Head Start: Substitute Assistant Teacher I

## Description

Our team is seeking dedicated Substitute Assistant Teachers to join us for the 2026 - 2027 program year!

**Head Start Child Development Program**

Available sites: Willits, Ukiah, Clearlake, Upper Lake, Lakeport

Hours: Up to 40; varies

Must be available to sub a minimum of two days per week. Availability does not guarantee assignments.

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**POSITION OVERVIEW**

Assists Lead Teacher in planning and implementing the Head Start curriculum. Assists the Lead Teacher in supporting children’s school readiness, care of a group of preschoolers, and communication with their families.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**

• Responsible for the health and safety of children enrolled at the site while under HSCDP care.
• Participate in regular reflective supervision sessions and self-assessment to promote ongoing professional development. \*\*
• Work directly with children on daily classroom activities which meet the Head Start Performance Standards and the State guidelines.
• Participate in the curriculum planning meetings and assists with implementation of the curriculum plans.
• Assist the Lead Teacher with the children’s DRDP assessment by collecting data (child’s observations) as assigned.
• Organize the program materials and environment needed for classroom activities.
• Assist the Lead Teacher in some record keeping and reporting duties of the education component.
• Work as a team member with other teaching staff in planning and implementing classroom activities.
• Provide individual assistance to assigned children in the classroom.
• Facilitate individual and/or small group activities for children with guidance from the Lead Teacher.
• Assist in providing childcare for parent activities when needed.
• Inform Supervisor of all concerns, observations or information provided by a parent or guardian, in a timely manner.
• Participate in the daily cleaning of the classroom including for example, sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming rugs and sanitizing bathrooms.
• Attend scheduled meetings, trainings, and conferences as necessary.
• Responsible for generating, collecting and documenting Non-Federal Share Match. \*\*
• For bilingual employees, performs all job duties utilizing dual language ability as necessary to provide optimum support and services for clients and staff.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

\*\* Does not apply to Substitutes

• When hired with specific duties and responsibilities:
• Language Resources Support: Provide oral and written translation and communication support for non-English speaking families in their native language.
• Integration Support: Provide on-going support to integrate children with special needs in the classroom.

**ESSENTIAL WORK HABITS**

• Align work behaviors in conformance with Head Start STRONG Culture and with NCOs Purpose, Vision and Values.
• Report to work on time and obtain approval from supervisor for any changes in work schedule or absences.
• Maintain a strict commitment to confidentiality, in accordance with Agency and project policies and procedures.
• Follow the NCO Injury Illness and Prevention Plan, as well as all Agency and program safety protocols, procedures, and policies.
• Maintain focus on the assigned tasks.
• Take pride in creating a positive, efficient work environment.
• Treat co-workers and clients with respect.
• Represent NCO and its programs to the community in a positive light.
• Dress appropriately according to assigned job duties and responsibilities.
• Adapt constructively to change.

## Qualifications
**JOB QUALIFICATIONS**

Education, Training and Experience

• The following education and/or experience criteria are required to qualify for the designated level:
• Level I - Must complete 3 core units in Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CDV) within 12 months of being hired.
• Level II- 6 Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CDV) core units required.

(Core courses include child/human growth & development; child/family/community or child and family relations; programs/curriculum.)

• A High School Diploma or equivalent/comparable certificate.
• A minimum of 15 hours of Child Health and Safety training and maintain a current Infant and Child CPR First Aid certification or complete these requirements within 3 months of being hired (Level I - preferred. Level II required).
• 6 months early childhood classroom experience preferred. (Level-II)
• Prior experience working with children with special needs is preferred but not required.
• Organizational and time management skills are preferred.

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of interpersonal communications.
• Principles and practices of Early Childhood Education/Child Development preferred.
• Computer and internet use as relates to the duties of the position; prior use of Microsoft Office 365 preferred.
• Head Start Performance Standards preferred.

Ability to

• Interact with others in a culturally and emotionally sensitive manner.
• Communicate clearly and appropriately both verbally and in writing in English (required); bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred and may be required.
• Participate in the curriculum planning meetings and implementation of the curriculum plans.
• Take over for Associate Teacher when necessary (Assistant II).
• Work effectively and professionally with parents and other adults as well as with children from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds.
• Work effectively as part of a team but have the ability to work independently.
• Maintain confidential information, documentation, and handle sensitive situations appropriately.
• Work flexible hours for scheduled weekend or evening activities as needed.
• Developed organizational and time management skills are preferred.
• Be flexible and able to meet the changing needs of the program.

Necessary Special Skills & Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Employment is contingent on completion of a pre-employment health screening, and meeting TB test and regulatory immunization and vaccination requirements related to work in a Head Start Program and a licensed child care facility.
• Employment is contingent on receipt by program of a Criminal Record Clearance confirming eligibility to work in a licensed childcare facility.

**WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS**

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, listen, and communicate clearly;
• The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, use manual and automatic office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is frequently required to stand; bend; reach down and stretch overhead; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted and may occasionally move and lift heavier materials with assistance using ergonomic guidelines.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The ability to travel during the day and/or night, sometimes long distance – possession of a valid California Driver’s License and access to an insured vehicle is required.
• Interaction and contact with outside agencies, vendors, funders, volunteers, donors, and contributors is