Primary Purpose:

• Provide for the physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth and development of infants and toddlers in a safe and nurturing environment, while contributing to the everyday operations and management of the program as needed.
• Works under the direction of the Center Manager (or Person in Charge) and the Program Coordinator.

Education/Certifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Infant and Toddler CDA Certification or Associate Degree with Early Childhood or Child Development preferred; willingness to pursue credential
• Course work or professional development in infants and toddlers preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of child development; brain development; SIDS; Shaken Baby Syndrome
• Ability to be a positive role model for children and families
• Communicate effectively with families
• Organize and plan effectively
• Ability to support and respect the needs of children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Bilingual skills are an asset
• Ability to work effectively with all age groups: infants, toddlers and threes

Specific Responsibilities and Duties for the EHS Substitute Teacher:

Program Planning and Organization

• Assist teachers in preparation for and following each day’s activities
• Assist teachers to prepare and maintain the classroom learning environment

 Implementation of Early Head Start Performance Standards

•  Carry out curriculum plan by providing individualized developmentally appropriate activities for each child as directed by the EHS Center Manager or Infant/Toddler Teacher
• Respond immediately to infant’s and toddler’s physical and emotional needs
• Maintain teacher child ratio as mandated by Head Start Performance Standards at all times with constant supervision
• Conduct a minimum of two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences annually for center-based class, if acting in a long term substitute role
• Ensure that nutritional needs of all children are met. Hold infants if unable to feed themselves as a time of positive interaction. Encourage self-help and independence by assisting in feeding only when necessary
• Follow all health and safety rules and regulations as outlined in Head Start Performance Standards and Minimum Standard Rules for Licensed Child Care Centers
• Follow health and safety procedures outlined in Performance Standards when changing diapers, including wearing protective gloves
• Praise acceptable behaviors and redirect unacceptable; encourage children to reflect on their actions
• Model self control and problem solving for children
• Document all activities in accordance with Performance Standards and Region 10 procedures as directed by the EHS Center Manager or classroom Infant/Toddler Teacher
• Participate in identified professional development and child development credentialing as indicated

Coordination:

• Assist with integration of services from all areas of Early Head Start

Communication:

• Maintains effective communication with co-workers, EHS Center Manager, Consultants and Program Coordinator

Service Performance Standards:

• Complies with Region 10 Policies and Procedures
• Maintains confidentiality of all information and records pertaining to children and families
• Demonstrates customer service skills
• Plans and accomplishes work efficiently
• Demonstrates effective collaboration skills

  Working Conditions:

• Fast paced classroom environments
• Assist the overall functioning of the EHS program by fulfilling assignments such as picking up meals for children, doing program laundry, cleaning tables and chairs after meals or washing feeding utensils
• Variable work hours (not to exceed 40 hours per week) and assignments to EHS meet program needs
• Be able to lift 45 to 50 pounds
• Be able to walk, squat, sit on the floor for extended periods of time
• Be able to see, hear, and speak to children for their supervision and safety
• Maintain emotional control under stressful situations
• Manage multi-tasks simultaneously

• Have at least one year of experience in a child care center or early childhood setting as a teacher or teacher-assistant working with infants and toddlers
• At least one year of experience with infant/toddler care preferred 

 Accountability:

• The EHS Substitute Teacher shall be directly accountable to the geographic area Program Coordinator.