Substitute Teacher (as needed)

THE POSITION:

Under the direction of the Child Development Program Coordinator, the Substitute Teacher supports the daily operation of the preschool program by providing safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children. The Substitute Teacher works collaboratively with teachers, families, and site staff and may be assigned to different classrooms or sites based on staffing, ratios, absences, and program needs. The Substitute Teacher is expected to adapt to different classroom routines, teaching teams, and children’s needs while maintaining consistent safety, supervision, and program expectations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide active supervision and maintain the safety and well-being of all children.
• Maintain a clean, safe, healthy, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Move between classrooms or sites as assigned to meet required ratios and program needs.
• Provide classroom coverage during staff absences, breaks, meetings, or other staffing needs.
• Follow each classroom’s schedule, routines, curriculum, safety procedures, and supervision practices.
• Communicate with the Site Supervisor and classroom team when beginning or ending an assignment.
• Remain flexible, professional, and consistent when working with different classrooms, staff, children, and families.
• Support developmentally appropriate curriculum and daily learning experiences.
• Prepare or support weekly curriculum plans and daily lesson activities as assigned.
• Maintain an engaging environment that encourages curiosity, independence, exploration, and participation.
• Use appropriate instructional materials, teaching strategies, and age-appropriate practices.
• Assist in completing ongoing child observations and required individualized assessments to maintain accurate child documentation, assessments, reports, and required files within established timelines.
• Build positive, respectful, and professional relationships with children and families.
• Support parent and family participation in classroom activities and program events.
• Coordinate and support parent and volunteer activities as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Site Supervisors, families, and other program staff.
• Follow Head Start Program Performance Standards, Community Care Licensing requirements, and other applicable standards.
• Participate in emergency, earthquake, and safety preparedness drills.
• Attend relevant collaborative meetings, trainings, and county or community agency activities as required.
• Assist with food preparation, food serving, and cleanup as assigned.
• Assist with classroom cleanup, organization, and packing or moving furniture when needed.
• Assist with children’s hygiene needs while maintaining appropriate health and safety practices.
• Complete at least 15 clock hours of professional development each year, consistent with program requirements by participating in in-service trainings and professional learning opportunities.
• Knowledge of Head Start Act, 2007 and Performance Standards