Center Team Substitute

Position Summary

Position is part-time, working up to 28 hours per week (or fewer hours if fewer than five working days). Requires use of own vehicle to conduct business. This is a part‑year assignment, August‑May.

• Follow CACFP, Head Start Performance Standards, Early Learning Essentials policies and procedures, and local Health Department regulations.
• Provide appropriate learning activities, supervision, and instruction to children during class time or after hours while parents are engaged.
• Promote children’s health, nutrition, education, and safety.

This position is in‑person only and does not allow telecommuting.

• Assist with the preparation and serving of breakfast, lunch, and snacks in compliance with CACFP and Head Start guidelines.
• Prepare correct quantities of food to meet CACFP and Head Start standards.
• Prepare special meals following special meal plans for children requiring modifications.
• Assist in cooking according to the center schedule set by the teacher.
• Deliver and pick up food from Head Start classrooms as needed.
• Assist in maintaining kitchen sanitation: proper food storage, dishwashing, and cleaning of kitchen, stoves, carts, and work surfaces.

• Interact respectfully with children, demonstrating genuine interest and treating each child with respect.
• Help maintain appropriate child‑adult ratios while teacher and assistant teacher stagger planned breaks.
• Perform cleaning tasks: sweep floors, sanitize tables, clean chairs after meal services.
• Support classroom management: supervise children in interest areas, help with smooth transitions and ensure children follow routines and instructions.
• Provide behavior support: assist with managing behaviors in the classroom.
• Adhere to supervision requirements: never be alone with children and ensure no child is left unsupervised.
• Provide any additional general classroom support as directed by the teacher.

• Primary responsibility is the safety of children at all times.
• Child care available for children aged 3‑12 years old.
• Issue numbered bracelets to parents and children, ensuring proper sign‑in and sign‑out.
• Record total number of children, conduct a child count every 15 minutes.
• Facilitate planned activities, clean up child care area and bathroom at end of shift.
• Demonstrate understanding of child abuse/neglect laws and report suspected abuse to the Family & Community Services Director.
• Collaborate with other service areas to ensure seamless services to children and families.
• Attend and participate in staff and parent training sessions and other agency activities as required.

• High School Diploma, GED, or willingness to enroll in a GED program.
• Food Handler Certificate upon hire if not already certified.

• Experience cooking in a food service establishment and prior experience working with preschool children is preferred.
• Prior experience with CACFP is desirable.
• Knowledge of child development and experience in child care.
• Transportation to perform required shopping duties.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and develop solutions to problems with limited supervision.
• Proficient in written and spoken English, or willingness to enroll in an ESL class.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, subordinates, parents, community groups, and other agencies.

Salary: $17.12 per hour

Early Learning Essentials reserves the right to revise this job description at our discretion, with or without notice, at any time.