Head Start Substitute Teacher

Overview

The Substitute Teacher directly facilitates classroom activities to ensure all children in that classroom are provided a safe and positive learning environment for the purpose of advancing their physical and cognitive growth and development in accordance to the state Minimum Standards for Child Care, the Head Start Performance Standards, the Agency’s school readiness goals, and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements in the absence of the assigned Head Start or Early Head Start Teacher. Upbring is classified as an essential business by the state because the services we provide are critical to the wellbeing of thousands of children and families. Our Upbring staff members are servant-leaders on the pursuit of breaking the cycle of child abuse and empowering others to do the same through example while embodying our core values: We are Warriors. We are Servants. We are Family.

Responsibilities

We Are Warriors | We Set the Standards for Child Education

Work Standards 

• Follow the schedule and curriculum as planned for the assigned classroom as directed
• Ensure all children are always properly supervised and take appropriate safety precautions for the well-being of all children as directed
• Ensure all learning activities are facilitated using supporting materials that address the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of the children as directed
• Adhere to all Agency and Head Start policies, procedures, and protocol as it relates to the health, safety, nutrition, and well-being of the children and the operation of the program
• Maintain classroom management and discipline using developmentally appropriate techniques
• Provide constant supervision of children during indoor and outdoor activities; provide and fosters a safe and secure environment for children indoors and outdoors
• Work closely with the Center Manager to ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff; monitor center environment to ensure the center is safe and free from hazards to the children and staff
• Follow the OHS CLASS Methodology
• Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
• Maintain cleanliness of classroom
• Other duties and special projects as assigned

Communication

• Complete and maintain accurate documentation, files, and records as required by the Agency, the Head Start Performance Standards, and any other federal, state, or local regulatory requirements as directed  

We Are Servants| We Help Others

Adaptability

• Observe and address challenging behaviors to determine possible cause and implement preventive measures, teach a new behavior, and/or communication, or social skill to minimize or eliminate the behavior
• Respond to emergency situations and/or direct to appropriate management team member or program administration for immediate
• Ability to substitute in multiple locations

Teamwork

• Work closely with the Center Manager to ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff; monitor center environment to ensure the center is safe and free from hazards to the children and staff
• Work closely with the Center Director and/or the teaching team to ensure all children are receiving the quality of services needed to meet their individual needs
• Build and maintain cooperative working relationships with management, program staff, inter-disciplinary teams, volunteers, and community members to ensure the needs of the children and program goals and services are being met at the highest quality level

We Are Family | We Are Passionate & Compassionate

Building Relationships

• Work in partnership with the Center Director and/or the teaching team to address problems and/or concerns of children and/or parents/guardians
• Work in partnership with the Center Director and/or teaching team to include families in the educational process and encourage their participation
• Demonstrate cultural awareness in sensitivity in the interactions with children, parents/guardians, staff, and community members
• Work as team player and exhibit professional behavior and a positive attitude with both internal and external clients that reflects positively on the Agency and is consistent with Agency policies and practices and code of ethic
• Work as team player and exhibit professional behavior and a positive attitude with both internal and external clients that reflects positively on the Agency and is consistent with Agency policies and practices and code of ethics
• Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), staff, and the community

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Per Office of Head Start (OHS) and Federal mandate, must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec 8, 2021 or have an approved exemption on file prior to hire date (can be requested during offer process)
• This role is a year-round position and scheduled to work as such. Any request for extend time off is subject to availability of vacation accruals, program needs and People Operations review and approval. Unpaid time off exceeding two (2) weeks will not be permitted and require change in employment status with required advance notice per Upbring policies.
• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Ability to build a positive rapport with children, parents/guardians, and team members
• Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally, interact with all levels of management in a clear and concise manner
• Demonstrated ability to prepare quality well written documents, reports, and correspondence
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to pay close attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and people skills with the ability to work and interact with diverse groups of people
• Ability to work independently and within a team with limited supervision; ability to take initiative
• Reliable transportation and state-mandated minimum insurance coverage(s) on your vehicle

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, or closely related field
• 1 year of teaching experience with a Head Start or school readiness program(s)
• Experience with inclusion of children with disabilities
• Knowledge of infant/toddler health and safety licensing requirements
• Bilingual (fluent Spanish written and conversational), highly preferred (based on service area and service population)
• Basic computer skills with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, and Outlook)

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods
• Position may work in a child facility and have limited exposure to children
• Lift, push, pull or move up to 50 lbs

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.

Agreement

The statements herein indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of the job and may request the employee to perform other duties and responsibilities not listed at his/her discretion. This job description is not a contract between the employee occupying the position and the employer. Upbring is an at-will employer. Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status. If the day-to-day work I perform differs significantly from the above outlined essential duties, it is my obligation to inform my supervisor and/or Organizational Development.