Substitute Teacher

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:      

 The Substitute Teacher is responsible for assisting the regular staff in the care and education of a group of children. This position is not benefits eligible.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Maintains a Safe and Healthy Environment

1. Maintain an orderly learning environment.
2. Promote healthy eating practices by eating with children.
3. Share routine duties with other staff (supervisor on playground, toileting, cleanup, classroom maintenance).
4. Assist in keeping room and other areas neat and clean.
5. Interact with children in activities he/she is supervising.
6. Perform appropriate hand washing and sanitizing procedures.

Supports Social and Emotional Development and Provides Positive Guidance

1. Implement hands-on activities that develop self-esteem.
2. Implement culturally diverse experiences.
3. Promote the use of positive guidance techniques.
4. Provide a wide variety of creative/express activities.
5. Encourage children to be independent in decision making and self-care (dressing, toileting, etc.).
6. Greet children upon arrival and departure.
7. Show each child affection and attention daily.
8. Encourage children to problem solve and discover.
9. Help children work out problems by encouraging them to talk about their feelings (anger, sadness, fear, etc.) and express them appropriately. 
10. Be willing to work with special needs children and families. 

Establishes Positive and Productive Relationships with Families

1. Greet parents and other visitors with a smile and friendly manner. 
2. Report to classroom according to accepted schedule.
3. Follow center rules regarding breaks, telephones, etc.
4. Use resources effectively.
5. Display positive outlook and pleasant manner. 

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS: 

• Be able to sit on floor and interact with children.
• Hear children from a distance of at least 70 feet.
• Lift and carry at least 30 lbs unassisted and 50 lbs with assistance.
• Visually observe children from all areas of the classroom and playground from a distance of at least 70 feet.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: 

• High School diploma or GED
• CDA or Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The Substitute Teacher may be required to lift and carry children and equipment.  The Substitute Teacher will at times spend time sitting on the floor or child-sized furniture. The Substitute Teacher will be expected to clean and maintain equipment and facility and move throughout the community with children.  The Substitute Teacher may come in contact with children who are ill and/or contagious and must take precautions to ensure the health and safety of all children, parents, staff, and themselves. Lift and carry at least 30 lbs unassisted and 50 lbs with assistance.  The Substitute Teacher will be working in a busy and occasionally noisy environment where there may be a number of activities and situations happening at once.

Performing General Physical Activities – The Substitute Teacher will be expected to perform physical activities that require considerable use of their arms and legs and moving their whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

EVALUATION: 

Performance of this job will be evaluated consistent with Sheltering Arms evaluation policy.

PAY: 
In accordance with Sheltering Arms Salary Schedules.  

Date Established:   
Date(s) Revised: 08/04/2025  

This description may be changed at any time. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by leadership.  Sheltering Arms reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time.