Preschool Substitute (PRN)

Under the direction of the Preschool Operations Manager, the substitute will support Teachers in the classroom, relieve staff during break periods, serve as a classroom substitute, assist in various areas of the center, and perform other duties as assigned. 

• High school diploma or GED required
• Child Development Associate (CDA in Infant/Toddler or Preschool Endorsement) certification preferred.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not include any supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions

1. Performs according to the standards set forth by DHS, NAEYC, CWLA, CACFP, USDA, Tennessee Child 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 a group.
5. Keep Supervisor and Manager informed of programmatic issues promptly and concisely.
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; ensures 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 to fulfill special diet needs.
10. Assists in preparing and serving meals in quantities according to menu and number of persons to be served, making appropriate substitutions when necessary in accordance with USDA recommended daily dietary allowances and family-style dining requirements; complies with all health department and Porter-Leath requirements regarding food preparation, food storage, cleanliness, and kitchen sanitation.
11. Assists in maintaining appropriate attendance records, meal counts, etc., necessary to produce reports.
12. Assists with and conducts ongoing child evaluations.
13. Contributes to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.
14. Participates in mandatory child abuse training and other professional development trainings determined by the management team before working with children in the classroom.  All required trainings will be renewed annually in order to remain an active substitute teacher.

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.