This flexible, as-needed position provides high-quality care and education to children during scheduled teacher absences or other staffing needs. The Substitute Teacher works under the direction of the Program Supervisor and follows the guidance of the assigned classroom's Lead Teacher. The role suits a person who can maintain familiar routines, nurturing relationships, active supervision, and continuity of classroom learning.
Responsibilities
Complete two weeks of required training in various classrooms to learn school procedures, classroom routines, developmental expectations, and program practices
Demonstrate safe supervision, appropriate care practices, and understanding of classroom responsibilities before providing coverage independently
Participate in additional training and coaching as directed by the Program Supervisor
Provide coverage in assigned classrooms according to the schedule established by leadership
Follow prepared lesson plans, classroom schedules, and instructions from the Lead Teacher or Program Supervisor
Support classroom programs, including life skills, math, science, reading and early literacy, Spanish language learning, Christian character development, sensory exploration, creative expression, and physical development
Maintain the classroom's Reggio-inspired environment and support children's exploration through developmentally appropriate materials and interactions
Prepare and facilitate assigned activities, adapting support to children's ages and abilities
Keep materials organized and return classroom resources to their designated locations
Communicate completed activities, changes in routines, and outstanding needs to the classroom team
Build warm, respectful relationships that help children feel secure during teacher absences
Respond attentively to children's emotional, physical, and developmental needs
Support daily routines, including meals, diapering or toileting, handwashing, dressing, rest, cleanup, and transitions
Follow individual care instructions and communicate questions or concerns to leadership
Encourage language development, positive relationships, and age-appropriate independence
Use redemptive classroom guidance grounded in patience, connection, modeling, and gentle redirection
Maintain active supervision of every child throughout classroom activities, outdoor play, transitions, and care routines
Learn the names of children in the assigned classroom and review relevant care information before assuming responsibility
Follow procedures for child counts, attendance verification, classroom coverage, and safe staff handoffs
Remain in the assigned classroom until properly relieved or redirected by leadership
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Follow school health, safety, emergency, and child release procedures
Follow proper handwashing, diapering, food handling, and meal service practices
Keep each child's food and utensils separate and follow documented allergy and dietary instructions
Complete assigned cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting tasks according to school procedures
Report injuries, illness concerns, hazards, incidents, and supervision concerns promptly
Complete required attendance, meal, diapering or toileting, rest, and activity records accurately
Use Procare and other approved systems as trained and assigned
Provide a clear handoff to the returning teacher or leadership regarding children's care, classroom activities, and any concerns
Greet families warmly and share factual daily care information within the scope of the assignment
Refer questions about developmental concerns, behavior plans, policies, or classroom decisions to the Lead Teacher or Program Supervisor
Protect the confidentiality of children, families, and staff
Arrive on time and prepared for accepted assignments
Follow attendance, scheduling, availability, and call-off procedures
Remain flexible when assigned to different classrooms or age groups within completed training and qualifications
Work cooperatively with classroom teachers and follow established routines and directions
Seek clarification when instructions or responsibilities are unclear
Participate in required meetings, professional development, and coaching
Model professionalism, nurturing interactions, and The Elsie Academy's Christian values
Requirements
Meet applicable Florida requirements for the assigned childcare role
Complete required childcare training and maintain required credentials within applicable deadlines
Successfully complete required background screening and employment clearance before beginning assigned duties
CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification within the required timeframe
Basic understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate care
Ability to speak, read, and write English
Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn Procare
Nice to have:
Experience working with young children
Spanish bilingual proficiency
Benefits
Flexible schedule
Important Details
Schedule: flexible, as-needed role; available hours may increase, decrease, or be unavailable in a given week; assignments may vary by workday, start and end time, classroom, age group, and duration; coverage may be scheduled in advance or requested on short notice
Physical Requirements
Lift and carry children or materials weighing up to 40 pounds
Bend, kneel, sit on the floor, and move between floor-level and standing activities
Work indoors and outdoors and participate in active play
Observe and respond promptly to children's needs and safety concerns
Use a computer or tablet for required documentation
About the Company
The Elsie Academy is a Christian school with a Reggio-inspired approach, Spanish language learning, and an emergent curriculum that responds to children's interests and developmental needs.