Job Title: Substitute Early Childhood Educator
Job Description:
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Substitute Early Childhood Educator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with young children and the ability to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment. This position requires flexibility and a commitment to supporting the educational needs of children in various early childhood settings. This is a part-time PRN position.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide a safe and supportive environment for children in the absence of the regular educator.
- Implement age-appropriate activities and lesson plans that promote learning and development.
- Foster positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
- Observe and assess children's progress and behavior, providing feedback as necessary.
- Maintain a clean and organized classroom environment.
- Collaborate with other educators to ensure continuity of care and education.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Experience working with young children in an educational setting.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to adapt to different classroom environments and teaching styles.
- Knowledge of early childhood development principles and practices.
- Patience, creativity, and a positive attitude.
- Relevant certifications and/or degrees in Early Childhood Education or a related field are preferred.
- Flexibility and willingness to work at multiple locations within the local area.
We welcome applicants who are committed to fostering a love of learning in young children and who are eager to contribute to our educational community.
Children First is an equal opportunity employer.
Requirements
Licenses/Certifications
- Valid Driver’s License and acceptable driving record – proof of auto insurance within agency limits, or access to transportation
- Immediate/continued enrollment in the Criminal History Registry-Child Care Division
- Current Health Appraisal, updated every two (2) years
- Certification in First Aid and Adult, Infant and Child CPR
Education / Equivalent Experience
Minimum Required:
- The same educational qualifications needed for the position substituting.
- State mandated 45-hour coursework completion or ability to complete within established timeframes.
- One (1) year experience working in an early childhood setting with a diverse population of children ages Birth to Five.
Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
Demonstrate/Knowledge to:
- Provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions.
- Plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation.
- Set and maintain professional boundaries with families.
- Use technology to plan, record, report and monitor education and child development services.
Skill/Ability to:
- Speak, read and write English; bilingual language(s) is helpful.
- Collect, analyze and utilize data to plan and monitor growth in child outcomes and school readiness, required when long-term substitute.
- Solve problems and make appropriate decisions.
- Manage time, solve problems and make appropriate decisions in varying situations.
- Work collaboratively and cooperatively with fellow staff, parents, and community representatives.
Physical/Mental Demands
- Lifts and/or moves up to 50 lbs.
- Kneels, stoops, bends, reaches and sits on floor to attend to children’s needs.
- Sitting, for working at keyboard and desk, standing, driving for home and site visits.
- Moves quickly in response to active children in need of redirection to protect their and others safety.
- Uses manual dexterity, reaches with hands and arms, stretches, and talks or hears.
- Responds both physically and mentally to emergency or crisis situations.
Environmental Conditions
- Variability in temperature, environment and noise.
- Potential sensory response associated with toileting and/or children who are ill.
- Contact with children who are ill and/or possibly contagious.
- Contact with chemicals to clean and sanitize equipment and facility.