POSITION SUMMARY:

The Early Head Start (EHS) Substitute works Monday-Friday on-call hours as needed to fill in when Teachers and Assistants are out. The Substitute provides high-quality infant and toddler early education and child development services that promote children’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth for later success in school. This position requires the ability to follow mandated licensing requirements and to work well as part of a team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide responsive care, effective teaching methods, and organized learning environment that promotes healthy development for all children in alignment with Office of Head Start (OHS) standards, including children of all abilities, cultures and languages.
• Ensure a safe classroom environment that provides nurturing interactions, fostering trust and emotional security; provide a foundation for early childhood communication and rich language development; promote critical thinking and problem solving; promote structure that supports life-skills development.
• In a Teacher’s absence, implement the Teacher’s lesson plans and job responsibilities.
• In an Assistant’s absence, collaboratively work with the Center Manager to ensure classrooms consistently meet all regulation requirements, to include: safely prepping and serving meals and snacks, appropriately diapering and toileting children, laundering bedding and other center items, setting up classrooms for transitions (such as nap time), sanitizing toys and classroom surfaces.
• Substitutes are assigned to a primary center in Lynchburg or Bedford. If the substitute can provide coverage at our other EHS location, mileage reimbursement will be provided.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge in early childhood care and education, specifically infant and toddler development, and ability to work with mixed age groups.

• Ability to learn and adhere to Virginia licensing/subsidy standards and Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
• Ability to establish professional relationships and maintain professional boundaries with diverse children, families, colleagues, and community partners while maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to lift and carry children, bend, sit on the floor, and be physically active inside and outside in all weather.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, responding to stressful situations with maturity.
• Ability to teach various age groups from birth to age three.
• Ability to anticipate the needs of the classroom and proactively take on tasks.
• Ability to be flexible and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma, or equivalent. Six months experience in an early childhood or caregiver setting is preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Provide “TB free” documentation.
• Weekly availability to respond and work on-call with short notice.
• Reliable transportation.
• Complete, pass and maintain all required background checks and drug tests.
• Provide three references (any combination of professional or educational).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Occasionally ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

Constantly moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

Constantly moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

Constantly adjusting or moving objects up to20 pounds in all directions.

Constantly communicating with others to exchange information.

Constantly repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Occasionally operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

Constantly assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Occasional low temperatures.

Occasional high temperatures.

Constant outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Constant noisy environments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Never sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Constant light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Constant medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

HumanKind embraces and values diversity. Our goal is to attract, develop, retain and promote a talented workforce in a culture where all employees contribute to their fullest potential.