Substitute Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Title : Substitute Teacher

Reports To : Center Director

Department : Children and Family Services

Schedule : Monday through Friday 

Travel : Local travel may be required 

Employee Status : Temporary, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Role Duration : Role is funded for three (3) months, 09/15/2026 – 12/15/2026

Union : This position is represented by SEIU Local 1021. Compensation and salary advancement are determined by the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement, including eligible seniority increases at five (5) and ten (10) years of service. 

Supervises : N/A

Agency Summary 

The Unity Council is a non-profit Social Equity Development Corporation with an over 60-year history in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. Our mission is to promote social equity and improve quality of life by building vibrant communities where everyone can work, learn, and thrive. 

Our programs aim to provide the community with the tools, knowledge, and resources to transform their lives and ultimately achieve their long-term educational, career, and financial goals. These holistic programs and services reach more than 10,000 individuals and families annually in five languages. Programs include early childhood education, youth mentorship and leadership development, employment services, career readiness training, housing and financial stability, senior citizen services, affordable housing and neighborhood development, and arts and cultural events. Our work expands beyond the Fruitvale district and now reaches across Oakland and into Contra Costa County. The Unity Council employs a diverse workforce of more than 300 people who reflect the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic identity of the communities we serve. 

Department Summary

The Children and Family Services programs include Head Start, Early Head Start, State Pre-Kindergarten, Home Based Services, and Developmental Play Groups. Over 900 children birth through kindergarten entry and 32 expectant parents and their families receive child development and comprehensive family services through the Unity Council. The programs are diverse, multilingual, developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and individualized for each child and family services are provided in seven centers and one home-based program throughout Oakland and Contra Costa County.

Position Summary

Under the guidance of the Center Director, the Floater Teacher provides quality caregiving for preschool aged children and/or infants and toddlers in a safe and supervised early care and education setting. Promotes the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children enrolled in the program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Provides breaks for teachers in the classroom as scheduled by Center Director; 
• Substitutes as a teacher in the classroom as needed, including supporting during teacher prep time; 
• Fills in as a classroom teacher as needed for extended absences, including completion of paperwork assigned to teachers; 
• Assists in implementing daily activities that are focused on the child’s interests and needs;  
• Maintains effective and professional relationships with enrolled families;   
• Assists in utilizing classroom materials and routines to promote an environment conductive to appropriate levels of development, interests, and specific needs of the children;  
• Assists in maintaining a safe and healthy classroom environment in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Title 5, and Title 22 Regulations;  
• Attend regular staff meetings as scheduled by Center Director and Management;   
• Complete a minimum of 21 hours of Professional Development annually, including college courses towards a Teacher Permit as determined by the Professional Development Coordinator; 
• Supports with daily sanitizing and laundry at the site following health and safety protocols; 
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Center Director and Management. 

Qualifications

• Ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural team; 
• Caring, compassionate approach to working with children and families as well as maintaining an open, friendly and cooperative relationship with each child’s family; 
• Bilingual, English/Spanish or other language, preferred;
• Awareness of safe lifting techniques for lifting children, supplies and furnishings and commitment to using preventive health measures in the classroom to prevent the spread of disease. 

Requirements

• Associate Teacher Permit preferred or Assistant Teacher permit and currently enrolled in coursework leading up to an Associate Teacher Permit;
• 6-12 units in ECE, including core courses (Child, Family and Community, Child Growth and Development, and Curriculum);
• 6 Infant/Toddler units preferred; or willingness to obtain 6 Infant/Toddler units within first year of hire.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able climb stairs, reach, bend, lift 20-30 pounds, crawl, kneel, stoop, twist, grasp materials with hands and fingers, use arms and legs, able to walk, climb ladders if applicable. 
• Regularly required to sit for long periods of time, and occasionally stand and walk; 
• Regularly required to use hands to operate computer and other office equipment; 
• Close vision required for computer use.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Physical exam 
• TB test 
• Background/fingerprint clearance 
• MMR and Tdap vaccinations, 
• CPR 
• Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training 

This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities or requirements for the position. This position may change or assume additional duties at any time.