Substitute Teacher

About the role

Under the direction of the Center Manager, the Substitute plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations of the early childhood center. This position helps create a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children can thrive socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. The role includes classroom support, kitchen and janitorial duties (as applicable), and collaboration with staff and families to ensure a high-quality learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Lead or Assistant Teacher when a regular classroom teacher is absent.
• Familiarize yourself with the day’s planned activities.
• Assist in implementing culturally sensitive educational activities that are developmentally appropriate for each child’s age and language in an individual or small group setting.
• Provide a warm, nurturing, loving, and positive environment, using positive guidance techniques and upholding the ECS Discipline Policy.
• Develop nurturing relationships with each child to encourage social and emotional development.
• Maintain all federal, state, local, and accreditation standards (including those set forth by DECAL, ECS, and Head Start).
• Follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling, and storing of medications.
• Ensure safe practices are followed to prevent injuries to children or self.
• Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in the maintenance of the center.
• Provide and encourage effective communication and relationships with families so parents feel comfortable discussing their children.
• Encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program.
• Eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation.
• Communicate regularly with other staff to better serve children and families, including attending staff meetings, trainings, and sharing information.
• Maintain a cooperative, positive, and supportive attitude within the program.
• Follow directions and assignments as given.
• Maintain appropriate record keeping when covering for extended staff absences.
• Assist in kitchen and/or cleaning duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Skills

• Demonstrate competency to provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions.
• Plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment.
• Promote children’s progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners.
• Provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
• Exercise control and maintain appropriate classroom discipline.
• Implement the approved curriculum.
• Exercise good judgment and emotional maturity.
• Build and establish collaborative relationships.
• Work effectively with diverse staff and families.
• Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
• Maintain confidential information.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Plan and organize work as well as maintain records.
• Willingness to learn and continue personal education.

Certifications

• Complete TB screening and physical before having direct contact with children (renew every 2 years).
• Current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
• At least 10 hours of state-approved training completed within the first 90 days of employment.
• 25 hours of annual training (January–December) in topics related to child development, health and safety, curriculum, and program operations (must be Georgia state-approved and documented).

Environmental Conditions

• Indoor classroom and outdoor playground settings.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Tolerance for noise and high activity levels.

Essential Physical Skills

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds as needed to assist children or move classroom materials.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, and sitting on the floor to engage with children at their level.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors.
• Capacity to respond quickly and physically in emergency situations.
• Regular visual and auditory monitoring of children to ensure safety and engagement.
• Tolerance for high noise levels and a fast-paced, physically active environment.

Pay

$14.50 - $17.25 per hour

Part-time