Substitute Teacher

Hourly Rate: $17.00 - $22.50/hour

About the Role

The Substitute Teacher will play a crucial role in maintaining the continuity of learning and support for children in the Early Childhood (EC) Division at Children's Aid (CA). This position provides temporary coverage for classroom teachers and assistant teachers, ensuring children continue to reach developmentally appropriate milestones through evidence-based curricula, individualized support, and high-quality learning environments. The Substitute Teacher/Assistant will work collaboratively with the teaching team to meet the needs of children and families, aligning with the mission, vision, and core values of CA.

Responsibilities

• Understand and promote the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures.
• Support the teaching team in implementing strategies that align with educational goals and organizational standards.
• Promote high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom to support children's school readiness.
• Assist in providing responsive care through individualized planning, instruction, and supervision.
• Help design and execute a developmentally appropriate and integrated curriculum that provides opportunities for meaningful exploration.
• Prepare and organize materials and resources needed for daily lessons, activities, and projects.
• Set up and maintain an inviting and conducive learning environment, including the arrangement of learning centers and displays.
• Conduct small group activities under the guidance of the lead teacher and Education Director to reinforce lesson concepts and provide additional support to students as needed.
• Work one-on-one with students who require extra assistance, ensuring personalized attention to meet specific learning needs.
• Collaborate with the teaching team to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and accommodate students with diverse abilities.
• Support the teaching team in maintaining a positive and inclusive classroom environment by reinforcing classroom rules and expectations.
• Address behavioral challenges by employing positive reinforcement strategies and seeking guidance from the lead teacher or school administration.
• Assist in integrating technology tools into the curriculum, helping students with educational software, and managing technology resources within the classroom.
• Assist in maintaining accurate educational records and portfolios on each child, including implementing child observations, screening, and assessments.
• Observe and document students’ development to request additional support from the lead teacher or Education Director.
• Encourage parent involvement and communication through newsletters, bulletin boards, classroom events, and an "open-door" policy.
• Participate in home visits, Parent/Teacher conferences, Open Houses, and/or Family Days as needed.
• Assist in recruiting new families for the program through community outreach and hosting recruitment events.
• Collect, analyze, and report on data related to student progress and classroom activities to inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Utilize data to identify trends, gaps, and areas for improvement in instructional practices and student support.
• Participate in all agency-offered training courses, workshops, In-Service days, and/or All-Staff conferences.
• Maintain certification requirements and proof of attendance in professional activities.
• Support the growth of the center by participating in program-wide goal setting, self-assessment, and reflection coaching experiences.
• Adhere to all state and city licensing requirements, including teacher-child ratios, CPR/first aid, Child Abuse Mandate, and Infectious Control.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children, ensuring that classrooms are clean and well-maintained.
• Abide by privacy laws, including HIPAA.
• Comply with all health and safety guidelines, including maintaining a safe environment for children in accordance with CDC, DOHMH, and ECERS guidance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

Must meet Federal Head Start requirements, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Article 47 regulations, and Universal Pre-K guidelines.

• Substitute I: High school diploma, local diploma, IEP diploma, or GED required.
• Substitute II: Associate degree or equivalent college credits in any field required; Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or enrollment in a CDA program required with completion within two (2) years of hire.
• Substitute III: Bachelor’s degree in any field required; CDA credential or enrollment in a CDA program required with completion within two (2) years of hire.
• Substitute IV: Master’s degree in any field required; CDA credential or enrollment in a CDA program required with completion within two (2) years of hire.
• Experience working with infants, toddlers, and/or preschool-aged children, including children with special needs, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and professionally with children, families, and early childhood education staff.
• Demonstrated commitment to early childhood education, including reflective practice and continuous improvement in instructional support.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Must maintain compliance with applicable privacy laws and organizational confidentiality standards.
• Commitment to Children's Aid’s mission and to supporting safe, developmentally appropriate learning environments for young children.