On-Call Childcare Substitute Assistant

About Play & Learn Clubhouse Family Day Care

Play & Learn Clubhouse Family Day Care is a registered family day care in Corning, NY committed to providing a safe, nurturing, engaging, and educational environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

We are looking for a dependable, patient, caring, and energetic On-Call Childcare Substitute Assistant to provide coverage when regular staff members are absent due to illness, vacation, emergencies, training, or other staffing needs.

This is an on-call position with no guaranteed hours. It may be a good fit for someone looking for occasional work or extra income, including gig workers, college students, stay-at-home parents with availability, retired childcare professionals, or anyone with childcare experience who wants flexible, as-needed work.

After successfully completing training, the substitute may work independently as the replacement staff member responsible for supervising and caring for the children during the assigned shift.

Responsibilities

• Provide active and attentive supervision of children at all times
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and positive childcare environment
• Follow the daily schedule, classroom routines, and Director’s instructions
• Lead or assist with learning activities, crafts, sensory play, outdoor play, and group activities
• Prepare and serve meals and snacks as directed
• Assist with diapering, toileting, handwashing, and other personal-care routines
• Support children with patience, kindness, and age-appropriate guidance
• Comfort children and respond appropriately to their emotional needs
• Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the childcare space
• Complete required daily documentation and communicate important information to the Director
• Follow all Play & Learn Clubhouse policies, safety procedures, and applicable OCFS requirements
• Work independently and confidently when replacing an absent staff member
• Communicate professionally with families, staff, and the Director

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Childcare experience strongly preferred
• Professional childcare, babysitting, nannying, volunteer, or family caregiving experience may be considered
• Must genuinely enjoy working with children
• Must demonstrate patience, reliability, honesty, maturity, and good judgment
• Must be able to remain calm and attentive in a busy childcare environment
• Must be comfortable working independently after training
• Must be dependable when accepting an assigned shift
• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions
• Must communicate professionally and respectfully
• Must be willing and able to complete all required clearances, paperwork, and training
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred, or willingness to obtain certification
• Reliable transportation is required

To respect everyone’s time, we kindly ask that applicants apply only if they meet the minimum qualifications listed above.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Childcare is physically and mentally demanding. Applicants must be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods
• Frequently bend, kneel, squat, sit on the floor, and get back up
• Lift and carry children when necessary
• Move quickly and respond immediately to safety concerns
• Participate actively in indoor and outdoor play
• Keep up with multiple young children in a fast-paced environment
• Remain patient, calm, and attentive throughout the shift
• Handle noise, interruptions, changing needs, and multiple responsibilities
• Maintain active supervision without becoming distracted

This position requires stamina, patience, consistency, and a genuine love for children.

Schedule

• On-call and as needed
• No guaranteed hours
• Hours may vary depending on staff absences and program needs
• Daytime availability Monday through Friday is strongly preferred
• Some evening or weekend opportunities may occasionally be available
• Applicants may decline a shift when unavailable, but reliability is expected once a shift is accepted
• Some requests may be made on short notice

Hiring and Training Process

Step 1: One-Hour Shadow Observation

Selected applicants will be invited to complete a one-hour unpaid shadow observation. This allows the applicant to observe the childcare environment, daily routines, responsibilities, and pace of the program before deciding whether the position is a good fit.

The observation is for shadowing only and does not guarantee employment.

Step 2: Paid Training

Applicants selected to move forward will complete approximately one week of paid training at $18.00 per hour under the direct supervision of the Director.

Training will include:

• Daily routines and schedules
• Supervision expectations
• Health and safety procedures
• Emergency procedures
• Meals and snacks
• Diapering and toileting
• Cleaning and sanitation
• Behavior guidance
• Parent communication
• Documentation requirements
• Play & Learn Clubhouse policies and expectations
• Applicable OCFS requirements

Completion of training does not automatically guarantee placement in the on-call position. The applicant must demonstrate that they can safely, confidently, and independently perform the duties of the role.

Step 3: On-Call Substitute Rate

Applicants who successfully complete training and demonstrate competency will transition to the On-Call Childcare Substitute Assistant rate of $22.00 per hour.

Once approved, the substitute may work independently as replacement coverage when a regular employee is absent due to illness, vacation, an emergency, or training.

Compensation

• $18.00 per hour during the paid training period
• $22.00 per hour after successful completion of training and approval for independent on-call substitute work
• No guaranteed weekly hours
• Opportunity to be considered for future regular part-time or full-time positions as the program grows

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is someone children feel safe with, families can trust, and the Director can depend on when coverage is needed.

We are not looking for someone who simply wants an easy shift. We are looking for someone who understands that caring for children requires constant attention, patience, energy, responsibility, and compassion.

If you are dependable, physically active, calm under pressure, willing to learn, and genuinely love working with children, we would be happy to consider your application.

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $22