Position Summary: In support of the Agency's mission, the Substitute Teacher will serve in classrooms in a temporary capacity as needed and support existing staff with guidance from assigned staff. This position is responsible for engaging in nurturing relationships with children as well as planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate learning environment with meaningful experiences that prepares children for successful transition to kindergarten. In partnership with parents, the Substitute Teacher promotes family engagement in their child's learning. Responsibilities include compliance with federal and state Head Start Performance Standards, Agency/Head Start Policies and Procedures, and Oregon Child Care Division regulations in certified centers. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: In collaboration with regularly assigned classroom staff, maintain a safe, healthy, orderly, and nurturing classroom environment organized into functional areas. Develop and maintain consistent, positive relationships with children, treating them with dignity and respect. Assist in setting up environment (indoor/outdoor) for the activities of the day. Follow the established schedule of the classroom to provide consistency for the children. Ensure that that no child is left alone or unsupervised. Use developmentally appropriate practices to facilitate activities with groups and individuals. Utilize lesson plans as prepared by the teacher or collaborate with the teaching team in the development of lesson plans if none are available. Follow established primary care-giving routines and appropriate practices with children ages 0-3 years. For long-term assignments, become familiar with individual goals for children as identified in the My Teaching Strategies Family Conference form. Observe and record behaviors of children to assist the teacher in the identification of each child's strengths and areas to grow. Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental involvement in the classroom. Work in partnership with classroom staff to encourage collaborative team interaction that embraces diversity and constructive problem-solving. Ensure the successful inclusion of children with developmental delays, disabilities, and unique learning needs in the regular classroom and work with Early Childhood Special Education staff to identify and provide appropriate services for them. Sanitize classroom and playground equipment as needed. Assist with meal service as needed. Assure/assist in general maintenance and security of facility. Strictly adhere to all safety policies and procedures at all times and respond/correct any at-risk safety issues immediately. Attend meetings, trainings, and appropriate professional development activities as required. Strictly adhere to agency code of ethics and standards of workplace behavior. Perform other duties as assigned to meet business needs, including regular and reliable attendance and adherence to all company workplace behavior standards. Marginal Functions and Responsibilities: Other marginal functions and responsibilities as assigned. Required Education/Training/Experience: Education: Minimum of a Child Development Associate Credential (Preschool or Infant/Toddler) or an Early Childhood Education Certificate; or other sufficient to be placed at Step 8 or higher on the Oregon Registry. Transcripts, diplomas and/or Oregon Registry Step Certificates are required to validate educational requirements. Experience: Minimum of one year experience teaching in a Certified Child Care Center or comparable group care program in the care of children ages 0-5. Less than one year of experience may be accepted for applicants with higher levels of education beyond a CDA. Requires a valid Oregon driver's license, proof of auto insurance for private vehicle, and/or access to reliable transportation. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries with families. Intermediate computer literacy and familiarity with applications such as databases and spreadsheets, word processing, email and internet. Must be able to successfully pass applicable background and Oregon Central Background Registry checks prior to new hire processing and beginning actual employment. Completion of appropriate Fit for Duty and TB Testing according to Head Start regulations prior to date of hire.
