Early Childhood Education Substitute Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

As an Early Childhood Education Substitute Teacher, you will be responsible in providing temporary instruction, care, and supervision to young children (typically ages 2-5 or infant-preschool) in the absence of the regular early childhood educator. This role is essential for maintaining a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment that supports the holistic development of our youngest learners. The Substitute Teacher will follow daily routines and activities, uphold school policies, and ensure the well-being and engagement of all children.

What You'll Do

• Provide direct, attentive, and nurturing care to young children, including assistance with personal needs such as toileting/diapering, handwashing, and dressing, as applicable to age group.
• Ensure the constant supervision and safety of all children in the classroom, on the playground, and during transitions.
• Implement established health and safety protocols, including sanitization, allergy awareness, and emergency procedures.
• Execute pre-planned daily schedules, activities, and learning experiences provided by the absent teacher, focusing on developmentally appropriate practices.
• Facilitate engaging play-based learning activities that support social-emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom environment that supports young children's exploration and learning.
• Utilize positive guidance techniques to support children's social and emotional development and manage age-appropriate behaviors.
• Provide detailed written or verbal feedback to the absent teacher regarding the day's events, children's engagement, and any significant observations or incidents (e.g., changes in mood, developmental milestones, behavioral concerns).
• Communicate appropriately with parents/guardians during drop-off and pick-up regarding general daily activities, following school guidelines.
• Report any accidents, injuries, or significant concerns immediately to the Assistant Director or designated administrator.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive and additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of supervised experience working directly with young children (infant, toddler, preschool ages) in a licensed childcare center, preschool, or similar educational setting.
• Demonstrate understanding of child development for the early childhood age group.
• Ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices and engage young children in learning through play.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, especially with young children, parents, and colleagues.
• Patience, empathy, creativity, and a genuine love for working with young children.
• Strong observational skills and ability to respond to children's individual needs.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions for daily routines and lesson plans.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Relevant Early Childhood Education (ECE) coursework or certifications (e.g., CDA credential) highly desirable.

Benefits

• Hands-on experience in youth development and activity coordination.
• Opportunity to work with children of diverse age groups.
• Develop valuable organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Gain experience in a non-profit educational environment.
• Make a positive impact on the lives of young children.

About Us

Dream Preparatory Academy, located in Greenville, SC, is a unique educational organization that offers a new teaching style to break traditional barriers of learning repetitive lessons in a prepared routine environment. Our goal is to create a more interactive, hands-on learning environment that is technology-focused and can integrate classroom-to-home management.