Substitute Child Care Staff (ECE / School Age)

Position Summary

The Substitute Child Care Staff provides support in early childhood and/or school-age programs as needed to ensure continuity of care, supervision, and program quality during staff absences. Substitutes may serve in a variety of classrooms or programs across sites and age groups, assisting in implementing daily routines, activities, and learning environments that promote children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Substitutes are expected to uphold Vermont Hills Family Life Center’s (VHFLC) mission, values, and standards of professionalism while ensuring compliance with all state licensing regulations, safety requirements, and organizational policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide active, direct supervision of children in assigned groups, ensuring safety and engagement at all times.
• Support daily routines, activities, and transitions consistent with the center or program’s established schedule.
• Assist in implementing age-appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive activities that promote growth and development.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized learning environment both indoors and outdoors.
• Use positive guidance techniques that promote emotional regulation, cooperation, and respect.
• Respond promptly to individual needs of children, including providing comfort, redirection, or basic first aid as appropriate.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with children, staff, and families.
• Collaborate with the classroom team, following direction from the Lead Teacher or Program Lead to ensure continuity of care and adherence to program plans.
• Follow all organizational and state licensing requirements regarding supervision, safety, ratios, and reporting.
• Attend required training and meetings as assigned.
• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and professionalism when filling assignments across centers or programs.
  
  

Supervision Requirements

Substitute Child Care Staff work under the supervision of the Substitute Coordinator in general and under the direction of the Center Director, Program Coordinator, or designated classroom lead staff while working a shift. Substitutes may not be left alone with a group of children or supervise aides unless they meet the qualifications for the position they are temporarily covering and meet all applicable Oregon licensing requirements.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must meet all orientation, initial, and annual training requirements as established by the State of Oregon and VHFLC policy.
• Experience working with young children in early childhood or school-age care settings preferred.
• Must meet one or more of the following qualification pathways:

Experience-Based: At least 240 hours of experience in a certified child care center, school-age program, or comparable group care setting.

Education or Registry-Based: Attainment of Step 6 or higher on the Oregon Registry, or completion of at least 9 quarter college credits in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Growth and Development, or related coursework.

Degree-Based: An Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Human Development, or a related field.

• Knowledge of child development principles and best practices in early learning and school-age care.
• Ability to adapt to varying classroom environments and age groups.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, reliability, and child safety.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, bend, kneel, sit on the floor, and move quickly as needed for child supervision and safety.
• Work is primarily indoors with frequent outdoor activities and supervision required.
• Frequent standing, walking, and active participation in play and learning activities.