Allegheny Intermediate Unit·Homestead, Pennsylvania
The Head Start Teacher is responsible for implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum to support the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of children ages 3-5. They must manage the classroom environment, conduct regular assessments, and maintain strong communication with parents and families.
1. Develop and implement a curriculum that supports the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of children. 2. Prepare daily lesson plans that align with Head Start educational guidelines and developmental standards. 3. Use a variety of teaching techniques to address the diverse needs of children, including those with special needs. 4. Foster a positive, inclusive classroom environment that encourages exploration, critical thinking, and peer interaction. 5. Conduct regular assessments and observations to track children's progress and adjust activities as needed.
1. Observe, document, and assess children's development using program-approved assessment tools. 2. Develop individualized educational plans (IEPs) for children with identified special needs in collaboration with support staff and parents. 3. Collaborate with parents and other staff to support the developmental needs of each child.
1. Maintain regular communication with parents/guardians regarding their child's progress, behavior, and needs. 2. Encourage parent participation in classroom activities and educational workshops. 3. Conduct parent-teacher conferences and home visits, as required, to build strong home-school connections.
1. Create and maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming classroom environment that is conducive to learning. 2. Organize classroom materials and maintain an orderly learning environment. 3. Ensure that health, safety, and nutritional requirements are met according to program standards.
1. Work collaboratively with Teacher Assistants, Family Advocates, and other Head Start staff to deliver comprehensive services. 2. Attend professional development sessions, workshops, and training as required. 3. Stay informed about early childhood education best practices, Head Start guidelines, and state licensing requirements.
1. Maintain accurate records, including attendance, health screenings, and developmental assessments. 2. Follow all Head Start regulations and guidelines, including documentation of lesson plans, assessments, and parent interactions. 3. Ensure the classroom is in compliance with all licensing and safety 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).
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.
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
$41,633.10 (non-negotiable)
Benefits: HSEA agreement
Create an on-line application and upload a cover letter, resume, clearances, PDE Teaching Certificate (if applicable) and transcripts at the AIU Career Site [https://einj.fa.us6.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1]
recruitment@aiu3.net [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.
Market context
In Pennsylvania, classroom teacher openings often draw candidates with early-childhood or childcare experience, especially when child development knowledge and classroom routines are part of the role. These positions can be competitive because employers look for strong organization, communication, time management, and current First Aid/CPR certification. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit, then confirm the original posting for any credential or schedule details before applying.