Substitute Teacher

The Substitute Teacher works under the direction of the Program Supervisor and follows the guidance of the assigned classroom’s Lead Teacher to provide consistent, high-quality care and education during scheduled teacher absences or other staffing needs.

This is a flexible, as-needed position that provides classroom coverage based on The Elsie Academy’s staffing needs. The role does not guarantee a fixed schedule, a minimum number of hours, or ongoing weekly assignments. Workdays, hours, classrooms, and assignment lengths may vary.

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. Substitute Teachers help maintain familiar routines, nurturing relationships, active supervision, and continuity of classroom learning.

Substitute Teachers are not permanently assigned to one classroom and do not hold ongoing classroom leadership responsibilities.

Required Training

• 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.

Classroom Coverage and Program Support

• 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.

Child Development and Daily Care

• 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.

Safety, Supervision, and Sanitation

• 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.
• 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.

Documentation and Family Communication

• 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.

Professional Expectations

• 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.

Qualifications and Education 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.
• Experience working with young children preferred.
• Basic understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate care.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English.
• Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn Procare.
• Spanish bilingual proficiency preferred.

Required Competencies

• A love for children and commitment to providing nurturing care.
• Dependability, flexibility, and willingness to work across classrooms.
• Patience and responsiveness to children’s individual needs.
• Strong listening, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow lesson plans, care instructions, and safety procedures.
• Ability to remain calm and attentive during busy routines and transitions.
• Sound judgment and willingness to seek support promptly.
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to perform essential classroom duties, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• 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.

Scheduling and Assignment

The Substitute Teacher position is a flexible, as-needed role. Scheduling is determined by school leadership based on teacher absences, classroom coverage needs, and the Substitute Teacher’s availability.

• A fixed schedule, minimum number of hours, or regular weekly assignments is not guaranteed.
• 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.
• Substitute Teachers must communicate their availability and promptly respond to scheduling requests.
• Once an assignment is accepted, the Substitute Teacher is expected to report on time, complete the assigned shift, and follow attendance and call-off procedures.
• Completion of the required two-week training period does not guarantee ongoing hours or a permanent classroom assignment.

The substitute program supports continuity of care. All classroom team members remain responsible for meeting their attendance, performance, and scheduling expectations.

Pay: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person