Substitute Teacher

Innovative Network of Knowledge•Jasper, AL

About The Position

The Substitute Teacher supports an Early Head Start infant and toddler classroom by providing developmentally and linguistically appropriate learning experiences, supervision, and individualized care. The role works with education staff, parents, Parent Committee members, and community agencies to support children’s development, family engagement, and program requirements. The position includes implementing curriculum and lesson plans, observing and documenting children’s developmental progress, supporting social-emotional development, and coordinating services for children with special needs. It also involves maintaining confidential and accurate records, participating in family and community activities, and completing required training and professional development. The role may involve travel, occasional evening or weekend work, and physically active classroom duties.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Complete an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) certification within six months of employment, based on the date services are provided.
Obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certifications.
Ability to work in diverse environments.
Extensive knowledge and skills in early childhood development.
Computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel, ability to access email, and willingness to learn new programs.
Ability to supervise classrooms, staff, and volunteers.
Knowledge of state and federal child abuse and neglect regulations and DFPS Child Care licensing requirements.
Knowledge of local resources and families’ cultures.
Ability to respond to children’s needs and work well with staff, children, parents, and families.
Ability to plan, organize, and implement classroom activities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and accurate records reflecting program requirements and children’s progress.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and a positive attitude in early childhood education, and to communicate with patience and tact.
Ability to read and follow Performance Standards, program policies and procedures, DFPS child-care licensing regulations, and emails daily.
Knowledge of basic food preparation, serving, and sanitation procedures.
Knowledge of current car seat safety regulations and laws for transporting children and families in approved agency vehicles.
Ability to lift 60 pounds and to stand, sit on the floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, and engage in physical play.
Ability to work in an environment with moderate to loud noise and potential exposure to communicable diseases and hazards including cigarette smoke, pets, and at-risk neighborhoods.
Ability and consent to travel up to 50% by car, bus, airplane, or train, including possible overnight and out-of-state travel.
Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends as required for program events.
Valid driver’s license.
Successful completion of a health examination, work eligibility confirmation, driving history check, and criminal background check.
Authorized to work for any employer in the United States; the employer is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Nice To Haves

Two years of related experience in an Early Head Start preschool classroom setting.
Bilingual Spanish ability.
Current or former Head Start employees, students, and parents receive hiring preference if qualified.

Responsibilities

Attend required training, workshops, online sessions, and staff meetings.
Stay current with Head Start requirements, child-care licensing regulations, IDEA and Part C/Early On, and developmentally appropriate practices.
Collaborate with education staff, parents, and Parent Committee members to implement curriculum responsive to children’s individual goals and program needs.
Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
Promote positive attachment between caregivers, children, and families; model appropriate communication, guidance, and developmentally appropriate practices.
Collaborate with parents to identify opportunities to learn about children’s growth and development.
Supervise classroom and outdoor activities, including classroom volunteers as assigned.
Plan and implement the Frog Street Infants & Toddlers curriculum and other developmentally and linguistically appropriate learning experiences.
Support infants’ and toddlers’ intellectual, physical, literacy, language, numeracy, problem-solving, and social-emotional development, including positive guidance and discipline.
Implement lesson plans and individualization based on observations of children’s interests and developmental progress.
Observe, screen, assess, evaluate, monitor, and document children’s development and health in cooperation with parents and in accordance with applicable requirements.
Document and provide Part C service coordination for children with special needs, and communicate coordination efforts to the Director of Family Engagement and managers.
Refer families to local service agencies when additional services or support are needed.
Document and report suspected child abuse as required by law.
Participate in eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance processes.
Submit required paperwork and progress reports to the supervisor accurately and maintain complete child, family, and classroom records.
Gather and maintain data for documentation, assessment, evaluation, record keeping, and program planning.
Document in-kind and other allowable costs toward nonfederal share requirements, collect monthly parent in-kind records, and submit reports to the supervisor.
Maintain a system to support parent involvement in the classroom and establish trusting, productive relationships with families.
Participate in parent orientation; facilitate and support monthly Parent Committee meetings, including providing child care; and schedule, arrange, and document parent-teacher conferences and home visits.
Involve parents in program activities and support their role as primary caregivers and their knowledge and skills in child development.
Arrange parent volunteer participation in classrooms and other activities, and identify volunteers who can work as substitutes.
Promote Early Head Start in the community and work with community agencies on shared activities, recruitment, and transitions.
Participate in family-style meals with children to model good nutrition and social skills.
Continue professional growth through training, early childhood education classes, and other development activities.
Use knowledge of food preparation, serving, sanitation, and car seat safety when applicable.
Travel as needed for conferences, meetings, and other duties; work occasional evenings or weekends for program events.
Complete a health examination and required work eligibility, driving history, and criminal background checks; maintain a valid driver’s license.