Head Start Instructor – Substitute

JOB ASSIGNMENT: Watsontown Children''s Center, 1100 Main Street, Watsontown, PA 17777. This substitute assignment with an anticipated start date of August 17th, 2026 until February 12th, 2027. This substitute assignment is paid at the $150 per diem rate (equivalent to $18.75 hour).

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: The Head Start instructor - Substitute reports to the assigned Head Start regional team supervisor and in their absence, to the Head Start Programs Manager.

JOB DEFINITION: This position's main responsibility is for overall functioning of the Head Start class and for assuring that the services of the program are available to each child or family. This position requires substituting as a Head Start Instructor at Watsontown Children's Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and supervise classroom activities, implementing a program which carries out the education plan.
• Supervise center staff and volunteers (e.g. foster grandparents, college and high school students, substitutes).
• Encourage and supervise parent involvement in the Head Start program according to policies and guidelines set forth by the Head Start Policy Council, e.g., schedule Family/Teacher conferences in the classroom or in the home, consult with parents about child''s needs and progress which includes education, health, nutrition and social service components, and assist in recruitment of children (usually by making referrals) and volunteers
• Maintain health and safety standards in the classroom.
• Make required home visits.
• Carry out educational and developmental assessment of children.
• Follow universal precautions when cleaning up bodily fluids.
• Make sure that all necessary records are maintained.
• Attend and make use of appropriate training.
• Participate in center staff meetings and planning meetings.
• Participate in Parent Meetings.
• Arrange transportation (children and parents) when needed for Head Start functions.
• Use computer for program record keeping and communication.
• Provide information concerning future appropriate placement of children.
• Be responsible for the coordination of the center facility including maintenance of center equipment and supplies and transportation arrangements.
• Communicate effectively with children and adults.
• Promote a positive Head Start image in the community.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assume other duties as assigned by the Head Start instructor or their designee.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Must have an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development: or an Associate degree in a related field with at least six courses in early childhood education or child development and experience teaching preschool children. A Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a Bachelor's degree in a related field with at least six courses in early childhood education or child development and experience teaching preschool children is preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, flexibility to accommodate a changing caseload, and a professional attitude are required.
• Must have an interest in and concern for children and their families and some experience dealing with children and/or families.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Attend training seminars and in-service programs identified as important to the operation of the instructional program.
• Continued training in First Aid is required.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have strength and ability to lift young children (approximately 45 lbs.).
• Must have strength and ability to carry teaching materials/bags (approximately 20 lbs.).
• Must tolerate considerable bending, stooping and squatting.
• Must be able to assist children with self-help skills.
• Must be able to negotiate stairs and rough terrain at centers and homes.
• Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
• Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
• Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
• Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
• Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Must be able to travel to various Head Start centers / off-site locations.
• Ability to travel to various work site locations and meetings as needed.
• The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Maintain a current physical on a biennial schedule.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:

• This substitute assignment time period is anticipated to start August 17th, 2026 until February 12th, 2027. Position will work eight (8) hours per day, five (5) days per week, and follows the Head Start school year calendar.
• Regular attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.
• Attendance at evening events/activities as required.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS:

• All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.
• The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.
• The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the director of Human Resources of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.