Preschool Teacher - Substitute

Archdiocese of St. Louis•Washington, MO

18d

About The Position

The Preschool Substitute Teacher cares for, teaches, and supervises preschool-aged children, typically ages 3–5, when the regular classroom teacher is absent. The role helps maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that supports children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. The substitute follows established lesson plans, classroom routines, and school policies to provide consistency in children's daily learning experiences. Flexibility, patience, sound judgment, and commitment to children's well-being and development are required.

Requirements

Childcare or substitute teacher certification, if required by applicable state regulations or school policies.
Successful completion of required diocesan and school background checks, child-safety training, and other employment requirements.
Ability to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and classroom management skills.
Patience, flexibility, dependability, and ability to respond appropriately to changing classroom needs.
Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and other school personnel.
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and following school policies and procedures.
Candidates receiving an offer must complete pre-employment screening, including a criminal background check, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, employment and educational licensure/certification verification, health screening, and any other screenings deemed necessary. Offers are contingent on successful completion of required screening.

Nice To Haves

Current CPR and First Aid certifications.
Previous experience working with preschool-aged children in a classroom, childcare center, or similar setting.
Familiarity with early childhood development, classroom routines, and age-appropriate learning activities.

Responsibilities

Follow the daily schedule, lesson plans, and classroom routines established by the regular teacher or school administration.
Lead age-appropriate activities supporting early literacy, numeracy, creativity, and motor skill development.
Engage children through stories, songs, play, and hands-on learning experiences.
Adapt activities to children's individual needs, interests, and developmental levels.
Maintain a warm, positive, and structured classroom environment.
Guide daily routines, including circle time, snack, rest, transitions, and outdoor play.
Promote positive behavior through encouragement, redirection, and positive reinforcement.
Ensure classroom expectations, school policies, and safety guidelines are consistently followed.
Foster curiosity, cooperation, independence, and a love of learning.
Provide individual attention and support so each child feels included, valued, and successful.
Encourage social-emotional skills, including sharing, communication, cooperation, and self-regulation.
Support children's developmental needs with patience, kindness, and respect.
Maintain the physical and emotional safety of all children under supervision.
Follow health, hygiene, sanitation, and safety procedures, including handwashing, sanitizing, and emergency protocols.
Actively supervise children during activities, transitions, meals, rest periods, and indoor and outdoor play.
Respond appropriately to children's needs and promptly report accidents, injuries, incidents, or concerns to appropriate school personnel.
Follow all child protection policies and procedures.
Communicate professionally with school staff and administrators about classroom activities and significant observations.
Provide the regular teacher with notes about the day's activities, classroom events, and concerns requiring follow-up.
Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and school matters.
Demonstrate professionalism and sound judgment in interactions with children, families, colleagues, and administrators.