Head Start Substitute Teacher and Support Staff Positions

North East Kingdom Community Action•North Troy, VT

22h•Onsite

About The Position

NEKCA is hiring intermittent, part-time substitutes for Head Start and Early Head Start roles, including substitute teachers, teaching assistants, food service providers, and janitors. Substitutes follow the policies and procedures of the child care centers and applicable Head Start Performance Standards, Vermont child care licensing regulations, quality requirements, sanitation requirements, and professional codes of conduct. They step into duties when the employee being substituted for is absent and support a safe, respectful, and inviting environment for children, families, and staff. Substitute teachers help maintain a classroom culture that supports safe, productive learning. Teaching assistants work with the center team to provide a nurturing environment that supports children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development and help carry out classroom routines and activities. Food service substitutes prepare and serve meals and snacks in accordance with USDA/CACFP and applicable licensing and sanitation requirements. Janitorial substitutes maintain the center facility in clean, orderly condition and comply with applicable Head Start/Early Head Start standards. The role requires in-person attendance 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 may range from moderate to loud. The work may involve extended periods of sitting and standing, computer and office equipment use, bending, and lifting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The hiring range is $22.00–$25.00.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Must authorize and pass NEKCA’s criminal record check process and comply with NEKCA policies if hired.
Transportation sufficient to meet job requirements; dependable transportation is required.
Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep accurate records.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain good relations with participants, staff, and community members.
Knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, 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 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 comply with Vermont Mandated Reporter Law and program child protection requirements.
For food service substitutes: knowledge of food preparation, meal service, and sanitation requirements, and knowledge of early childhood development and nutritional requirements.

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.

Responsibilities

Understand plans and implement them when the position being substituted for is absent.
Foster a safe and inviting environment and support classroom management.
Support center staff with identified tasks.
Follow center policies and procedures, Head Start Performance Standards, applicable Vermont child care licensing regulations, NEKCA standards of conduct, and relevant professional and ethical requirements.
As a teaching assistant, work with the center team to support children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development and participate in classroom routines and activities.
As a food service provider, prepare and serve meals and snacks in compliance with USDA/CACFP, licensing, and sanitation requirements, at established times and family style.
As a janitor, maintain the center facility in clean, orderly condition.
Recognize indicators of child abuse and neglect and comply with Vermont Mandated Reporter Law and the program’s Child Protection Protocol.
Maintain confidentiality and accurate records, complete required training and professional development, and communicate respectfully with participants, colleagues, and service providers.
Attend in person during scheduled hours as defined by the supervisor.
Demonstrate NEKCA’s core values, ethical conduct, participant safety, community engagement, and sensitivity to participants’ needs and circumstances.