Long Term Substitute

Academic Requirements: High School Diploma or GED required. Must complete an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) certification within 6 months of employment based on date of provision of services.

Certifications

• Obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certifications.

Responsibilities

• Attend all required training, including online sessions, workshops, and staff meetings.
• Stay updated on Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act, DFPS Child Care licensing regulations, IDEA, and Part C/Early On.
• Work as a team member with education staff, parents, and Parent Committee members to implement curriculum meeting individual child and program goals.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff per FERPA, HIPAA, and other legal requirements.
• Keep current on developmentally appropriate practices and social-emotional development of infants and toddlers.
• Collaborate with parents to support children’s growth and development, promoting positive attachment.
• Model appropriate communication, guidance techniques, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Pursue professional growth through training, ECE classes, and staying familiar with environmental rating scales and assessment screenings.
• Supervise all classroom and outdoor activities.
• Plan and implement developmentally and linguistically appropriate curriculum (Frog Street Infants & Toddlers) for diverse ages, languages, and cultures.
• Document and provide Part C Service Coordination for children with special needs, communicating efforts with the Director of Family Engagement and Managers.
• Plan learning experiences that strengthen intellectual and physical competencies, supporting school readiness through literacy, phonemic awareness, and numeracy.
• Use enriched language to expand vocabulary and support problem-solving abilities through book exposure and developmentally appropriate activities.
• Implement education lesson plans and individualization based on observation and recording of children’s interests and developmental progress.
• Support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance and discipline.
• Maintain professionalism and continue personal development in early childhood theories and practices.
• Participate in family-style mealtimes to model nutrition and social skills.
• Ensure a purposeful program responsive to children’s needs through observation, screening, assessment, and documentation per Head Start Performance Standards and other regulations.
• Refer families to local service agencies when additional support is needed.
• Document and report suspected child abuse as required by law.
• Develop knowledge of and participate in eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance processes.
• Accurately submit paperwork and progress reports as required.
• Maintain complete record-keeping systems for each child’s developmental progress, behavior, health, and parental concerns.
• Gather and maintain individual, family, and classroom data for documentation, assessment, and program planning.
• Understand, generate, and document In-Kind and other allowable costs for nonfederal share requirements.
• Establish positive relationships with families, focusing on trust and rapport.
• Participate in parent orientation and facilitate monthly Parent Committee meetings, including arranging childcare.
• Schedule and document parent-teacher conferences and home visits.
• Involve parents in educational activities, emphasizing their role as primary caregivers.
• Identify and arrange for parent volunteers in the classroom and other activities.
• Collect monthly In-Kind records from parents and submit reports.
• Promote Early Head Start positively in the community.
• Supervise classroom volunteers, including parents.
• Work closely with community agencies for shared activities, recruitment, and transition.

Requirements

• Ability to work in diverse environments.
• Extensive knowledge and skills in early childhood development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to access email and learn new programs.
• Ability to supervise classroom staff and volunteers.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations on child abuse, neglect, and DFPS Child Care licensing.
• Awareness of local resources and cultural considerations for families.
• Ability to respond to the needs of children and work collaboratively with staff, children, and families.
• Strong planning, organization, and implementation skills for classroom activities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and accurate records reflecting program requirements and child progress.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and positive attitude in early childhood education.
• Patience, tact, and professionalism in communication with children, families, staff, and the public.
• Ability to read and follow Performance Standards, Program Policies, DFPS regulations, and daily emails.
• Knowledge of basic food preparation, serving, and sanitation procedures.
• Knowledge of current car seat safety regulations for transporting children and families in agency vehicles.
• Ability to lift 60 pounds and engage in physical activities such as standing, sitting on the floor, bending, squatting, kneeling, and lifting children.
• Ability to handle exposure to communicable diseases, hazards (e.g., cigarette smoke, pets), and at-risk neighborhoods.
• Ability to work in moderate to loud noise environments.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% (by car, bus, airplane, or train) for conferences, meetings, or duties, including overnight travel.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for events such as home visits, parent-teacher conferences, and community activities.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Pass a health examination, driving history check, and criminal background check.
• Confirm work eligibility status in the U.S.

Preferences

• Two years of related experience in an Early Head Start preschool classroom setting.
• Current or former Head Start employees, students, and parents receive hiring preference if qualified.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.