Substitute Teacher - Head Start

Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission; Florala (AL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission is seeking a versatile substitute for Head Start settings in Florala. The role supports Center Directors, Teachers, and Aides by supervising classrooms, assisting with lesson preparation, and helping with arrival checks and daily operations to ensure a safe, engaging learning environment.

The position emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and adaptability, with pre-employment screens required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Enrolled in advanced degree program or AA/AS or higher preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and insurability.
• Pass pre-employment background and drug screen.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and supervise classrooms when staff are absent.
• Assist Teachers with lesson plans and classroom tasks.
• Assist with arrival procedures and temperature/appearance checks.
• Clean and sanitize centers and supervise outdoor play spaces.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Verbal communication

Reading comprehension

Math basics

Computer skills

Classroom supervision

Safety awareness

Calm demeanor

Professional attitude

Telephone etiquette

Document organization

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or higher preferred

Valid driver’s license

Background check and drug screen

Job description

Job Summary

Under the supervision of a Head Start Center Director, the employee performs tasks and duties associated with the Center Director, Teacher, Teacher Aide, or Janitor. All job duties are associated with providing top quality educational and developmental services to children enrolled in the Head Start program. These tasks and duties include, but are not limited to, monitoring/supervising classrooms when regular staff is absent, assisting in cleaning and sanitizing Centers (mopping, sweeping, etc.), assisting Teachers and Teacher Aides in preparing lesson plans, monitoring outdoor play areas for safety and security, assisting with mealtime activities, assists with maintaining constant supervision of children in all areas, and assisting with arrival of children at Centers (temperature and appearance checks, etc.). This job is considered security sensitive and is subject to all required pre-employment screens to include felony background, child abuse and neglect clearance, drug screen, sex offender check and physical.

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following list was developed through a job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned. A person with a disability which is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must be able to perform the essential functions of the job unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Substitute Duties. Employee serves as a temporary substitute when Center staff (primarily Teachers) are absent.

1. Monitors and supervises classrooms when regular staff is not available
2. Assists Teachers and other staff prepare class lesson plans
3. Assists with monitoring and checking children arriving at the classroom (appearance, heath [temperature] checks).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Center Operations. Employee performs a range of Center operation tasks and duties.

1. Assists with cleaning and sanitizing Center classrooms and other areas.
2. Monitors Center outdoor play areas for safety and security concerns.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(*Can be acquired on the job)

1. *Knowledge of SEARPDC, Department of Human Resources, and Head Start rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
2. *Knowledge of early childhood education and development practices and procedures
3. *Knowledge of safety rules and security procedures for young children
4. Verbal skills to effectively communicate with co-workers and supervisors, in person and over the telephone
5. Reading skills to understand and interpret SEARPDC and Head Start directives, procedures, and instructions
6. Math skills to perform basic mathematical calculations
7. Ability to use computers and office productivity software
8. Ability to assist Teachers and Teacher Aides in performing a range of classroom tasks and duties
9. Ability to monitor outdoor play areas for safety and security
10. Ability to clean and maintain Center facilities on a scheduled basis
11. Ability to maintain professional attitude
12. Ability to use cellular and multiline telephones
13. Ability to deal with all contacts in a courteous and patient manner
14. Ability to handle dynamic situations in a calm and courteous manner
15. Ability to organize files and work projects
16. Ability to drive

Minimum Qualifications

1. Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency certificate
2. Enrolled in advanced degree program or achievement of Associate Degree, or higher, highly preferred.
3. Possess a current and valid driver's license; must be insurable
4. Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and an initial drug screen.