Head Start Itinerant Teacher: East Region

Job Title: Head Start Itinerant Teacher 

A Head Start Itinerant Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for young children (ages 3-5) that promotes social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. The teacher ensures that the curriculum aligns with the Head Start Performance Standards, state regulations, and the program's goals. The position is responsible for daily, short term, and long-term coverage in Head Start classrooms in the designated geographic region.  This is a contracted teacher position with the HSEA, 205 Workdays, August to June.  Reliable transportation  and the ability to travel throughout the designated region are required.  

Duties and Responsibilities:       

Classroom Management and Instruction:

• Develop and implement a curriculum that supports the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of children.
• Prepare daily lesson plans that align with Head Start educational guidelines and developmental standards.
• Use a variety of teaching techniques to address the diverse needs of children, including those with special needs.
• Foster a positive, inclusive classroom environment that encourages exploration, critical thinking, and peer interaction.
• Conduct regular assessments and observations to track children's progress and adjust activities as needed.

Child Development and Assessment:

• Observe, document, and assess children's development using program-approved assessment tools.
• Develop individualized progress plans (IPPs) for children with identified special needs in collaboration with support staff and parents.
• Collaborate with parents and other staff to support the developmental needs of each child.

Parent and Family Engagement:

• Maintain regular communication with parents/guardians regarding their child's progress, behavior, and needs.
• Encourage parent participation in classroom activities and educational workshops.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences and home visits, as required, to build strong home-school connections.

Classroom Environment:

• Create and maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming classroom environment that is conducive to learning.
• Organize classroom materials and maintain an orderly learning environment.
• Ensure that health, safety, and nutritional requirements are met according to program standards.

Collaboration and Professional Development:

• Work collaboratively with Teacher Assistants, Family Advocates, and other Head Start staff to deliver comprehensive services.
• Attend professional development sessions, workshops, and training as required.
• Stay informed about early childhood education best practices, Head Start guidelines, and state licensing requirements.

Compliance and Documentation:

• Maintain accurate records, including attendance, health screenings, and developmental assessments.
• Follow all Head Start regulations and guidelines, including documentation of lesson plans, assessments, and parent interactions.
• Ensure the classroom is in compliance with all licensing and safety requirements.

Qualifications:     

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field 
• Associate’s degree in early childhood education or a related field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education with 3 years experiences in an early childhood setting.

Experience:

• Prior experience teaching in an early childhood setting, preferably within a Head Start or similar program.
• Experience working with diverse families and communities.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong understanding of early childhood development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage a classroom and address the needs of children with varying abilities.
• Proficiency in using assessment tools and classroom technology.

Additional Requirements:   

1. Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151 and NSOR Clearances required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).
2. School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.
3. CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).

Working Conditions:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Teachers must be physically able to engage with children at their level (kneeling, sitting on the floor). 
2. The job involves working in a classroom environment, with active engagement in both indoor and outdoor activities.
3. Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling 50 pounds.
4. Ability to kneel, crouch, bend and reach to retrieve and handle teaching materials and supplies.
5. Moving fingers and hands in a repetitive manner
6. Ability to speak clearly and distinctly when communicating with limited English speaking customers.
7. Hearing clearly
8. Adequate vision to perform duties.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position.

Reports To: Education Specialist

Department: Early Childhood Education

Position Schedule: 205-day

Salary: $41,633.10  ($27.08/hour non-negotiable)

Benefits:  HSEA agreement

To Apply: Create an on-line application and upload a cover letter, resume, clearances, PDE Teaching Certificate (if applicable) and transcripts at the AIU Career Site 

Please send any questions to: recruitment@aiu3.net

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or limited English proficiency in its educational programs, services, facilities, activities or employment practices as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Section 204 Regulations of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable federal or state statute.