Floating Substitute Teacher - Preschool, Kindergarten & Afterschool

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

Employment Details

Position: All School Substitute Teacher - Preschool, Kindergarten & Afterschool

Type: Full time, Non-exempt

Salary: $32,680-$37,840 annually, based on education and experience

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8 hours per day, for the 10-month school year (late August–early June)

Location: New Haven, CT (On-site)

Additional Work Opportunities: Additional paid work for substitute shifts may be available based on school needs and employee interest.

About Leila Day

Leila Day is a progressive, play-based, nature-centered school where childhood is honored. We innovate and build on the best traditions and practices of progressive, early childhood education. We believe in teaching and learning grounded in caring relationships, filled with joyful, learning adventures, and powered by the creativity of children at play. Teachers plan learning experiences around the needs and interests of the children and the opportunities provided by the natural world and our multicultural community. 

Our indoor and outdoor classrooms encourage children to explore, wonder, learn, and grow. Located beside East Rock Park in New Haven, we use the woods, trails, streams, and surrounding neighborhood as an extension of the classroom.

At Leila Day, we believe children thrive in communities rooted in belonging, curiosity, dignity, and care. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the families and communities we serve, and welcome candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide warm, responsive care and supervision for children across preschool, kindergarten, and afterschool classrooms.
• Build trusting relationships with children and quickly learn the routines, expectations, and culture of each classroom.
• Support teachers in implementing play-based, emergent, and nature-centered learning experiences that respond to children's interests and developmental needs.
• Engage actively with children throughout the day, including during play, exploration, routines, transitions, meals, rest periods, and outdoor experiences.
• Support children's social-emotional, physical, and developmental needs while fostering an inclusive classroom community grounded in belonging, cultural dignity, equity, and respect.
• Follow classroom routines and teacher plans while using sound judgment, flexibility, and calm communication when circumstances change or additional support is needed.
• Help maintain safe, welcoming, organized, and well-stocked indoor and outdoor learning environments, including caring for classroom materials and equipment.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, specialists, families, and colleagues, and participate in professional learning and the broader life of the school.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year of professional experience working in a preschool, kindergarten, childcare, camp, nature school, outdoor education, or similar setting.
• Warm, patient, dependable, and responsive approach to working with children.
• Ability to work comfortably across different age groups and adapt to different classroom environments.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Sound judgment, flexibility, and the ability to remain calm and attentive in a dynamic environment.
• Genuine interest in play-based, child-centered, and nature-based education.

Physical, Health & Safety Requirements

• Ability to meet applicable Connecticut licensing requirements and Leila Day health and safety requirements, including required health documentation and training such as CPR, First Aid, and Administration of Medication, as applicable to the position.
• Ability to safely supervise and respond to children in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to participate in the physical activities of the position, including walking, running, climbing, squatting, kneeling, sitting on the floor, and lifting, moving, or assisting children.
• Ability and willingness to spend significant portions of the school day outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to respond appropriately and promptly to children's health and safety needs and to emergency or unexpected situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework, degree, or current study in early childhood education, elementary education, child development, or a related field.
• Experience with play-based, emergent, or child-centered curriculum.
• Experience working with mixed-age groups.
• Interest or experience in outdoor education, environmental education, gardening, science, naturalist education, or other nature-based learning.
• Familiarity with observation-based approaches to understanding children's development and learning.
• Interest in pursuing additional education, credentials, or certification in early childhood education.

Benefits & Professional Growth

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Sick Leave
• Professional Development
• Holiday and vacation pay
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions available after two years of service
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Opportunities to learn alongside experienced educators across Leila Day's preschool, kindergarten, and afterschool programs

Leila Day is an accredited, nonprofit child care center serving children of working families from diverse economic, racial and cultural backgrounds from New Haven and surrounding towns. In operation since 1878, this celebrated program's mission is to foster children's social, emotional, intellectual and physical development within a warm and nurturing environment built on sound

principles of child development. Leila Day emphasizes nature and outdoor education. The children and teachers spend time learning outside every day.