Head Start Substitute Teacher and Support Staff Positions

JOB TITLE: Head Start Substitute Teacher and Support Staff Positions

DEPARTMENT: Early Childhood and Family Services 

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt 

HOURS/WEEKS: Intermittent 

BARGAINING UNIT POSITION: (Y/N): No

LEVEL: 2

HIRING RANGE: $22.00 - $25.00

NEKCA MISSION STATEMENT:

To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper, and thrive.

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS:

Substitute Teacher: The Substitute assists in creating and maintaining a respectful classroom culture that fosters safe and productive learning. The Substitute follows all child care centers policies and procedures as well as state regulations, quality requirements, and standards.

Substitute Teaching Assistants: – Work as a member of the Center team, providing a safe, nurturing environment for children’s development and growth – physical, emotional, social and cognitive. Participate in carrying out classroom routines and activities in compliance with HS Performance Standards, Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs and the NAEYC Code of Professional and Ethical Conduct. Experience working with young children or education in Early Childhood preferred.

Substitute Food Service Providers – Responsible for preparation and service of meals as prescribed by USDA/CACFP regulations, Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs and Sanitation requirements. Prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and/or PM snack at regularly established times for enrolled children, staff and adults and serve family style. Meals and snacks are at least 2 ½ hours apart but not more than 3 hours apart. Minimum Job Requirements for this position include; Knowledge of food preparation, meal service and sanitation requirements, Knowledge of early childhood development and nutritional requirements, and Experience in food service preferred. 

Substitute Janitors – Responsible for maintaining the center facility in good, clean appearance and order. S/he is also responsible for complying with the applicable Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Carry out duties in compliance with HS Performance Standards, Content Area Plans, Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center-Based Child Care and Preschool Programs, NAEYC, and NEKCA Standards of conduct. 
• Be aware of indicators of child abuse and neglect and comply with Vermont Mandated Reporter Law and program Child Protection Protocol

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES: 

N/A, this position does not supervise any staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Understand plans and implement accordingly when position being substituted is absent. 
• Foster a safe and inviting environment 
• Support classroom management 
• Support center staff in identified tasks

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Must comply with NEKCA policies if hired. 
• All candidates and staff will be required to authorize and pass NEKCA’s criminal record check process 
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Maintain confidentiality
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Transportation sufficient to meet job requirements
• Ability to keep accurate records
• See individual position descriptions for specific additional qualifications

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community. 
• Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems.
• This position is considered a mandated reporter. 
• Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated, may need to work flexible hours (program dependent) 
• Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations. 
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrate familiarity with, and sensitivity to the challenges faced by low-income individuals, and some knowledge of the community and available resources to address them.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Complete all required trainings and professional development.

CORE VALUES: 

• Demonstrate competency in all five areas of NEKCA’s Core Values.
• Empower individuals to recognize and utilize their potential for growth and positive change.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the local community.
• Involve community members in the organization's initiatives and decision-making processes.
• Uphold ethical standards in all interactions with participants and the community.
• Participate in self-reflection and self-care practices to prevent burnout.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional codes of conduct.
• Maintain participant confidentiality and ensuring participant safety.
• Use clear, respectful, and professional language and behavior when communicating with participants, colleagues, and other service providers.
• Demonstrate a genuine understanding of and care for the needs and feelings of participants or service users. 
• In person attendance required during scheduled hours as defined by your supervisor.
• Be respectful and sensitive to participant’s unique situations and challenges.
• Represent NEKCA in public and advocate for its mission.

BACKGROUND CHECKS:

Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, and criminal records.

TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS:

This position necessitates that employees has access to dependable transportation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employees in this position work primarily in an classroom environment controlled temperature conditions. This position may include time outside during calm moderate weather. Noise levels vary from moderate to loud. The work involves sitting and standing for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment, and may require bending and lifting.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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The responsibilities listed in this job description are intended to provide a general overview of the role and its expectations. While this description is comprehensive, it should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and tasks that may be required of the employee. The organization reserves the right to assign other tasks or responsibilities as needed, and this role's responsibilities may evolve in response to changes in the organization's goals and priorities. Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes for success in this dynamic work environment.

NEKCA is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We work diligently to recruit a broad pool of candidates and to hire and promote qualified individuals whose personal experiences, characteristics, and talents reasonably reflect the diversity of the communities served by NEKCA. Our equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities. 

Qualifications for positions within NEKCA are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself.