Under the direction of the Education Specialist, the Substitute Teacher Floater will aid classroom teachers in their shared mission to improve the quality of education offered to Porter-Leath’s Early Head Start students. Relieve teachers during periods of absence and during breaks. Provide support in the classroom in the absence of the teaching staff; assist in various areas of the center; and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Birth to 3 experience required
• Certified Development Associates (Infant/Toddler Endorsement) certification is preferred
• Associate Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Preferred
• Early Head Start/Head Start experience is preferred
• Two (2) years of relevant work experience with infants and toddlers
• CPR and First Aid certification is preferred

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not include any supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions

1. Performs according to the standards set forth by Head Start, NAEYC, CACFP, USDA, Tennessee Day Care Licensing and Porter-Leath within the classroom.
2. Provides classroom coverage for Teachers when they are absent or out of the classroom.
3. Assumes responsibilities as the primary caregiver for one group of children for Teachers, including children with special needs when assigned.
4. Performs duties as a role model to clients and staff; acts as a mentor to families of children in group.
5. Keeps Supervisor and Manager informed of programmatic issues in a timely and concise manner.
6. Works cooperatively with other staff to create a positive, enriching and safe environment for children, families and staff.
7. Assists program staff in delivering appropriate health, nutrition, disability, education, and family support services to children and families in accordance with program policy, procedures, and service plans.
8. Assists in implementing daily education procedures in the classroom while adhering to best practices; Assists in ensuring that children are involved in activities suited to their immediate emotional, social, intellectual, and physical needs; Provides ample activity options to children.
9. Ensures communication with nutrition staff, health/disability/nutrition staff, and education staff in order to fulfill special diet needs.
10. Assists in maintaining appropriate records of attendance, meal counts, etc. necessary to produce reports.
11. Assists with and conducts ongoing child assessments.
12. Contributes to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and color vision. Work in a non-smoking area.

Special Conditions

Maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and an appropriate level of insurance. PRN Position.