Job Description for: Substitute Teacher Aide (Daily)

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt - Hourly

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW 
Educare West DuPage puts into practice the latest science, research, and evidenced-based strategies to help vulnerable infants, toddlers and preschoolers build the skills they need to arrive at kindergarten safe, healthy, eager to learn, and ready for school. 

Educare West DuPage is driven to inspire children to fall in love with learning, exploring and problem-solving. We expect staff to put their early learning knowledge to work nurturing and engaging our infants, toddlers and preschoolers, and to get parents involved in their child’s education. 

POSITION SUMMARY 
The Substitute Teacher Aide works cooperatively with the Preschool Teacher and Teacher Assistant to plan and implement the daily education program for the children. Under the supervision of the Preschool Teacher, the Substitute Teacher Aide will execute classroom activities and help maintain a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of children. 

As part of the classroom educational team, and under the general direction of the School Director and direct supervision of the Master Teacher and Preschool Teacher, the Substitute Teacher Aide helps plan and participates in classroom, playground, and field trip activities. These activities are designed to enhance all areas of each child’s development. The Substitute Teacher Aide will be responsible for assisting with implementing all programming requirements in adherence to all performance and outcomes standards as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements. 

RESPONSIBLE TO: Master Teacher, School Director, Classroom Teacher 

SUPERVISOR TO: None 

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 
  • High School Diploma or GED 
  • Must be willing to pursue coursework specific to early childhood, adhering to program guidelines, as necessary
  • Have some knowledge of best practices of development and care
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
  • Proof of a physical examination within the last six months, which includes a tuberculosis test, and comply with other background checks as required by the organization and/or Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) licensing
  • Personal qualifications as required in Part 407: Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers; which include; emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 
  • Participate in training to build an understanding of the Educare Model of early learning programming 
  • Support the Primary Caregiver structure to ensure a continuity of care system is in place for all children
  • Aide with the implementation of the Creative Curriculum for Preschoolers framework in the classroom 
  • Aide with learning experiences that promote all developmental areas, including improving the readiness of children for school by developing their language acquisition and vocabulary through a balanced, dual language approach that supports both Spanish and English language acquisition
  • With the Preschool Teacher, guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom
  • Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children
  • Must be able to physically interact with children, including talk, hear, sit, stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and lift and or move items of up to 40 pounds 
  • Must have good command of English language and grammar, both verbal and written 
  • Must be able to manually operate and use a computer and other office equipment 
  • Must be able to clearly hear and understand telephone conversations
  • Must be able to participate in both home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress
  • Eat with children and help them in their development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices 
  • Guide children's acquisition of social skills
  • Attend staff training and meetings, and parent meetings as requested 
  • Aid in the provision and maintenance of safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment
  • Aid in conducting the daily health and environment check list
  • Aid in implementing an IEP (Individual Education Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood 
  • Aid in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed
  • Aid the Preschool Teacher and the Teacher Assistant in the completion of required reports
  • Complete timely and accurate time sheets
  • Aid, as requested, in transition activities 
  • Distribute newsletters, flyers, and other information 
  • Perform other duties, as may be required.
  • Engage in active supervision of children which requires focused attention and intentional observation of children at all times. Teachers position themselves so that they can observe all of the children: watching, counting, and listening at all times. They also use their knowledge of each child's development and abilities to anticipate what he/she will do, then get involved and redirect them when necessary. This constant vigilance helps children learn safely.

​The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position. 

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES 
  • Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member
  • Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community
  • Ability to work with the Preschool Teacher and Teacher Assistant to plan, organize and implement position responsibilities effectively, providing input
  • Ability to learn and implement child development and early childhood principles and practices
  • Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member
  • Ability to remain abreast of ongoing developments in the early learning field and the Educare model 
  • Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low income community
  • Ability to communicate and work with diverse families and professionals 
  • Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials
  • Basic knowledge of computer applications and the ability to learn and master other computer technology /software programs as needed
  • Ability to communicate and respond in a manner that demonstrates respect and concern.
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, fax machine, copier, and tape recorder
  • Must be able to travel
  • Must be able to enter and exit a vehicle without assistance, and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions 
  • Must be able to lift 55 pounds
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Educare of West DuPage is an Equal Opportunity Employer