JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION SUMMARY: The Program Substitute will be responsible for classroom, dietary and/or and family
educational activities to ensure a quality center based program for families. Duties vary according to the length of
the assignment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Be available to fill in for a teacher, teacher assistant, extended day teacher, or center aide whenever
needed.
• Cooperate with, and follow through on suggestions/recommendations of, managers, leaders and
specialists to establish a quality comprehensive child/family program.
• Has a comprehensive understanding of the needs of the children in the classroom (health issues: asthma,
allergies, seizures, hearing/vision, etc.) and makes appropriate accommodations to ensure child outcomes
are achieved.
• Assists in providing developmentally appropriate activities to enhance physical, social, emotional and
intellectual development of children in the classroom.
• Assists in introducing age appropriate materials to children, volunteers and parents. Provides appropriate
guidance to promote children’s physical growth. Assists in guiding children in developing basic concepts
as prescribed in the education, nutrition, nutrition, health, dental and mental health plans.
• Assists with classroom activities that include reading stories, preparing and delivering activities for/to the
children, conducting/assisting with small and large group activities, alerting teacher to any problems or
special information.
• Assists in maintaining a safe, clean, neat and orderly classroom/learning environment, including
playground areas. Monitors and reports in writing, needed repair of damaged items. Maintains a safe
and clean learning environment through cleaning/sanitizing classroom area including, work area, play
area, materials, etc. Monitors play and working areas for broken and non-usable materials. Takes
appropriate action to correct.
• Encourages language development of children by asking open ended questions. Promotes cultural and
ethnic acceptance and experiences and positive self-concept and social skills. Encourages appropriate
behavior. Provides and participates in learning experiences for children that allow children to solve
problems, initiate activities, explore, question and gain mastery through learning by doing.
• While assisting in classroom supervises children at all times; maintains child/staff ratios in accordance
with policies and regulations. Reports child abuse and neglect in accordance with program policies and
procedures.
• Participates and works as a team-player with all Head Start staff, including but not limited to: teacher,
co-workers, supervisor/management, the staff members/specialist in education, health, and family and
community partnerships.
• Actively participates in center/classroom activities and parent/meetings activities as requested.
• Acts as an advocate and role model for Head Start families. Recruits children for the program.
• Attends and actively participates in training programs, staff meetings, and other meeting/trainings.
• Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of client, staff and agency information.
• Maintains effective working interaction with coworkers and outside contacts that will enhance the
operation of the Head Start program.
• Organizes and prioritizes all assignments as directed.
• Participates in community activities that enhance Head Start programs as directed.
• Actively participates in USDA training provided by Nutrition Services Coordinator.
• Participates in ongoing monitoring, Community Assessment and Self-Assessment and performs
reasonable related functions.
• Participates in regular safety, storm and fire drills.
• Submits reports, documents, and files as directed.
• Uses and follows the policies/procedures of Head Start, federal, state and local regulations/laws, and
federal regulations/laws including the Head Start Performance Standards, applicable transmittal notices,
and other administrative orders/directions.
• Uses and follows the policies/procedures of Mid Florida Community Services, Inc., including but not
limited to Personnel Policies, Occupational Health and Safety policies, payroll policies/practices, etc.
NON-ESSENTIAL/SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:
• Performs any additional duties as directed or assigned by supervisor, management staff, program director
or Mid Florida Community Services, Inc. management staff. This description is intended to convey
information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive
list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position.
JOB STANDARDS:
Education: High school graduate or equivalent. Will obtain certification in First Aid/CPR and register for 55 hours
Florida DCF Child Care Training within 90 days of hire and complete coursework within the first year of
employment. Will complete Head Start required annual training hours.
Experience: No experience required.
Licenses & Certifications: Valid Florida driver’s license and be insurable by Company’s current carrier. Subject to
Federal, State and Local legal requirements/background checks/clearance for working with children. First Aid and
CPR certified.
CRITICAL SKILLS, ABILITIES, & EXPERTISE:
Physical Requirements: These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Talking, standing, sitting, squatting,
kneeling, use of fingers, arms, hands, legs, walking, stretching/reaching, handling, grasping, climbing, bending at
the waist, turning, balancing, pushing, pulling, use of depth perception, carrying and lifting (up to 65 lbs.), and
driving are constant. Good eyesight (correctable) and hearing (correctable) are essential.
Equipment: Computer, facsimile, copy machine, calculator, switchboard, multi-line phone and other small office
and instructional equipment, playground equipment and vehicle.
Skills & Expertise: Knowledge of health/sanitation practices regarding meal service and food preparation/service.
Ability to use and operate a personal computer. Ability to complete work with a high degree of accuracy. Ability
to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Ability to keep accurate written records. Knowledge of
organization methods. Ability to operate a vehicle/van safely. Ability to arrive to work daily and on time. Ability
to work with limited direction. Ability to evaluate situations and make prompt decision. Ability to maintain Mid
Florida Community Services, Inc., Head Start, child and parent confidentiality. Knowledge of classroom
management techniques. Ability to work with children including those with special needs. Ability to be reliable,
responsible and accountable to job requirements. Ability to establish effective working relationships with people,
particularly supervisor and co-workers.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOB FACTORS:
Job Location: Primary location is the Head Start facilities in Hernando, Sumter and/or Volusia counties.
Occasional travel to other counties.
Work Environment: While performing the responsibilities of the position, these work environment characteristics
are representative of the environment the employee will encounter. Office environment and working with others
frequently. Working with office equipment is frequent. Occasionally outdoors and operates a vehicle.
Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.
