Position Type :
Head Start - Juniata County
Date Posted : 2 / 21 / 2025
Location :
Juniata County Head Start - Main Tuscarora Intermediate Unit invites applicants for a part-time Education and Health Assistant at our Head Start location in Mifflintown, PA.
This position is responsible for supporting education, safety and health services as related to direct service delivery within classrooms and in the home-base program. This position will serve as a mentor and resource for Teachers and Home Visitors. Additionally, to assist with completion of developmental, hearing and vision screenings. Ensure and assist with state requirements regarding child input and attendance.
Fundamental Duties / Essential Functions
Duties of the positions are described in major functional areas listed below. Additional duties may be assigned. Education Services
- Works in conjunction with Senior Manager for Early Education Services to assure adequate classroom supplies and equipment are available to staff. Assist with ordering necessary supplies.
- Knowledgeable of Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Head Start Act, HS Early Learning Outcomes Framework and the PA Early Learning Standards.
- Observes classroom operations and utilizes systems of communication and follow-up to improve the quality of services.
- In collaboration with the Early Childhood Specialist, will provide guidance and technical support to all education staff.
- Assist the Early Childhood Specialist in utilizing child data for establishing individual goals based on the knowledge of child development.
- Assist the Early Childhood Specialist in utilizing ECERS and CLASS results and supports classroom staff in implementing necessary recommendations.
- Observes individual children as requested by supervisor and provides suggestions for behavior management and educational programming to Early Childhood Specialist and team.
- Assists in implementing intervention strategies within the classroom with the intent for teachers and other classroom staff to be able to carry out strategies independently.
- Works in conjunction with the Early Childhood Specialist, and other management and class team staff in the assessment process and follow up to assure that individualized children with disabilities are met.
- Serve in the role as a teacher or assistant teacher as based on the staffing needs of the program.
- Assist the Early Childhood Specialist with the implementation and record keeping for HSSAP, Keystone Stars and the Early Learning Network (Pelican).
- Assist with supporting Teachers and Home Visitors on the use of the screening tools and assessment systems.
- Assist in completing necessary child developmental screenings before the 45day deadline for all programs.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Health Services
Ensures that all centers and Home-Visitors have adequate supplies for first-aid kits.Assist the education staff in properly implementing health and safety practices within the classrooms.Monitors compliance for health and safety checks for all sites. Seek help from Senior Manager for Early Education Services to address any unresolved health and safety issues.Assist and support education staff in understanding emergency evacuation plans and fire drills. Monthly, monitor fire drills and evacuations.Ensure the Health Education Curriculum is incorporated into the curriculum and parent / child activities. Responsible for demonstrating appropriate health practices within classrooms and for socialization days.Monitor classroom environments and outdoor play areas for any safety hazards.Attends any training, workshops and meetings deemed necessary by the supervisor.Assist with required vision and hearing screenings for all programs.Understands, generates and documents in-kind and other allowable costs applied toward the non-federal share requirement.Maintains inventory and participation requirements for the Car Seat Loaner program.Perform other duties as assigned.Training
Participate in all training and professional development activities as required under the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Head Start Act, OCDEL, and as planned for by the program.Knowledge and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of health and safety practices. Must have knowledge of developmentally appropriate early childhood and education practices in pre-school programs.Knowledge of the recent early brain development research is important.Thorough knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Head Start Act, and best practice related to early childhood education.Knowledge of state and local regulations.Knowledge of local resources, customs and language helpful.Ability to know and implement the Head Start Program Performance Standards and requirements, policies and practices of Head Start.Obtains and maintains CLASS certification.Obtains and maintains Car Seat Safety Technician certification.Ability to exercise professional judgment in evaluating before making decisions.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, children, parents, outside agencies and the public.Ability to keep all information strictly confidential.Ability to use computer for data entry functions.Reliable transportation to get to and from homes, agencies, offices and other locations.Possess valid driver's license and have minimum automobile coverage required by state of PA.To drive agency vehicles, must be insurable by the TIU Insurance carrier.Language Skills
Ability to communicate ideas and instructions orally and in writing.Ability to speak, read and write English well enough to understand and be understood by others.Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general health journals and technical procedures.Ability to write reports and business correspondence.Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general social services journals and technical procedures.Bilingual skills helpful (English / Spanish).Mathematical Skills
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts or percentages.Ability to produce and interpret graphs, charts, spreadsheets and other mathematical reports.Reasoning Skills
Ability to define problems collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions.Ability to maintain strict confidentiality at all times, including the ability to recognize situations in which confidentiality is required.Other Skills and Abilities
Basic computer skills.Ability to exhibit patience and tact when communicating with children, families, staff, management, referral sources and the public.Ability to project professionalism in conducting daily activities.Education and Experience
Minimum requirement is a CDA credential. An AA or higher in Early Childhood Education or other AA degree or higher with 6 courses in early childhood education plus six months experience working with preschool children is preferred.Bilingual (English / Spanish) preferred.Must be willing and able to obtain Basic First Aid and CPR Certification and maintain certification.The program will verify references and complete a sex offender registry check. An initial health exam with acceptable tuberculosis screening results, a clear criminal records, FBI, and Child Abuse clearances check. These are required post job offer and prior to employment.Current and former Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Occasional need to provide gentle physical restraint to childrenSome exposure to communicable diseases.May be required to lift up to 45 pounds.Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits, parent teacher conference, and Parent meetings.Standards of Conduct
By signing this job description, I agree to abide by the following Standards of Conduct as outlined in Head Start Program Performance Standards 1302.90 (c) :
I agree to not use corporal punishment.I agree to not use isolation to discipline a child.I agree to not bind or tie a child to restrict movement or tape a child's mouth.I agree to not use or withhold food as a punishment or reward.I agree to not use toilet learning / training methods that punish, demean, or humiliate a childI agree to not use any form of emotional abuse, including public or private humiliation, rejecting, terrorizing, extended ignoring, or corrupting a child.I agree to not physically abuse a child.I agree to not use any form of verbal abuse, including profane, sarcastic language, threats, or derogatory remarks about the child or child's family.I agree to not use physical activity or outdoor time as a punishment or reward.I agree to respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on any basis, including gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or family composition.I agree to follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families, and other staff members.I agree to never leave a child alone or unsupervised while under my care.Learn More
