Head Start Substitute Teacher and Support Staff Positions

North East Kingdom Community Action•Albany, VT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

NEKCA is hiring intermittent substitute staff for its Early Childhood and Family Services department. Depending on the position being covered, substitutes may assist with classroom learning and routines, provide teaching-assistant support, prepare and serve meals, or maintain the center facility. Work must comply with applicable Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards, Vermont child care licensing regulations, NAEYC standards, NEKCA policies, and relevant food-safety requirements. Substitutes help maintain a safe, respectful, nurturing, and inviting environment for children and support center staff with identified tasks. The position is non-exempt, part-time, and has a stated hiring range of $22.00–$25.00. In-person attendance is required during scheduled hours as defined by the supervisor. The work takes place primarily in a temperature-controlled classroom environment, may include time outdoors in calm, moderate weather, and can involve moderate to loud noise. Duties may involve extended sitting and standing, computer and office-equipment use, bending, and lifting. Dependable transportation is required. The position does not supervise staff and is considered a mandated-reporter role.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Must comply with NEKCA policies if hired.
Must authorize and pass NEKCA’s criminal record check process; the role may also involve verification of education and employment history.
Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and accurate records.
Transportation sufficient to meet job requirements; dependable transportation access is required.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain good relations with participants, coworkers, and community members.
Basic computer and record-keeping skills, including spreadsheet applications; proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems.
Must complete required trainings and professional development.
Must be responsible, self-motivated, and self-initiated; may need to work flexible hours depending on the program.
Ability to demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations and work effectively as part of a team.
Familiarity with and sensitivity to challenges faced by low-income individuals, and some knowledge of the community and available resources.
Must be a mandated reporter and comply with applicable child-protection requirements.
Physical duties may include extended sitting and standing, computer and office-equipment use, bending, and lifting.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with young children or education in early childhood is preferred for substitute teaching assistants.
Experience in food service is preferred for substitute food service providers.
Knowledge of food preparation, meal service, and sanitation requirements for substitute food service providers.
Knowledge of early childhood development and nutritional requirements for substitute food service providers.

Responsibilities

Understand the plans for the position being covered and implement them when that employee is absent.
Help foster a safe and inviting environment.
Support classroom management and center staff with identified tasks.
As a substitute teacher, help create and maintain a respectful classroom culture that supports safe, productive learning and follow center policies, procedures, state regulations, quality requirements, and standards.
As a substitute teaching assistant, work with the center team to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development, and participate in classroom routines and activities.
As a substitute food service provider, prepare and serve meals and snacks in accordance with USDA/CACFP regulations, Vermont child care licensing regulations, and sanitation requirements; serve meals family style at the specified intervals.
As a substitute janitor, maintain the center facility in clean, orderly condition and comply with applicable Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards.
Carry out duties in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Content Area Plans, Vermont child care licensing regulations, NAEYC standards, and NEKCA standards of conduct.
Recognize indicators of child abuse and neglect and comply with Vermont mandated-reporter law and the program’s Child Protection Protocol.
Maintain participant confidentiality and safety, communicate respectfully and professionally, and uphold applicable ethical and professional conduct standards.
Complete required trainings and professional development; demonstrate self-reflection and self-care practices.
Represent NEKCA in public and advocate for its mission, while building and maintaining relationships with the local community.