Remote Head Start Early Childhood Educator – Full‑Time Position Empowering Preschool Development in Steel Valley, PA
Why Join the Allegheny Intermediate Unit?
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) is a pioneering public‑education organization dedicated to delivering high‑quality early learning experiences across Western Pennsylvania. With a legacy spanning over six decades, AIU partners with school districts, families, and community agencies to transform the lives of children from birth through grade 12. As a remote Head Start Teacher serving the Steel Valley region, you become a vital catalyst for nurturing the social‑emotional, linguistic, cognitive, and physical growth of preschool‑aged learners—while enjoying the flexibility of a home‑based work environment.
Position Overview
We are seeking a dynamic, compassionate, and fully qualified Head Start Teacher to lead an innovative, virtual classroom that aligns with the Office of Head Start Performance Standards. This role blends curriculum design, individualized instruction, family engagement, and community collaboration—all delivered via a secure online platform. The successful candidate will be responsible for creating an enriching, inclusive learning environment that respects cultural diversity and supports children’s developmental milestones.
Key Responsibilities
As the remote Head Start Teacher, you will:
- Design & deliver curriculum: Implement age‑appropriate, research‑based lessons that address the five developmental domains—social‑emotional, first language & literacy, second language & literacy, cognitive, and physical development.
- Develop Individual Learning Plans (ILPs): Conduct systematic observations, compile assessment data, and collaborate with families to write individualized goals for each child, ensuring alignment with Head Start performance standards.
- Foster family partnership: Lead virtual parent workshops, provide regular progress reports, and serve as a trusted resource for families seeking community services, educational materials, and support in any language.
- Maintain a safe, organized virtual classroom: Curate digital resources, manage learning management systems, and ensure all materials meet accessibility standards and privacy regulations.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams: Coordinate with Education Specialists, Social Workers, and Community Resource Coordinators to address each child’s holistic needs.
- Assess & document progress: Use formative and summative assessment tools, update records in compliance with state and federal reporting requirements, and submit timely documentation to Head Start administration.
- Promote inclusivity & cultural competence: Integrate multicultural perspectives, respect linguistic diversity, and adapt instruction to meet the needs of English language learners.
- Advocate for children’s well‑being: Identify signs of abuse, neglect, or developmental concerns and follow established reporting protocols while connecting families to appropriate support services.
- Professional development: Participate in ongoing training, webinars, and peer‑learning circles to stay current with early childhood best practices and technology tools.
Essential Qualifications
To be considered, candidates must possess the following credentials and experience:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a related field with at least 30 ECE credit hours, OR a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a minimum of 18 ECE credit hours, OR a Bachelor’s degree coupled with an authentic ECE certification.
- Teaching Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of documented experience teaching preschool‑aged children (3‑5 years old) in a Head Start, public pre‑K, or comparable early learning setting.
- Certification & Compliance: Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151, and NSOR clearances (must be dated within one year of hire), plus a completed School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) prior to start date.
- Knowledge Base: Strong grasp of the Office of Head Start Performance Standards, state and federal licensing regulations, and child abuse/neglect reporting statutes.
- Technical Proficiency: Comfortable using video‑conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams), learning management systems, digital assessment tools, and basic troubleshooting.
Preferred (But Not Required) Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related discipline.
- Specialized training in bilingual education or ESL (English as a Second Language) instruction.
- Experience working with families from diverse cultural backgrounds, especially those speaking languages prevalent in the Steel Valley community.
- Certification in Trauma‑Informed Care, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), or similar frameworks.
- Familiarity with assistive technology tools for students with disabilities.
Core Skills & Competencies for Success
- Child‑Centric Pedagogy: Ability to translate developmental theory into engaging, hands‑on learning experiences that honor each child’s unique strengths.
- Effective Communication: Clear, compassionate verbal and written communication with children, families, and multidisciplinary partners; fluency in a second language is a bonus.
- Organizational Excellence: Skillful management of lesson plans, documentation, and digital resources while maintaining tight timelines.
- Problem‑Solving & Adaptability: Quick thinking when technical glitches arise and agility to modify instruction based on real‑time observations.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Demonstrated willingness to share ideas, give constructive feedback, and co‑create solutions with colleagues.
- Commitment to Equity: Deep belief in providing high‑quality education to all children, regardless of socioeconomic status, language, or ability.
Growth & Development Opportunities
AIU invests heavily in its educators. As a remote Head Start Teacher you will have access to:
- Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Quarterly virtual PLCs that foster peer mentorship, curriculum innovation, and reflective practice.
- Continuing Education Stipends: Financial support for graduate courses, certifications, or workshops related to early childhood education.
- Leadership Pathways: Clear avenues to advance into roles such as Lead Teacher, Curriculum Specialist, or Education Specialist within the Head Start program.
- Technology Training: Ongoing instruction on emerging ed‑tech tools, data analytics for early learning, and virtual classroom management techniques.
- Research Participation: Opportunities to contribute to AIU‑sponsored research projects aimed at improving early childhood outcomes.
Work Environment & Culture
Although you will work from home, you are an integral member of a vibrant, people‑first community:
- Supportive Leadership: Direct supervision from an experienced Education Specialist who values teacher autonomy and professional growth.
- Collaborative Spirit: Regular virtual “coffee chats,” team‑building activities, and an inclusive climate that celebrates diversity.
- Work‑Life Balance: A predictable Monday‑through‑Friday schedule (7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) with occasional flexibility for evenings or weekends when program needs arise.
- Accessible Resources: AIU supplies a stipend for home‑office equipment, high‑speed internet support, and subscription to premium educational platforms.
Compensation, Benefits & Perks
AIU offers a competitive total rewards package designed to recognize your expertise and dedication:
- Salary: $34,520 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; employee assistance program; wellness challenges.
- Retirement: State‑matched 403(b) plan with generous employer contributions.
- Paid Time Off: Holiday, vacation, and sick leave accruals aligned with the 200‑day calendar.
- Professional Development: Access to AIU’s extensive training catalog, conference attendance budget, and tuition reimbursement.
- Family‑Friendly Policies: Childcare resource referrals, flexible scheduling, and paid parental leave.
- Technology Perks: Home‑office stipend, software licenses, and technical support to ensure a seamless remote teaching experience.
Application Process
Ready to make a lasting impact on the next generation? Follow these steps:
- Prepare a tailored cover letter that illustrates your passion for early childhood education and highlights relevant remote teaching experience.
- Attach an up‑to‑date resume, official transcripts, and, if applicable, a Pennsylvania (PA) teaching certificate.
- Complete the online application portal, ensuring all required fields—including the Act 114/34/151 and NSOR clearances—are accurately entered.
- Submit your materials by the posted deadline. Early applications receive priority review.
If you have any questions about the role or need assistance with the application, please contact the AIU Human Resources team at [email protected].
Join Us – Shape Futures from Home
The future of early childhood education is evolving, and AIU is at the forefront of this transformation. By blending proven Head Start practices with innovative remote delivery, we empower families, uplift communities, and nurture the whole child. If you are a caring, skilled, and forward‑thinking educator eager to champion growth in a flexible, supportive setting, we invite you to apply today.
Take the next step in your teaching career—apply now and become a catalyst for lifelong learning in the Steel Valley community!
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