Looking to teach and care for young children in your local community? Then join our Children & Family Services program! Easterseals Blake Foundation offers a variety of services including childcare centers, early head start, and home visitation.

This position is on-call.

The Substitute Teacher assists the Lead Teacher/Early Childhood Educator in implementing appropriate curriculum in a classroom setting for toddlers and preschool- aged children. Assists in developing partnership relationships with families to meet the needs of the child. Maintains current and timely documentation of work in compliance with Center and other regulatory agencies’ standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Complete the Easterseals Blake Foundation new employee requirements for employment, including orientation and training requirements, reporting suspected child abuse and health requirements as specified by the Office of Child Care Licensure.
• Assist teacher(s) in maintaining a home-like classroom environment that enhances learning based on the developmental needs of the group and individual needs of the children.
• Carry out curriculum developed by teachers which is reflective of the age and experience of the children. This includes awareness of all areas of development of including physical, social, language and cognitive skills.
• Adapt curriculum and interactions to meet the needs, strengths and interests of the individual children in the classroom.
• Implement the Individual Family Service Plan or Individual Educational Plan for children with special needs.
• Use a variety of teaching strategies to encourage learning, following the individual child’s lead and preferred modality for learning.
• Foster interaction and cooperation among children. Encourage children to lead their own small group activities.
• Facilitate a sense of responsibility of self-regulation in children, intervening only as needed in settling disputes or differences.
• Establish partnerships with parents and families in order to achieve shared goals for children.
• Work collaboratively with the Director, colleagues and community organizations in best serving the child’s needs.
• Adapt themselves to working collaboratively as a team with other teaching staff in the room.
• Share information with colleagues which will allow for continuity of care throughout the child’s day.
• Work with teaching team to implement program curriculum, following policies, procedures and practices that result in positive outcomes for children and families.
• Participate in professional development opportunities by enrolling in higher education programs, conferences and trainings.
• Attend planning, informational and quality assurance meetings.
• Maintain strict confidentiality concerning children and families.
• Maintain required documentation and reporting on each individual child.
• Complete annual continuing education requirements.
• Be enrolled in ongoing education to better one’s skills, obtain certification or obtain higher degrees in early childhood education.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education
  • High school or GED
  • Age specific Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).
  • Willingness and ability to pursue degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Experience
  • 1 year of related experience.
• Regulatory
  • Clean criminal background check
  • Must possess an AZ Level 1 fingerprint clearance card
  • Must obtain and pass a funder required physical exam and have a TB skin test prior to beginning employment
  • Possess an automobile in good working order, with required automobile insurance
  • Valid, unrestricted Arizona driver’s license and the willingness to use personal vehicle in the course of employment. Must meet minimum requirements of agency insurance carrier.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of typical and atypical child development.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate and best educational practices supported by research and evaluation.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural and linguistic diversity.
• Knowledge of methods to include children with developmental challenges.
• Ability to be self-directed at times and at other times to take direction from the Lead teacher in the room.
• Ability to use principles of reflective practice with children, families, and colleagues.
• Ability to read, write and speak English.
• Ability to use technology as a tool for record-keeping, documentation and investigation.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as face mask, gown, goggles and gloves, for any amount of time necessary to provide a physical barrier to protect the employee and others.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position
• Must be able to operate a computer, phone and other office equipment
• Must be able to stoop, squat, reach, stretch, ascend and descend stairs
• Must be able to lift and push up to 50 pounds
• May work in an office setting

Psychological Requirements:

• Must be able to remain calm, non-defensive with a supportive attitude during stressful, potential crisis, and crisis situations
• Must be able to work in an extremely stressful environment where there are considerable mental and emotional demands. Must be able to manage high volumes and unpredictability of work
• Must be able to remain flexible and reprioritize according to the changing demands of the day
• Must be able to manage stress in a fast-paced, unpredictable, intense setting
• Must be able to adapt to diverse cultural environments and communicate in a culturally inclusive manner
• Must be able to represent EBF in a professional manner in all situations

Easterseals Blake Foundation is an EEO/AA/Vet/Disabled Employer