Job Title: Substitute Teacher ECE
School Year: 2023-2024
Position Overview
Substitute teaching offers an opportunity to impact students in one of the most dynamic urban school districts in the country while maintaining schedule and location flexibility. As such, substitute teachers are expected to maintain a professional attitude toward their work and always keep in mind the school system's goals. Effective substitute teachers make a positive impact on students. Substitute teachers are located in all DC Public Schools and education campuses throughout Washington, DC. Under the direction of the Principal and other administrative staff, ECE substitute teachers play a critical role in the delivery of high quality instruction to children ages 3 to 5 in the absence of an ET-15 teacher or paraprofessional aide. ECE substitute teachers at Title I schools also are responsible for implementing and adhering to the policies or procedures of the Federal Head Start program. Substitute teachers must be able to work the entire duration of their assignment and may be requested on a daily or long-term basis. This position is a safety-sensitive position. As a result, throughout employment this position will be subject to the Employee Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy.
The DCPS, Early Childhood Educaiton (ECE) Substitute Teacher will report to the Principal.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

Follows the prepared lesson plan outlined for the Creative Curriculum or Tools of the Mind unit of study.

• Assists students with activities during "Choice Time" in classroom centers (classroom centers in schools utilizing the Creative Curriculum may include the block area, library, dramatic play, toys and games, and art).
• Maintains attendance records and monitors daily sign-in and sign-out of pre-k students.
• Observes students to detect signs of illness and reports behavioral problems.
• Assists with the completion of the ECE daily classroom health and safety checklist.
• Administers assistance during nap time by placing cots/mats and providing quiet activities to students.
• Assists pre-k students with following the established ECE toothbrushing procedures.
• Engages in structured conversations with the students during lunch time.
• On long-term assignments, develops and implements planned lessons that incorporate skills, knowledge, and experiences to enhance learning in all content areas.
• Reports and discusses any concerns encountered while performing assignments to the Principal and ECE Grade Level Chair.
• Observes the starting and dismissal times and all regulations of D.C. Public Schools during the work day.
• Engage students in warm and supportive interactions and conversations throughout the day, exposing children to language and asking questions about children's thoughts and ideas.
• Throughout the day, support the teacher or education aide to implement the daily lesson plan and schedule of activities.
• Always implement early childhood active supervision strategies (in the classroom, on the playground, in the bathroom, during transitions and at dismissal) to ensure that children are kept safe from harm. This includes counting children before and after all transitions and following the classroom's face to name recognition system.
• Provide support to children during various instructional activities throughout the day. For example, actively engage children in small group and large group exercises. Assist children with personal care and hygiene needs to include handwashing, diapering, toilet training and preparation for nap time. Assist with the facilitation of family style meals during lunchtime. Engage children in conversations about healthy eating habits and proper table manners.

Qualifications

• 60 or more credit hours in lieu of a conferred degree
• Candidates with 1-2 years experience with children ages 3-5 in early childhood education
• Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to implement reasonable rules and procedures to positively guide children's behavior toward classroom expectations.
• Ability to maintain order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
• Ability to assist school administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct.
• Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector and Federal Head Start Program a plus.

DCPS Values

• STUDENTS FIRST: We recognize students as whole children and put their needs first in everything we do.
• COURAGE: We have the audacity to learn from our successes and failures, to try new things, and to lead the nation as a proof point of PK-12 success.
• EQUITY: We work proactively to eliminate opportunity gaps by interrupting institutional bias and investing in effective strategies to ensure every student succeeds.
• EXCELLENCE: We work with integrity and hold ourselves accountable for exemplary outcomes, service, and interactions.
• TEAMWORK: We recognize that our greatest asset is our collective vision and ability to work collaboratively and authentically.
• JOY: We enjoy our collective work and will enthusiastically celebrate our success and each other.