Head Start Substitute Teacher and Support Staff Positions

North East Kingdom Community Action•Gilman, 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 teaching and routines, support children’s development, prepare and serve meals, or maintain a center’s cleanliness and order. Substitutes are expected to follow applicable NEKCA policies, Head Start standards, Vermont child care licensing regulations, and other relevant professional and safety requirements. The Substitute Teacher helps create and maintain a respectful classroom culture that supports safe, productive learning. Substitute Teaching Assistants work with the Center team to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Substitute Food Service Providers prepare and serve meals and snacks in accordance with USDA/CACFP, licensing, and sanitation requirements. Substitute Janitors maintain the center facility in a clean, orderly condition. All substitutes must understand and carry out plans for the position they are covering, foster a safe and inviting environment, support classroom management, and assist center staff with identified tasks. The role requires in-person attendance during scheduled hours, dependable transportation, confidentiality, completion of required training and professional development, and compliance with background-check requirements. Work is primarily in a temperature-controlled classroom, may include outdoor time in calm, moderate weather, and involves noise levels ranging from moderate to loud. Duties may require extended sitting and standing, computer and office-equipment use, bending, and lifting. Reasonable accommodations may be available.

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.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Transportation sufficient to meet job requirements; dependable transportation is required.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Basic computer and record-keeping skills, including spreadsheet applications.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and database management systems.
Ability to work flexible hours as needed, depending on the program.
Ability to demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Sensitivity to challenges faced by low-income individuals and some knowledge of the community and available resources.
Must complete required trainings and professional development.
Food service providers must know food preparation, meal service, and sanitation requirements, as well as early childhood development and nutritional requirements.
Food service providers must follow meal schedules, serving breakfast, lunch, and/or afternoon snacks at established times, with meals and snacks at least 2½ hours and no more than 3 hours apart.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with young children or education in Early Childhood.
Experience in food service.

Responsibilities

Understand plans and implement them when the position being substituted is absent.
Foster a safe and inviting environment.
Support classroom management.
Support center staff with identified tasks.
For Substitute Teachers, help create and maintain a respectful classroom culture that fosters safe and productive learning.
For Substitute Teaching Assistants, work as part of the Center team to provide a nurturing environment for children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development, and participate in classroom routines and activities.
For Substitute Food Service Providers, prepare and serve meals and snacks according to applicable USDA/CACFP, licensing, and sanitation requirements.
For Substitute Janitors, maintain the center facility in good, clean appearance and order.
Carry out duties in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Content Area Plans, Vermont child care licensing regulations, NAEYC requirements, 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.
Maintain confidentiality and participant safety.
Complete required trainings and professional development.