Childcare Teacher Aide Seasonal Substitute

General Summary: The Childcare Teacher Aide SEASONAL SUBSTITUTE plays a vital role in supporting children with intellectual and developmental disabilities by helping create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Working under the guidance of the Program Leader, this position contributes to meaningful, person-centered experiences that promote independence, growth, and a sense of belonging. Through compassionate care, active engagement, and a commitment to dignity and respect, the Teacher Aide supports each child’s unique strengths while helping advance the organization’s mission to empower individuals and strengthen families.

Position Status: Substitute / As-Needed Role: This position is designated as a seasonal substitute role and is scheduled to work during Prince William County Public Schools (PWCPS) scheduled breaks, including approximately nine (9) weeks during summer break, one (1) week during spring break, and two (2) weeks during winter break and school holidays. The Childcare Teacher Aide SEASONAL SUBSTITUTE works full-time hours during scheduled program operations, Monday through Friday, with shifts of 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. or 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., including a one-hour unpaid meal break

Position Classification: Non-Exempt; this is a substitute, as-needed position responsible for providing coverage when staff are absent or when additional staffing support is needed to maintain safe and compliant program operations.

Reports to: Director of MHCC

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists the Program Leader in the implementation of developmentally appropriate activities and programs for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in accordance with approved curriculum and individual service plans, as applicable. 
• Provides direct supervision of children at all times to ensure their safety, health, and well-being in accordance with licensing standards. 
• Maintains required staff-to-child ratios and supports compliance with all applicable state licensing regulations, policies, and procedures. 
• Assists children with activities of daily living (e.g., toileting, feeding, hygiene) in a manner that promotes independence, dignity, and respect. 
• Implements behavior support and supervision strategies consistent with program policies and individual needs. 
• Maintains a clean, safe, and sanitary classroom environment in accordance with health, safety, and licensing requirements. 
• Observes and reports concerns related to child health, safety, or development to the Program Leader or appropriate supervisory staff in a timely manner. 
• Demonstrates appropriate professional boundaries and conduct in all interactions with children, families, and staff. 
• Participates in required training and maintains current certifications as required by licensing and agency policy. 
• Performs other duties as assigned to support program operations and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to follow and implement established routines, lesson plans, and behavior support strategies. 
• Ability to provide direct care, including assisting with activities of daily living (e.g., toileting, feeding, hygiene), while promoting independence and dignity. 
• Ability to observe, recognize, and report concerns related to child health, safety, or development in a timely manner. 
• Ability to maintain compliance with applicable licensing regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to demonstrate patience, empathy, and sound judgment when working with children in a variety of situations. 
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times. 
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced, child-centered environment. 
• Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations and follow established safety protocols. 
• Ability to complete required training and maintain certifications as required by licensing and agency standards.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must satisfactorily complete required trainings as specified by Licensing Standards.
• Staff shall be: of good character and reputation; capable of carrying out assigned responsibilities; capable of accepting training and supervision and capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing as applicable to the job responsibility. 
• Capable of communicating with emergency personnel.
• Knowledge of the groups being served and skills specific to the special needs of the children in care including functional abilities, accommodations, assessment techniques, behavior management, and medical and health concerns.

Physical Qualifications: Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and floor sitting. Ability to lift, carry, and/or assist children up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, and support mobility as needed. Must be able to actively supervise children, respond quickly in emergency situations, and engage in indoor and outdoor activities. Requires the ability to communicate effectively and to visually and auditorily monitor children at all times. May involve exposure to noise, bodily fluids, and typical childcare environmental conditions.

 Working Conditions / Environment: Work is performed in a childcare setting serving children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including classrooms, playgrounds, and community-based environments. The role requires active supervision and engagement in a fast-paced, high-activity setting, with regular exposure to noise, varying behaviors, and outdoor conditions. Responsibilities include assisting with personal care and maintaining a clean, safe environment in accordance with health, safety, and licensing standards. The position requires the ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and adhere to all agency policies and regulatory requirements.

We offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees to include Health, Dental, Vision and Life insurance options. Majority share of employee health premiums paid by the agency. Company sponsored Life, Short-Term, & Long-Term disability insurance; 403(b) and Paid time off (including personal time, paid holidays and sick leave).