Substitute

HORIZONS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN INC•Boston, MA

2d•$19 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Horizons for Homeless Children is a Boston-based non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of young children experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. We help their families succeed by providing high-quality early education, opportunities for play, and comprehensive family support services. Our advocacy efforts extend our impact and advance our vision of ending homelessness among families with young children. Substitutes are a crucial part of our teaching staff; this role is an as-needed, part-time, non-exempt position with oversight by the Assistant Director and reporting to the Operations Manager. Substitute Teachers are assigned to various classrooms (Infants-Preschool) as needed, and the assignment may change according to the Center’s need. Substitute Teachers with Horizons are an integral part of our shared mission of helping children and their families and regularly: Collaborate with a talented, dedicated team of Early Childhood Professionals Teach with high teacher-to-student ratios in each classroom, ensuring that our children get the individualized attention they need. Develop their professional career through mentorship from Education Managers and teamwork with peers, in addition to participating in ongoing trainings in current topics in the field. Nurture and inspire children who need it most.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age
teacher qualified by Massachusetts Early Education and Care (EEC) is preferred but not required
Certified in First Aid/CPR for children and infants and willing to maintain certification through professional development
Cooperates successfully as a member of a team.
Communicates effectively with others, including giving and receiving feedback on the quality of services.
Meet any specific content area requirements.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Demonstrated capability to interface and maintain effective relationships with staff, consultants, and regulatory/funding representatives in a team-oriented environment.
Capacity to assume responsibility for own professional development.
Flexible, with the ability to work in a highly demanding, stressful environment.
Must be flexible and willing to work between the hours of 7:30 am and 5:30 pm
Able to lift 50 lbs.
Able to work effectively with adults and children with a demeanor that is appropriate sensitive and enthusiastic, showing a commitment to working with homeless families.
Commitment to Horizons mission and ability to embody our core values (Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative, and Passionate).

Nice To Haves

Priority will be given to individuals who have had previous experience working with homeless children and their families, especially in a NAEYC-accredited Early Childhood Education setting.
Looking to grow a career in Early Education with Horizons using the resources and coaching available.

Responsibilities

Interact with Children: Assist the Education Leader and Supervising Teacher by instructing and supervising children in classroom activities.
Work with individual children or small groups of children to reinforce new skills initially introduced by the Supervising Teacher.
Assist the Education Leader and Supervising Teacher in devising and implementing special strategies for reinforcing skills based on the individual needs and abilities of each child.
Assist with critical daily activities such as classroom transition times, mealtimes, toileting, and/or diapering.
Utilize appropriate language, interactions, and positive discipline.
Model positive behavior.
Support age-appropriate activities that meet the Head Start standards, the NAEYC standards, and Creative Curriculum.
Assist with field trips or day trips such as neighborhood walks under the supervision of the Education Leader and/or Supervising Teacher.
Continuously monitor children to ensure safety at all times.
Curriculum Preparation: Assist Education Leader and/or Supervising Teacher to prepare activities that support lesson plans.
Documentation: Assist in designing and completing documentation panels for the classrooms and hallways.
Complete all necessary paperwork for classroom activities including meal count sheets, attendance, tracking sheets, and daily notes.
Observe and document children’s behavior.
Classroom Maintenance: Assist the teacher in the classroom with maintaining a clean and organized learning environment.
Maintain a quality room arrangement in compliance with curriculum standards.
Assist with routinely checking classroom equipment and materials to ensure they are in good repair.