Substitute Teacher

CEN-TEX FAMILY SERVICES INC

41d • Onsite

About The Position

The Substitute Teacher provides temporary classroom coverage to support the continuity of high-quality early childhood education services for children enrolled in Early Head Start and Head Start programs. The Substitute Teacher maintains a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment, follows established lesson plans and routines, and supports children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development in alignment with Head Start Performance Standards. This role involves supporting the developmental needs of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, implementing age-appropriate activities, encouraging learning through play, and observing and responding to individual child interests. Key responsibilities also include maintaining continuous supervision, following health and safety procedures, ensuring a safe environment, and responding to emergencies. The teacher will follow established classroom routines, use positive behavior guidance, support smooth transitions, and assist children in developing self-regulation and social skills. Building respectful relationships with children, supporting an inclusive classroom, interacting professionally with families and staff, and supporting children with disabilities are also crucial. Professionalism includes adhering to Head Start Performance Standards, maintaining confidentiality, accepting direction, and reporting concerns. Effective communication and teamwork with Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and supervisors, along with completing basic classroom documentation, are also expected.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required
• Knowledge of infant/toddler development and responsive caregiving practices
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills
• Ability to communicate in English, both written and verbally
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain)
• Background clearance as required by state and federal regulations
• Valid Texas Drivers License

Nice To Haves

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential preferred (or willingness to obtain, if applicable)
• Previous experience working with infants, toddlers, or preschool-aged children preferred
• Experience in a group care or early childhood education setting strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Support the developmental needs of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children
• Implement age-appropriate activities and experiences based on provided lesson plans
• Encourage learning through play, routines, and daily interactions
• Observe children and respond to individual interests, strengths, and needs
• Engage children at eye level using warm, responsive communication
• Encourage exploration, curiosity, and problem-solving
• Adjust interactions based on children’s developmental stages
• Demonstrate patience and understanding of young children’s behavior
• Maintain continuous supervision of children at all times
• Follow health, safety, and sanitation procedures
• Ensure classroom, playground, and materials are safe and developmentally appropriate
• Respond appropriately to accidents, injuries, or emergencies
• Maintain constant awareness of children’s location and activity
• Anticipate potential safety risks and takes preventive action
• Follow emergency and reporting procedures without delay
• Model safe practices for children
• Follow established classroom routines, schedules, and expectations
• Use positive behavior guidance strategies consistent with program policies
• Support smooth transitions throughout the day
• Assist children in developing self-regulation and social skills
• Respond calmly and consistently to challenging behaviors
• Use redirection and encouragement rather than punishment
• Maintain a structured yet flexible classroom environment
• Reinforce positive behaviors through modeling and praise
• Build respectful, nurturing relationships with children
• Support an inclusive classroom that reflects diverse cultures and abilities
• Interact professionally and respectfully with families and staff
• Support children with disabilities or special needs as directed
• Demonstrate respect for diverse family values, cultures, and languages
• Use inclusive language and practices
• Show empathy and sensitivity to children’s individual experiences
• Collaborate effectively with classroom staff and support services
• Follow Head Start Performance Standards, licensing requirements, and program policies
• Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff information
• Accept direction from supervisors and teaching team members
• Report concerns related to child safety, behavior, or health
• Arrive on time and prepared for assignments
• Demonstrate flexibility when placed in different classrooms or age groups
• Seek clarification when expectations are unclear
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times
• Communicate effectively with Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and supervisors
• Share relevant information about the classroom day as needed
• Complete basic classroom documentation when assigned
• Listen actively and follow instructions
• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally
• Work cooperatively as part of a teaching team
• Maintain a positive, supportive attitude
• Perform other duties as assigned by Center Director
• Perform other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED