Floater/Substitute

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION : Floater/Substitute teacher

DEPARTMENT : Early Childhood Birth through Five

REPORTS TO: Educational Director

DATE : June 2026

SALARY : $17.00 per hour

SCHEDULE : PT afternoon hours from 1 to 5:30pm Monday through Friday, (subject to change based on program need; candidate must have an open, flexible schedule between our program hours 8am to 6pm)

Job Summary:

This position serves as a substitute for coverage in the classroom and kitchen as needed. Substitute-Floater assists the Lead Teacher in planning and supervising for a classroom of 15-20 children according to DOE policies, Head Start Performance Standards, and DOHMH Article 47 regulations. They are also responsible for extended-day afterschool programming to implement classroom activities, work cooperatively with the team, and support all program staff and the general maintenance of the classroom to ensure the health and safety of the children in the program. Substitute floaters may also be placed in the kitchen under the supervision of a cook certified with a food handlers license to help prepare and deliver meals.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum – High School Diploma required, college credits in Early childhood Education preferred
• Experience working with young children is required
• Ability to work with children and families with special developmental, social or cultural needs
• Ability to interpret documents such as safety regulations, policies and procedures
• Ability to foster and maintain positive, professional relationships with staff and participants

FLOATER ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

Under the direct supervision of the Center Director, the Floater/Substitute shall be responsible for:

• Assisting in the maintenance of a safe and sanitary environment in accordance with Department of Health and Head Start requirements
• Assisting and supporting staff in the planning and implementation of programming that considers the emotional, social, physical, cognitive, and language developmental and health needs of the individual child as well as the group
• Working cooperatively with the teacher and coordinator to ensure the children’s goals and objectives are met, observations, assessments, lesson plans, and other pertinent documentation are completed on a timely manner
• Maintaining confidentiality of family records and written and verbal information, including child behavior and parent communication. Notifying the Lead Teacher of any concerns or observations of child health and behavior
• Participating in ongoing observation of children’s health, behavior, and development in keeping with identified Head Start and Grand Street Settlement policies and practices. Consulting with teacher prior to communicating information about individual children to parents
• Supporting kitchen coverage as needed, adhering to all health and safety requirements
• Participating in appropriate training and meetings as assigned. Being able to lift up to 35 pounds
• Flexible schedule to cover for staff as needed. Other duties and special projects as required

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Clearance through DOE Fingerprint Screening, SCR-NYS Central Registry, CBC clearance DOHMH, Sex Offender Registry clearance, three (3) reference checks, physical examination with updated TB test, Varicella, Tdap, MMR, Tetanus, (fees may apply)
• Meet all employee health requirements in Article 47 (DOHMH) and Head Start performance standards
• Mandated Reporter training certificate (every 2 years) and comply with agency’s policy and procedure regarding identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect and all other training required by DOH and DOE
• Obtain First Aid/CPR and Preventive Infectious diseases certificate within the first year of employment
• If hired, Grand Street requires all potential employees to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination including booster shot

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position you are applying for. If selected, we ask that you also provide us with three (3) professional references that we can contact (at least one (1) professional reference should be from a former supervisor). Please click on the link provided below, or use the link in a search bar, and apply online through our career center.

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No phone calls, please!

Please be advised that job offers can only be made once your clearances come through!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER