Substitute Child Specialist (Early Childhood Development Center)

Overview

At CEDARS, our mission is to help children achieve safety, stability, and enduring family relationships. For over 75 years, thousands of kids and families have found refuge and a new beginning at CEDARS. As one of Nebraska’s most trusted human service organizations, we make sure that kids feel safe and secure. At the same time, we’re giving parents, foster families, and partnering agencies the support they need to care effectively for kids.

Job Skills / Requirements

Reports To: Assistant Program Director

Classification: Non-Exempt

Schedule: Varied schedule to provide relief coverage in early childhood classrooms; would likely include more hours during the summer months

Rate of Pay: $15.00

Job Summary

Northbridge Early Childhood Development Center (NBECDC) serves kids (ages 6 weeks to 6 years). The center utilizes Creative Curriculum and provides kids with early and ongoing developmental opportunities in an inclusive and diverse environment to help them learn and grow. Classrooms are led by educated and experienced teachers. CEDARS NBECDC is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), and offers the benefit of an early childhood and family therapist.

Substitute staff offer coverage during absences of direct care staff while gaining relevant work experience within CEDARS programs.

Responsibilities

• Cover shifts for direct care staff in the Early Childhood Development Center when they need time off
• Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, culturally appropriate environment.  This includes positive role modeling, effective supervision of children and behavior management, organizing and carrying out curriculum activities and individual planning for children.
• Responsible for meeting the needs of children in care.  This includes, assisting the lead teacher in the development and implementation of each child’s or classrooms daily schedule for health, transportation, meals, rest and curriculum activities.
• Document complete and accurate information regarding children according to the organization’s policies and procedures.  This may include incident reports, daily communication with parents, and other required program documentation as needed.
• Engage children in educational and recreational activities
• Provide support with positive behavior management and structure for children
• Create and maintain positive relationships with children, families and program staff

Requirements

• 19 years of age or older
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience working with children
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record
• Basic understanding of routines and expectations for children
• A genuine interest in and concern for all youth and families    
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent classroom management skills

Education Requirements (All)

High School Diploma or GED Required

Additional Information / Benefits

As a full-time active employee, you are eligible to participate in the following benefits:

• medical, dental, and vision coverages

• flexible spending accounts and health spending accounts

• personal leave, emergency leave, paid holidays, and floating holidays

• retirement plan with 5% company match

• life & long-term disability insurance

• employee assistance program

• wellness and engagement program

• early childhood childcare discount

• opportunities to collect overtime hours if desired

• shift differentials for overnight hours worked and holidays

• mileage reimbursement

• extensive training and professional development opportunities