Substitute Teacher

About the position

The Substitute for a Head Start Classroom is responsible for the daily operation of a Head Start or Early Head Start classroom and the implementation and coordination of all Head Start functions. This role involves assisting in the education and daily program of a Head Start or Early Head Start classroom, ensuring that all children receive individual attention, and maintaining a safe environment. The substitute will also assist with lesson plans, child assessments, and various school functions, including field trips and meal services.

Responsibilities

• Assist in providing educational experiences that instill a good self-image and sense of self-worth in each child.
• Develop language arts and skills for all children, incorporating multi-culture and folklore into the program.
• Ensure all children receive individual attention.
• Be in the classroom before children arrive each morning, unless designated by supervisor to another duty.
• Ensure safety in all areas including classroom, playground, restrooms, and equipment.
• Make the best use of volunteer help.
• Assist with child assessments and screenings.
• Assist on field trips and other school functions.
• Assist with home-style meal service for the children.
• Report illness or accidents to the Center Coordinator and/or Center Coordinator/Family Specialist.
• Report student absences of three days or more to Center Coordinator and/or Center Coordinator/Family Specialist.
• Attend workshops, conferences, and all in-service trainings.
• Maintain mandated training hours and documentation as required.
• Assist in keeping classroom and other areas clean and neat at all times.
• Show competency, good judgment, and self-control in working with Head Start or Early Head Start children.
• Acquire and maintain up-to-date training/certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Assist with daily activities including staff/child ratio, discipline, and safety of all Head Start or Early Head Start children.
• Assist with other duties as assigned by Center Coordinator and/or Center Coordinator/Family Specialist.

Requirements

• Must be able to serve and effectively communicate with children and families with no or limited English proficiency.
• Working knowledge of business English, spelling, punctuation, and arithmetic.
• Computer literate.
• Ability to work effectively without extensive supervision.
• Ability to operate all office machinery.
• Ability to function with diplomacy and tact.
• Handle all student information with utmost confidentiality.
• Report suspected child abuse/neglect to administrator and law enforcement agency.
• Abide by all Innovative Network of Knowledge policies and procedures.
• Abide by DFPS and OHS regulations and standards.
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Nice-to-haves

• Child Development Associate certification (CDA) in early childhood, human services or related field.
• At least two years related experience in the preschool classroom setting.

Benefits

• Annual Influenza vaccination requirement or approved exemption.
• Opportunity to work in a mission-driven organization.