroom – Extended Year

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:  The Head Start Assistant receives daily instruction from the Head Start Instructor or the Head Start Regional Team Supervisor.   This position is supervised by the Head Start Regional Team Supervisor and in their absence, to the Head Start Programs Manager.

JOB DEFINITION:  The Head Start Assistant’s main job is to assist the Head Start Instructor in carrying out the Head Start program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Participate 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. Under the supervision of the instructor or program supervisor, 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 child’s 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 student and program records.
10. Maintain confidentiality regarding HS/EHS programs, students and parents at all times.
11. Serve as school bus rider for a minimum of one run daily and additional as needed.
12. Arrange transportation (children and parents) when needed for Head Start functions.
13. Attend and make use of appropriate training.
14. Participate in center staff and/or planning meetings as well as participation in Parent meetings.
15. Carry out special programs for individual children.
16. Substitute for absent Head Start Instructor if properly credentialed with the applicable degree to serve in the Head Start Instructor capacity and as requested by the program supervisor or designee.
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 by immediate supervisor or designee.
2. Attends some evening events/activities as appropriate.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

1. Must have a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) Completion of training to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential within two (2) years of employment start date is required.
2. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, flexibility to accommodate a changing caseload, and a professional attitude are required.
3. Ability to accept great cultural diversity, flexibility to accommodate a changing student caseloads.
4. Must have an interest in and concern for children and their families and some experience dealing with children and/or families.
5. Must have ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel, and students/trainees.
6. Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.
7. Maintain confidentiality regarding education programs, students and parents at all times adhering to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements to protect staff and student data.

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) within two years of employment start date.
2. Earn Continuing Education Units (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. Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary).
6. Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
7. Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
8. Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
9. Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
10. 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.
11. Ability to travel to various work site locations and meetings as needed.
12. Must be able to negotiate stairs and rough terrain at centers and homes.

TIME REQUIREMENTS:

1. This is a full time non-exempt position following a 207 days per year, 8 hours per day schedule. This schedule 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" 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.