Substitute Child Specialist (Early Childhood Development Center)

Overview

As one of Nebraska's leading child-serving organizations, CEDARS helps children and youth achieve safety, stability, and enduring family relationships. We provide programs and services that help kids and families navigate challenges, strengthen connections, and build brighter futures.

Guided by the belief that every child deserves safety, support, and the opportunity to thrive, we work alongside families, foster parents, community partners, and supporters to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and youth.

At CEDARS, we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, and where everyone feels like their identities are embraced and valued. When we practice empathy, and celebrate the diverse perspectives of our employees, it fuels innovation and creates an environment where we can attract a broad range of candidates and our employees are empowered to do their best work.

Job Skills / Requirements

Reports To: Program Director

Classification: Non-Exempt

Schedule: Would provide relief coverage so schedule varies depending on staffing needs; could be needed anytime between the hours of 6:30a-5:30p, M-F

Rate of Pay: 15.50

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.

This position serves as a substitute early childhood teacher, providing relief coverage in our Early Childhood Development Center when regularly scheduled staff are unavailable; therefore, the position is likely to work with infant, toddler, and preschool age children and will have variable hours.

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 up to 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