Preschool Teacher - Substitute

The Preschool Substitute Teacher is responsible for caring for, teaching, and supervising preschool-aged children, typically ages 3–5, in the absence of the regular classroom teacher. The Substitute Teacher helps maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that supports each child's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

The Substitute Teacher follows established lesson plans, classroom routines, and school policies to provide consistency in the children's daily learning experiences. This position requires flexibility, patience, sound judgment, and a commitment to the well-being and development of young children.

Job Responsibilities

Classroom Instruction and Activities

• Follow the daily schedule, lesson plans, and classroom routines established by the regular teacher or school administration.
• Lead age-appropriate activities that support early literacy, numeracy, creativity, and motor skill development.
• Engage children through stories, songs, play, and hands-on learning experiences.
• Adapt activities to meet children's individual needs, interests, and developmental levels.

Classroom Management

• Maintain a warm, positive, and structured classroom environment.
• Guide daily routines, including circle time, snack, rest, transitions, and outdoor play.
• Promote positive behavior through encouragement, redirection, and positive reinforcement.
• Ensure classroom expectations, school policies, and safety guidelines are consistently followed.

Student Engagement and Support

• Foster curiosity, cooperation, independence, and a love of learning.
• Provide individual attention and support to help each child feel included, valued, and successful.
• Encourage the development of social-emotional skills, including sharing, communication, cooperation, and self-regulation.
• Support children's developmental needs with patience, kindness, and respect.

Safety and Well-Being

• Maintain the physical and emotional safety of all children under supervision.
• Follow established health, hygiene, sanitation, and safety procedures, including handwashing, sanitizing, and emergency protocols.
• Actively supervise children during classroom activities, transitions, meals, rest periods, and indoor and outdoor play.
• Respond appropriately to children's needs and promptly report accidents, injuries, incidents, or concerns to the appropriate school personnel.
• Follow all child protection policies and procedures.

Communication and Documentation

• Communicate effectively and professionally with school staff and administrators regarding classroom activities and significant observations.
• Provide the regular teacher with notes regarding the day's activities, classroom events, and any concerns requiring follow-up.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and school matters.
• Demonstrate professionalism and sound judgment in all interactions with children, families, colleagues, and administrators.

Job Requirements

Licensing and Certifications

• Childcare or substitute teacher certification, if required by applicable state regulations or school policies.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications preferred.
• Successful completion of all required diocesan and school background checks, child-safety training, and other employment requirements.

 

Experience

• Previous experience working with preschool-aged children in a classroom, childcare center, or similar setting preferred.
• Familiarity with early childhood development, classroom routines, and age-appropriate learning activities preferred.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and classroom management skills.
• Patience, flexibility, dependability, and the ability to respond appropriately to changing classroom needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and other school personnel.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and following school policies and procedures.