Do you enjoy working with young children and want a flexible way to make a difference?
First Start Partnerships for Children and Families is looking for an internal substitute team to help provide consistent classroom coverage across our high-quality, NAEYC-Accredited+ early childhood program. This is a part-time, as-needed position designed for individuals who want meaningful work with a flexible schedule.
As a substitute, you will share your availability with us. When classroom coverage is needed, we will contact substitutes based on program needs, qualifications, and availability.
If you are dependable, caring, and enjoy supporting children as they learn and grow, we would love to talk with you.
Position Summary
Substitute Lead Teachers support our classrooms by helping create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children. Substitutes assist with daily classroom routines, activities, meals, transitions, supervision, and positive interactions with children.
This position is ideal for someone who wants to work with children but may not be looking for a traditional full-time schedule.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Classroom Support
- Provide a safe, caring, and supportive environment for children.
- Assist with classroom routines, learning activities, meals, outdoor play, and transitions.
- Support children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through positive interactions.
- Follow classroom expectations, daily schedules, and staff direction.
Health, Safety, and Supervision
- Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
- Follow program health, safety, confidentiality, and expectations.
- Support smooth classroom coverage when regular staff are absent.
Professionalism and Communication
- Be dependable and responsive when contacted for assignments.
- Communicate appropriately with classroom staff and supervisors.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
Pay
$22.67 per hour (up to 5.5 hours per day)
Schedule
This is a part-time, as-needed position with a flexible schedule. Substitutes tell us when they are available, and First Start Partnerships contacts them when coverage is needed. At times, longer-term substitute assignments may be available for those with the availability and qualifications to support extended classroom coverage needs.
All availability is welcome! Our greatest current needs are for substitutes who:
- Can accept shifts on short notice or the same day
- Are available on Mondays and Fridays
- Can work later shifts between 11:45 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.
Work is not guaranteed and will vary based on classroom needs, substitute availability, and qualifications.
Minimum Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or equivalent.
- 2-years' experience working in an early childhood setting, preferred.
- Valid PA Teaching Certification (PK-4, previously N-3) (or actively pursuing the certification at time of hire). Early childhood education experience, coursework, CDA, or related credential preferred.
- Ability to follow directions and support classroom routines.
- Dependability, flexibility, and professionalism.
- Ability to complete required clearances, onboarding paperwork, and training requirements.
Why Join First Start Partnerships?
- Flexible, as-needed schedule.
- Meaningful work supporting children and families in your community.
- Opportunity to gain experience in high-quality early childhood classrooms.
- Supportive, mission-driven work environment.
- A chance to be part of a team of Champions for Children.
