Substitute Teacher

PALADIN INC•Michigan City, IN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides reliable, as-needed classroom coverage for Head Start preschool classrooms serving children ages 3 through 5 at the Michigan City and LaPorte program sites. Supports a safe, nurturing, inclusive learning environment, follows established classroom plans and routines, and works cooperatively with the assigned classroom team. Responsibilities are performed in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, Indiana child care center licensing regulations, Paths to QUALITY Level 3 requirements, agency policies, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements. The substitute reports to the assigned site and follows direction from the Education Manager, assigned Lead Teacher, or designated program leader. Schedules, hours, classroom assignments, and site assignments vary according to program needs. The role requires completing applicable orientation, training, clearances, screenings, and certifications, and maintaining the qualifications required for the position.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Must meet and maintain current Head Start and Indiana child care licensing qualifications applicable to the position.
Basic knowledge of preschool child development and developmentally appropriate practice.
Ability to learn and follow Head Start Program Performance Standards, Indiana child care center licensing regulations, agency policies, and applicable classroom procedures.
Ability to use active supervision and positive, developmentally appropriate guidance with preschool children.
Ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally with children, families, and coworkers.
Ability to work flexibly and dependably with different classroom teams and accept assignments at either Head Start site.
Ability to maintain continuous awareness of children and respond promptly in classrooms, outdoor learning areas, on field trips, and during arrival, departure, and transitions.
Ability to follow established plans and directions, exercise sound judgment, and respond appropriately to emergencies or changing classroom needs.
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, remain calm in stressful situations, maintain attention to detail, and work independently within assigned responsibilities as well as cooperatively with classroom and Head Start teams.
Employment is conditional upon successful drug screening, physical capacities examination, tuberculosis screening, and required criminal history, FBI fingerprinting, sex offender registry, and child abuse and neglect clearances.
Complete required orientation and training on Head Start, Indiana licensing, active supervision, health and safety, emergency preparedness, mandatory reporting, confidentiality, and other requirements applicable to the position.
Obtain and maintain current Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications within the program-required timeframe.
Complete required annual continuing education and professional development in accordance with licensing, Head Start, Paths to QUALITY, and the individualized professional development plan.
Maintain a valid driver's license, liability insurance on any personal vehicle used for Paladin business, and reliable transportation to accept assignments at either site.
Physical capability, strength, mobility, and coordination for frequent standing, walking, kneeling, stooping, bending, reaching, sitting on the floor, and moving quickly when necessary.
Ability to occasionally lift or carry up to 50 pounds, assist a child with mobility or self-care, and move or assist a child during an emergency, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to see and hear sufficiently, with corrective devices as needed, to supervise children actively, observe health and behavior, and respond to environmental and emergency cues.
Ability to work in indoor and outdoor preschool environments and accompany children on assigned field trips or community experiences.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with preschool-age children in a group setting.
Experience with HighScope and Conscious Discipline; assigned program training and demonstrated implementation are required after hire.
Bilingual communication skills.

Responsibilities

Report to the assigned Head Start site and classroom on time and prepared, following direction from the Education Manager, assigned Lead Teacher, or designated program leader.
Provide classroom coverage for staff absences, breaks, vacancies, meetings, training, or other program needs at either the Michigan City or LaPorte site.
Maintain active supervision, required child-staff ratios, and accurate child accountability during classroom activities, outdoor play, transitions, arrival, departure, field trips, and emergencies.
Follow established classroom schedules, lesson plans, and the HighScope daily routine, supporting developmentally appropriate learning through play, exploration, conversation, and positive adult-child interactions.
Use Conscious Discipline and other approved positive-guidance practices; avoid prohibited discipline practices.
Support participation of all children, including children with disabilities and dual language learners, and implement assigned accommodations, health plans, behavior-support strategies, and IEP supports as directed.
Assist children with handwashing, toileting, meals, rest, dressing, transitions, and other age-appropriate self-care while protecting their dignity and privacy.
Maintain a clean, sanitary, safe, welcoming, and organized classroom; inspect materials and equipment for hazards; follow hygiene and infection-control procedures; and report health, safety, or maintenance concerns promptly.
Follow emergency plans and participate in required drills, maintaining awareness of each child and following evacuation, shelter, reunification, and communication procedures.
Follow applicable CACFP and USDA meal-service procedures, including safe food practices, assigned meal counts, documented dietary accommodations, and developmentally appropriate meal experiences.
Observe children's health, development, behavior, and safety; respond within the scope of the position; and promptly report injuries, incidents, concerns, and significant observations to the assigned Lead Teacher or manager.
Fulfill mandated-reporter responsibilities and immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by Indiana law and agency procedure.
Interact warmly and respectfully with families, share routine information as directed, and refer questions or concerns about a child's progress, services, or program decisions to the assigned teacher or manager.
Maintain confidentiality of child, family, and personnel information in verbal, written, and electronic formats.
Assist with classroom preparation, learning materials, cleanup, sanitation, and other tasks needed for safe and effective daily operations.
Complete assigned attendance, incident, meal, timekeeping, and other records accurately and within required timelines.
Attend required orientation, staff meetings, training, and professional-development activities.
Maintain a positive, dependable, and professional approach; cooperate respectfully with children, families, colleagues, managers, and community partners; respond constructively to direction and feedback; and follow agency policies and applicable requirements.
Perform other relevant responsibilities required by the program or assigned by the Education Manager or designee.