Substitute Teacher

CEN-TEX FAMILY SERVICES INC; Eagle Lake (TX); On-site; USD 12,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

CEN-TEX Family Services Inc. in Eagle Lake, Texas, is seeking a Substitute Teacher to provide temporary classroom coverage for Early Head Start and Head Start programs, ensuring continuity of high-quality early childhood education.

You will follow established lesson plans, support children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development, and maintain a safe, nurturing learning environment in alignment with Head Start standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential preferred (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience with infants, toddlers, or preschool-aged children preferred.
• Ability to communicate in English, both written and verbally.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
• Background clearance as required by state and federal regulations.
• Valid Texas Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Support the developmental needs of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
• Implement age-appropriate activities and experiences based on provided lesson plans.
• Encourage learning through play, routines, and daily interactions.
• Observe children and respond to individual interests, strengths, and needs.
• Engage children at eye level using warm, responsive communication.

Skills

Communication

Patience

Classroom management

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDA credential preferred

Job description

Job Details: Location: Eagle Lake, TX 77434. Salary Range: $10.24

Job Summary

The Substitute Teacher provides temporary classroom coverage to support the continuity of high-quality early childhood education services for children enrolled in Early Head Start and Head Start programs. The Substitute Teacher maintains a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment, follows established lesson plans and routines, and supports children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development in alignment with Head Start Performance Standards.

Responsibilities

• Support the developmental needs of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children
• Implement age-appropriate activities and experiences based on provided lesson plans
• Encourage learning through play, routines, and daily interactions
• Observe children and respond to individual interests, strengths, and needs
• Engage children at eye level using warm, responsive communication
• Encourage exploration, curiosity, and problem-solving
• Adjust interactions based on children’s developmental stages
• Demonstrate patience and understand young children’s behavior
• Maintain continuous supervision of children at all times
• Follow health, safety, and sanitation procedures
• Ensure classroom, playground, and materials are safe and developmentally appropriate
• Respond appropriately to accidents, injuries, or emergencies
• Maintain constant awareness of children’s location and activity
• Anticipate potential safety risks and take preventive action
• Follow emergency and reporting procedures without delay
• Model safe practices for children
• Follow established classroom routines, schedules, and expectations
• Use positive behavior guidance strategies consistent with program policies
• Support smooth transitions throughout the day
• Assist children in developing self-regulation and social skills
• Respond calmly and consistently to challenging behaviors
• Use redirection and encouragement rather than punishment
• Maintain a structured yet flexible classroom environment
• Reinforce positive behaviors through modeling and praise
• Build respectful, nurturing relationships with children
• Support an inclusive classroom that reflects diverse cultures and abilities
• Interact professionally and respectfully with families and staff
• Support children with disabilities or special needs as directed
• Demonstrate respect for diverse family values, cultures, and languages
• Use inclusive language and practices
• Show empathy and sensitivity to children’s individual experiences
• Collaborate effectively with classroom staff and support services
• Follow Head Start Performance Standards, licensing requirements, and program policies
• Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff information
• Accept direction from supervisors and teaching team members
• Report concerns related to child safety, behavior, or health
• Arrive on time and prepared for assignments
• Demonstrate flexibility when placed in different classrooms or age groups
• Seek clarification when expectations are unclear
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times
• Communicate effectively with Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and supervisors
• Share relevant information about the classroom day as needed
• Complete basic classroom documentation when assigned
• Listen actively and follow instructions
• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally
• Work cooperatively as part of a teaching team
• Maintain a positive, supportive attitude

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED required
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential preferred (or willingness to obtain, if applicable)

Experience

• Previous experience working with infants, toddlers, or preschool-aged children preferred
• Experience in a group care or early childhood education setting strongly preferred
• Knowledge of infant/toddler development and responsive caregiving practices
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills
• Ability to communicate in English, both written and verbally

Licenses/Certifications

• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain)
• Background clearance as required by state and federal regulations
• Valid Texas Drivers License

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Frequent bending, standing, sitting on the floor, and active movement
• Exposure to common childhood illnesses
• Performs other duties as assigned

Performance Indicators

• Child Development outcomes show progress across domains
• Compliance with all Head Start standards and state licensing
• Positive feedback from family engagement surveys
• Timely completion of assessments and documentation
• Performs other duties as assigned by Center Director