Substitute, Child Care​/Nanny

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Substitute will be responsible for classroom, meal service, dietary, and family educational activities to ensure a quality center-based program for families. Duties vary according to the length of the assignment.

• Be available to fill in for Early Head Start Teacher, Head Start Teacher Assistant, Extended Day Teacher Assistant, or Center Aide whenever needed.
• Cooperate with and follow through on suggestions/recommendations of managers, leaders, and specialists to establish a quality comprehensive child/family program.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of the needs of children in the classroom (health issues: asthma, allergies, seizures, hearing/vision) and make appropriate accommodations to ensure child outcomes are achieved.
• Assist in providing developmentally appropriate activities to enhance physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of children in the classroom.
• Assist in introducing age-appropriate materials to children and volunteers, and provide guidance to promote children’s physical growth. Assist in guiding children in developing basic concepts as prescribed in education, nutrition, health, dental, and mental health plans.
• Assist with classroom activities including reading stories, preparing and delivering activities, conducting/assisting with small and large group activities, and alerting teachers to any issues.
• Maintain a safe, clean, neat, and orderly classroom and playground environment. Monitor and report needed repairs and ensure sanitation of the classroom and play areas.
• Encourage language development, promote cultural and ethnic acceptance, and foster positive self-concept and social skills. Encourage appropriate behavior and facilitate learning experiences that promote problem-solving, exploration, and mastery.
• Supervise children at all times during classroom activities, maintaining child/staff ratios as per policies. Report child abuse and neglect in accordance with program policies.
• Participate as a team member with all program staff, including teachers, co-workers, supervisors, and specialists.
• Actively participate in center activities, parent meetings, and training programs.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information.
• Organize and prioritize assignments, and participate in community activities as directed.
• Participate in USDA training, ongoing monitoring, safety drills, and submit required reports and documentation.
• Follow all policies and regulations of Head Start, federal, state, and local laws, including the Head Start Performance Standards and policies of You Thrive Florida.

• Pick up and deliver meals, ensuring food safety and documentation.
• Maintain cleanliness of food containers, storage areas, and vehicle.
• Maintain accurate documentation for USDA/Child Care Food Program.
• Collaborate with staff during meal pickup and delivery, and communicate any issues to education staff.

Perform additional duties as assigned. This description provides an overview of the position’s scope but is not exhaustive of all duties, skills, or working conditions.

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Complete required training and obtain/maintain CPR/First Aid certification within 90 days. Must work at least 144 hours every half-year to remain active.

Experience: No experience required.

Licenses & Certifications: Valid Florida driver’s license, insurable, and background checks required.

Physical ability to perform job functions, operate equipment, and drive safely. Knowledge of health and sanitation practices, classroom management, and ability to work with children, including those with special needs. Reliable, responsible, and capable of establishing effective working relationships.

Primary location in Hernando, Sumter, or Volusia counties with occasional travel. Work environment includes office, outdoor, and vehicle operation conditions.