Substitute Teacher - Head Start Program (Part-time)

CLASSIFICATION TITLE:

Substitute Teacher - Head Start Program (Part-time)

SALARY:

$23.03 - $23.03

DEPARTMENT:

Opening Date:

11/03/2026

Closing Date:

11/25/2026 12:00 a.m.

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt - overtime paid pursuant to Human Resources policy

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: At will as defined by Human Resources policy

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under direction, fills vacant position of Teacher and adapts to class functions and schedule, implementing all aspects of the Head Start Program in the classroom setting.  Responsible for keeping students safe using active supervision.  Supports the Teacher Aides who have joint ownership of the class.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fills vacant position of Teacher temporarily and ensures the students are safe and their needs are met.

Ensures the desired mental health atmosphere reflected through Positive Behavior Management (PBM) techniques, positive reinforcement and well-integrated daily schedule.

Develops lesson plans for the temporary position and sets up all materials needed for instruction. 

Maintains current documentation using appropriate forms of Program activities and services provided, including the food program and attendance forms.

Communicates and models behavior to children in a positive manner.

Maintains a positive communication system between parents and the Head Start Program.

Uses active supervision strategies to ensure safety and accountability of all children.

Plans daily and weekly curricular activities through online TS GOLD lesson planning.

Cleans classroom daily to maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment.

Arranges classroom furniture and materials to facilitate learning.

Responds to early morning substitution calls or text messages.

Participates in training programs, region meetings and in-services as assigned.

Arranges classroom furniture and materials to facilitate learning.

Compiles, prepares, and submits information in a timely and accurate manner through manual or internet data entry.

Maintains current information regarding Head Start, local, state and federal regulations for early childhood programming.

Maintains certification, licensure, First Aid, and CPR and continuing education requirements of the program to meet federal and state requirements. 

Provides breaks to classroom staff as assigned.

Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions, including travel between various classroom sites during designated shift.

Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Development, Elementary Education or related field

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Development, Elementary Education or related field
• Teaching experience in Early Childhood Education
• Experience working in the Head Start Program

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices
• Community resources and networks
• Head Start Performance Standards regarding child health and developmental services, child health and safety, program governance and family partnerships

Skill in:

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with staff, clients, families, outside professionals, agencies and the public
• Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring and reviewing work assignments
• Working with diverse cultures and populations
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Effective time management and organizational skills

Ability to:

• Provide direction to children and adults in a positive manner
• Maintain an effective system of documentation
• Supervise daily classroom operations and assigned teacher aides
• Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
• Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Work Environment

Office or similar indoor environment: F/C

Outdoor environment: O

Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S

Construction site: N/S

Confined space: N/S

Exposures

Individuals who are hostile or irate: O

Individuals with known violent backgrounds: N/S

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S

Communicable diseases: N/S

Moving mechanical parts: N/S

Fumes or airborne particles: N/S

Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/S

Loud noises (85+ decibels): N/S

Blood Borne Pathogens: O

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Demand:

Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: F/C

Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): F/C

Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: O

Crawling (moving about on hands and knees): N/S

Inspecting in confined spaces: N/S

Digging:  N/S

Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: O

Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: O

Kneeling to work at low levels: O

Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C

Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another up to 50 pounds: F/C

Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: O

Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O

Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C

Standing in an upright position without movement: F/C

Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: F/C

Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: O

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.  Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations. 

GRANT OR EXTERNALLY FUNDED POSITION –This position will continue only if sufficient grant or external funds are provided.