Job Overview The position of Substitute Teacher at All Aboard Child Development Center involves supporting classroom activities, providing quality care, and maintaining a safe and engaging learning environment for children. Substitute Teachers work with children from infants to preschool-aged and step into a variety of roles as needed to ensure the smooth functioning of the center. With appropriate care and guidance, Substitute Teachers help foster the social, emotional, and intellectual development of all children.
Essential Duties and Functions
For all duties and functions, reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
Create a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment for all children in your care.
Feed children meals and snacks from an approved, parent-provided menu, ensuring individual dietary needs are met.
Change children’s diapers every two hours or more frequently as needed, and assist potty-trained children with restroom use.
Use the Brightwheel app to record meals, diapering/toileting, and naps, and to share at least one photo of each child daily for parent updates.
Comfort and support children in moments of emotional distress, helping them navigate self-regulation (e.g., sadness, anger, frustration).
Report injuries or accidents immediately to the Center Director and administer care as appropriate.
Assist children in settling for naps, using techniques such as rubbing backs or rocking as needed.
Provide individualized care, especially for infants, based on parent-provided schedules for feeding and sleeping.
Education and Behavior Support:
Follow the lesson plans provided by Lead Teachers to engage children in age-appropriate activities in art, sensory play, science, math, and literacy.
Maintain a learning-through-play environment by facilitating engaging activities throughout the day.
Ensure sensory play options (e.g., water, rice, or other materials) are always available for children to explore.
Use positive, developmentally appropriate behavior management techniques to guide children.
Collaborate with classroom staff to maintain a consistent approach to discipline and learning.
Refrain from using negative discipline, yelling, or any form of corporal punishment. Adherence to this zero-tolerance policy is mandatory.
Assist with decorating and organizing the classroom to reflect current themes and activities.
Communication and Collaboration:
Work closely with Lead Teachers, Teacher Assistants, and other classroom staff to maintain continuity and a collaborative environment.
Communicate professionally with parents during drop-off, pick-up, or through the Brightwheel app.
Share any concerns about children’s well-being, development, or behavior with the Center Director.
Training and Compliance:
Follow all procedures for regulated activities, such as diapering, sunscreen application, and safety protocols.
Maintain compliance with state licensing regulations and center policies.
Complete required training hours and seek additional opportunities for professional growth.
Ensure proper teacher-to-child ratios at all times, never leaving the classroom unattended.
Refrain from using personal devices while in the classroom.
Requirements
Essential Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED required; CDA or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
Minimum of 6 months of experience working with children aged 6 weeks to 5 years in an educational or childcare setting.
Must pass required background checks.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Additional Competencies:
Ability to adapt quickly to different classroom environments and teaching styles.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Must be detail-oriented and capable of working in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
Flexibility and a positive attitude in adapting to changing needs.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift and carry children up to 40 pounds.
Frequent bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, and active participation in activities with children.
Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
This job description provides an overview of the tasks and responsibilities expected of a Substitute Teacher. It is not an exhaustive list. Management reserves the right to modify the duties or requirements of this position as needed.