Head Start Substitute Teacher and Support Staff Positions

North East Kingdom Community Action•Lyndonville, VT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

NEKCA is hiring intermittent substitute staff for Head Start and Early Head Start programs, including substitute teachers, teaching assistants, food service providers, and janitors. Substitute teachers help maintain a respectful classroom culture that supports safe, productive learning. Teaching assistants work with center teams to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development, and participate in classroom routines and activities. Food service providers prepare and serve meals and snacks in accordance with USDA/CACFP regulations, Vermont child care licensing regulations, and sanitation requirements. Janitors maintain center facilities in clean, orderly condition and comply with applicable Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards. Substitutes carry out the duties of the position they are covering, following applicable Head Start Performance Standards, program plans, Vermont regulations, NAEYC standards, and NEKCA policies and standards of conduct. They help foster a safe and inviting environment, support classroom management, and assist center staff with identified tasks. The role has no supervisory responsibilities and is considered a mandated reporter. In-person attendance is required during scheduled hours as defined by the supervisor. Work is primarily in a temperature-controlled classroom and may include time outdoors in calm, moderate weather. Noise levels vary from moderate to loud. The work may involve extended sitting and standing, computer and office equipment use, bending, and lifting; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. The position is part-time and intermittent. The listed hiring range is $22.00–$25.00.

Requirements

Must comply with NEKCA policies if hired.
Must authorize and pass NEKCA’s criminal record check process.
Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
Must maintain confidentiality.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Dependable transportation sufficient to meet job requirements is required.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Basic computer skills and record-keeping knowledge, including spreadsheet applications.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems.
Ability to work flexible hours may be needed, depending on the program.
Ability to demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations.
Ability to 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 complete required training and professional development.
For food service assignments, knowledge of food preparation, meal service, sanitation requirements, early childhood development, and nutritional requirements is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with young children or education in Early Childhood is preferred for substitute teaching assistant assignments.
Experience in food service is preferred.

Responsibilities

Understand plans and carry them out when the position being substituted for is absent.
Foster a safe and inviting environment.
Support classroom management.
Support center staff with identified tasks.
Follow applicable Head Start Performance Standards, content area plans, Vermont child care licensing regulations, NAEYC standards, and NEKCA standards of conduct.
Be aware of indicators of child abuse and neglect and comply with Vermont mandated reporter law and the program’s Child Protection Protocol.
For teaching assistant assignments, provide a safe, nurturing environment and participate in classroom routines and activities that support children’s development.
For food service assignments, prepare and serve meals and snacks in accordance with applicable nutrition, licensing, and sanitation requirements.
For janitorial assignments, maintain the center facility in a clean and orderly condition.
Maintain confidentiality and participant safety.
Complete required training and professional development.
Represent NEKCA in public and advocate for its mission.