Head Start Itinerant Teacher: West Region

Allegheny Intermediate Unit•Homestead, PA

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. The West Region includes ten classrooms: Carlynton St. John Head Start & Pre-K Counts, Chartiers Valley, Cornell, Montour Groveton, Moon Pre-K Counts, Northgate Bellevue Head Start and Pre-K Counts, Sto-Rox and Sto-Rox Pleasant Ridge.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field OR 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.
Prior experience teaching in an early childhood setting, preferably within a Head Start or similar program.
Experience working with diverse families and communities.
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.
Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151 and NSOR Clearances required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).
School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.
CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
Reliable transportation and the ability to travel throughout the designated region.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.