On-Call Substitute Teacher

Neighborhood House•Portland, OR

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Neighborhood House is a non-profit agency with 120 years of anti-poverty work, providing social services to children, families, seniors, and those experiencing food and housing insecurity. Their Head Start program focuses on participant learning and growth in a cooperative environment, emphasizing parents as primary teachers and connecting families to community resources. The program aims to provide school readiness skills to eligible children, including those with special needs and disabilities, to strengthen children and families for life. The On-Call Substitute Teacher supports the mission of Neighborhood House’s Early Childhood and Head Start programs by providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate care and education for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. This flexible role fills in for classroom staff at any of Neighborhood House’s four licensed sites across West Portland Multnomah County. Substitutes may be called on short notice to ensure continuity of care and compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) Child Care Licensing Regulations. While hours are not guaranteed, substitutes must be available at least two days per week for up to 8 hours per day when called in. This is a non-benefited position.

Requirements

At minimum, candidates must hold a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), Preschool or Infant/Toddler or an Early Childhood Education Certificate, or Equivalent qualifications placing candidates at Step 7 or higher on the Oregon Registry (ORO). Applicants must provide transcripts, diplomas, or Oregon Registry Step Certificates to validate educational attainment.
Minimum of one year of teaching experience in a Certified Childcare Center or similar group care program catering to children aged 0-5.
Access to reliable transportation to ensure the ability to report to multiple locations across North and Southwest Multnomah County.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for effective interaction with colleagues, families, and children.
Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries with families to ensure a positive and respectful working relationship.
Intermediate proficiency in computer skills, including familiarity with applications such as databases, spreadsheets, word processing, email, and internet usage.
Successful completion of applicable background checks and registration with the Oregon Central Background Registry prior to commencing employment.
Completion of appropriate Fit for Duty and TB Testing in accordance with Head Start regulations before the date of hire to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
Successful registration with the Oregon Central Background Registry is mandatory prior to commencing employment.
Minimum attainment of Step 7 in the Oregon Registry Online Database (ORO) is required to demonstrate competency and qualifications for the role.
Possession of valid First Aid and CPR certification is mandatory. If not already certified, candidates must obtain certification within 90 days from the date of hire to ensure readiness to respond to emergency situations effectively.
Acquisition of a Food Handler's card is required within 30 days from the date of hire, demonstrating compliance with food safety regulations and protocols.
Knowledge of Early Childhood Development: Understanding of developmental milestones and best practices in supporting children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in a classroom setting.
Adaptability and Commitment: Demonstrated ability to work flexibly across multiple classrooms and program sites within West Multnomah County, maintaining consistent availability of at least two (2) days per week.
Collaboration and Professionalism: Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage respectfully and effectively with children, families, and staff; commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding all agency and regulatory standards.
Equity and Inclusion: Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations and to model equitable, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices.
Vigilance and Responsiveness: Capacity to actively monitor classroom and outdoor environments, respond promptly to children’s needs, and maintain the safety and well-being of all participants.
Physical Agility and Endurance: Ability to perform frequent physical activity, including standing, walking, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, stooping, and sitting on the floor or in child-sized furniture throughout the day; must be able to lift or carry up to 50 pounds as needed.
Emergency Preparedness: Readiness to respond calmly and effectively in emergency or crisis situations, including administering CPR and First Aid to preschool-age children and participating in building evacuation procedures.
Reliability and Accountability: Ability to follow established classroom routines, accept direction from assigned staff, and complete assigned tasks with consistency and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Support and maintain a positive, inclusive, and safe classroom environment that aligns with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) strategies and Head Start Performance Standards.
Follow established lesson plans, routines, and transitions created by the classroom teaching team.
Engage actively with children through play, conversation, and intentional learning experiences that foster curiosity, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth.
Ensure the safety and well-being of all children by maintaining active supervision and adhering to all agency health and safety procedures.
Assist with daily routines including mealtime support, cleanup, rest time, diapering, and toileting following Oregon licensing standards and Head Start health policies.
Support documentation of attendance, meal counts, and other daily classroom records as directed by assigned classroom staff or Site Supervisor.
Maintain classroom materials and support a clean, organized, and welcoming learning environment.
Support curriculum implementation consistent with Creative Curriculum and Head Start Performance Standards under direction from regular classroom staff.
Foster meaningful interactions with children that promote language development, emotional regulation, and early learning outcomes.
Follow direction from assigned classroom staff and Site Supervisor to ensure consistency in program quality and classroom management.
Maintain positive and respectful communication with staff, children, and families.
Maintain required continuing education hours (15 hours per licensing year) with options to attend free in-house training days to meet these requirements.
Maintain confidentiality of all children, family, and staff information in accordance with agency policy and federal law (FERPA and HIPAA, as applicable).
Model Neighborhood House’s mission and values through equitable and culturally responsive practice.