Position Available: Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. is seeking qualified substitutes ( teacher, assistant teacher, cook) for the local Head Start/Early Head Start Programs. Qualifications for teacher/assistant teacher include a minimum of 0-5 CDA licensure, AA/ASD Degree in Early Childhood, or valid State of Iowa Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education teaching certification. Qualifications for cook include previous food preparation experience. For all positions, prefer candidates with previous early childhood experience. Interested parties are to contact Karen at UDMO’s Central Office, 1-800-245-6151. E.O. E. 

POSITION: Substitute

REPORTS TO: Program Coordinator

SALARY: On-Call Basis/As per agency salary schedule 

FLSA: Non-Exempt

HYBRID WORK: Ineligible

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Standard #1: Competence in Knowledge for the Position

A. Creates an environment of mutual respect, rapport, and fairness.     

1. Tone is generally positive, calm, and supportive.    
2. Promotes children’s security and attachment through warmth, sensitivity, and nurturance to children.
3. Provides support to children’s language development including English Language Learners. 

B. Adheres to and communicates high expectations for social, behavioral, and academic success of all children.

1. Uses visuals to support routines, schedules and transitions.
2. Maintains a safe and healthy environment. 
3. Provides simple, short, specific directions that state expected behavior. 

Standard #2: Classroom Management

A. Creates a safe and purposeful learning environment.

1. Maintains an inviting, well organized classroom to meet the needs of children and follows a daily schedule/routine.
2. Assists in selecting materials to adequately support learning activities.
3. Assists in the documentation of classroom activities and children’s skills. 
4. Transitions between activities are appropriate. 

B. Creates a positive learning community for every child.

1. Provides positive, descriptive feedback to children. 

2. Encourages children to express emotions, problem solve and develop friendship skills. 

C. Establishes, communicates, models, and maintains standards of responsible child behavior.

1. Expectations are clear, proactive, and provide redirection.
2. Uses effective strategies to respond to problem behavior. 
3. Supports children with persistent problem behavior. 

Standard #3: Professional Growth

A. Demonstrates habits and skills of continuous inquiry and learning.

1. Open-mindedness, seeks and accepts feedback.
2. Demonstrates self-initiative and takes advantage of opportunities to improve skills/knowledge.

B. Works collaboratively to improve professional practices and children’s learning.

1.  Teams with teacher and coordinator to develop strategies that positively impact children’s learning.
2. Utilizes ideas and expertise of others to increase effectiveness as a professional. 

Standard #4: Professional Responsibility to Program

A. Adheres to UDMO and program policies and procedures including other regulations.

1. Implements State regulations, other grant requirements, UDMO and Head Start Policies and Procedures. 
2. Abides by ethical codes of conduct

B. Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for all children and staff.

1. Employs a culturally competent and flexible approach when working with those from various cultures by accommodating differences. 

C. Collaborates with families, colleagues, and communities to enhance children’s learning.

1. Maintains professionalism in relationships by establishing appropriate boundaries. 

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Familiarity with computer knowledge and skills in computer operations.
2. File and organize classroom information.
3. Attend meetings and trainings as required.
4. Viable means of transportation, and evidence of insurance, valid Iowa driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
5. Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Prefer High School Diploma/equivalent. Prefer minimum of CDA Licensure, AA/AS Degree in Early Childhood, or valid State of Iowa Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education teaching certification.
2. Prefer previous pre-school experience and willingness to obtain CDA.
3. Successful completion and renewal certification in mandatory licensing requirements.
4. Good written and verbal communication skills.
5. Ability to work as effective team member.
6. Certifications: Mandatory Reporter, CPR, First Aid and Universal Precautions.
7. Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force on occasion, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 5-10 pounds constantly, performing such activities as stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, including some duties requiring repetitive motion skills, such as keyboarding and computer use.
8. Initial physical and one every 3 years thereafter.
9. Adhere to standards of conduct.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. Essential duties are intended to describe those functions essential to the performance of this job, and “other’ duties include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.

This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.