Child Care Substitute Teacher - Per Diem (Multiple Openings

Do you believe that a cardboard box is actually a spaceship? Can you negotiate a peace treaty over a blue crayon? If you’re passionate about nurturing tiny humans and want to be a part of the vibrant University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) community, we want to meet you!

While we love the summer sun, we are looking for a partner who is available year-round to support our little learners through every season. If you’re ready to trade  seasonal  for  sensational,  read on! As a per-diem Child Care
Substitute Teacher
, you’ll help us create a world where every child feels seen, safe, and celebrated.

Rate of pay: $17/hr

Job Description

In this role, you aren’t just  filling in —you are a vital part of our educational ecosystem.

• Chief Guardian of Safety: You’ll protect the well-being of every child in the center, keeping a watchful and caring eye on our little explorers at all times.
• The High-Five Hero: You will assist in implementing a developmentally appropriate preschool program within our childcare setting.
• Active Playmate & Guide: Whether it’s an indoor fort-building session or an outdoor nature walk, you’ll be right there in the mix, communicating and engaging during play and caretaking routines.
• Classroom Conductor: You’ll manage the flow of the day effectively, minimizing distractions and keeping the learning environment positive and productive.
• Curator of Calm: You will help set up a physical space that reduces stress and conflict, making sure the environment is optimized for joyful engagement.
• Mentorship Maestro: You’ll assist in guiding the next generation of educators by helping supervise UMF practicum students, interns, and work-study assistants.

We aren’t just looking for a resume; we’re looking for a specific kind of calling:

• The Connector: You have a natural gift for building professional, trusting relationships with both children and their families.
• The Shape-Shifter: You are adaptable and flexible, effortlessly pivoting your teaching methods to meet the unique, individual needs of every student.
• The Child-Whisperer: You can read a child's subtle cues and respond with sensitivity, helping them find their independence while feeling supported.
• The Inclusion Champion: You treat every family with deep dignity and respect, celebrating the beautiful diversity of our community’s cultures and backgrounds.
• The Feelings Coach: You guide behavior with a gentle hand—using positive reinforcement and redirection while recognizing and validating big feelings.

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one (1) year of experience working in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or the heart to get it within your first 30 days).
• DHHS fingerprinting and background check (or ability to complete prior to start).
• Completion of the State of Maine Licensing training (or the gusto to complete within your first 14 days of joining us).
• Proof of current vaccinations prior to start (Tdap, MMR).

• An Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (or a related field).
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience specifically in a preschool setting.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

The University of Maine at Farmington employees are Mandatory Reporters with the exception of UMF’s licensed, clinical medical providers (including athletic trainers) and mental health providers and their clinical interns when working in their capacity as providers.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,…