Substitute

General Description:

The Substitute is under the direct supervision of the Site Administrator and is responsible for assisting classroom staff in carrying out daily curriculum, supervision of children, meal preparation, cleaning duties, etc. as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assist in planning, coordinating and implementing a developmentally appropriate classroom-based program for three to five-year-old children. 
2. Assist with activities and experiences that encourage questioning, probing, and problem-solving skills appropriate to the developmental and learning styles of each child.   
3. Participates fully in classroom activities with all children, including but not limited to sitting or stooping on the floor and engaging in gross motor activities (climbing, dancing, etc.).
4. May assist in preparing food following USDA guidelines and participates fully in mealtime activity.
5. Acts as a model in speech and communication, using eye-to-eye contact, a pleasant tone of voice, listens carefully without interrupting, getting down to the child's level when possible, asking open-ended questions and encouraging children to use their own words.
6. Completes documentation as required and submits to supervisor on time.
7. Works within required state and federal guidelines; follows agency policies and procedures in all areas. 
8. Maintains confidentiality of family records and information. 
9. Works as a team player with center staff, NRCA staff, parents and other community organizations to ensure all service area requirements are met to carry out the goals and objectives of the Head Start program.
10. Personally reports to Department of Social Services all suspected child, aged or incapacitated adult abuse and neglect as required by law and document accordingly. The Commonwealth of Virginia mandates the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect within 24 hours to the local DSS. Informs supervisor of all reports to Department of Social Services. 
11. Performs all other duties that advance the philosophy and goals of the program and NRCA as deemed necessary by the supervisor. 

Special Requirements:

Must be capable of lifting, pushing, or pulling 50 pounds, occasionally lifting 75 pounds.  

Prior to employment, the applicant must sign authorizations for NRCA to perform Criminal Record Checks to demonstrate that no pending or found charges or convictions related to abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of children or adults (or other felony or misdemeanor charges which would conflict with the mission and philosophy of the agency).

Must be willing to abide by the following Code of Conduct: 

1. Respects and promotes the unique identity of each child and family and refrains from stereotyping based on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability.
2. Follows program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families, and other staff members.
3. No child will be left alone or unsupervised while under the care of Head Start staff.
4. Uses positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse or humiliation. Will not employ methods of discipline that involves isolation, the use of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs.

Education and Experience:

1. High school diploma or GED required.  
2. Experience working in a licensed preschool or Head Start program preferred.

Classification:

Wage, non-exempt position. 

Part-time – on call, as needed basis only

Application Deadline: August 30, 2024, at 5:00 PM or until the position is filled. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. EEO/AA

NRCA conducts pre-employment criminal background checks, including fingerprints, child abuse and neglect, and driving record. Possession of a valid driver's license and a good driving record is required. Pre-employment drug testing, TB test/screening, and employment physical are also required.