Head Start Teacher Assistant/Paraeducator

Position type: General Head Start/Head Start Teacher Assistant/Paraeducator

Date posted: 9/4/2026

Location: See List Below

Are you looking for a career that would make a difference in the lives of children and families in Berks County? 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. If you have the heart to serve, we encourage you to explore career opportunities with the BCIU!

Summary of position :

The paraeducator 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 (see attached job description for additional details):

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. I. 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

The holder of this position could be required as part of his or her duties to engage in activities that can be charged to a Medical Assistance (MA) or other state or federal healthcare program. Clearance as a provider by both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government is therefore an essential qualification for this position

Locations:

BCIU Learning Center at BCTC-West - Blue Marsh

BCIU Learning Center at Hamburg Center

BCIU Learning Center at Highlands

BCIU Learning Center at Holy Cross

BCIU Learning Center at Immanuel

BCIU Learning Center at Lorane Elementary School

BCIU Learning Center at Nativity

BCIU Learning Center at St. Luke'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

Attachment(s):

ECSS Paraeducator_06242024.pdf

This position was posted by Berks County Intermediate Unit (See List Below). Apply through the official website using the link on this page.