General Summary

Substitutes at PACCC assist in a variety of teaching and learning environments with children ages infant through school-age. Substitutes fill-in for the regularly appointed teacher in their absence. Substitutes assist with on-floor program participation and care of the children and tasks that support the smooth operation of the program such as set-up and cleaning up of meals and activities.  

Under general direction, supervises children to promote their physical, cognitive and social development. Responsible for on-floor program participation with children.  Assures on-going, age-appropriate activities and development of children.  Implements the curriculum as needed and under the direction of regular teaching staff. Provides a safe environment for all children at all times.

Essential Functions

• Maintains continuous visual supervision of the children at all times.

• Fosters cooperative behavior and the development of social skills using positive reinforcement and guidance.

• Assists in the implementation of age appropriate activities, as directed.

• Guides children in health and safety practices and self-care.

• Observes children to detect signs of ill health. Immediately reports any concerns to center staff.

• Communicates with parents and staff in a professional manner.

• Maintains, as fully as possible, the established routines and procedures of each center.

• Establishes positive working relationships with center staff.

• Creates a climate that promotes fairness and respect.

• Maintains confidentiality of all information concerning students, staff or parent/guardian.

• Able to observe, see, hear and respond to children's needs in all areas of center grounds and during off-site excursions.

• Able to safely lift 30 pounds from floor to waist level 10 to 15 times per day. Required to ask for assistance for lifting over 30 pounds.

• Able to respond to a child's needs 30 feet away within 30 seconds without danger to the staff person's health.

• Able to work in indoors or outdoors with various temperatures and noise levels.

• Able to stand for long periods of time with frequent kneeling, stooping, or crouching.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

Completion of at least 2 semester units in Early Childhood Education/Child Development and continued enrollment in these courses until 6 units have been completed. Plus some experience in child care or a related environment, which could include parenting, grandparenting, volunteer work with children or baby-sitting, OR

Completion of at least 2 semester units in any area of the following: Recreation, Physical Education, Human Services, Social Welfare, Nursing, Psychology, Sociology, Home Economics or School Age classes and continued enrollment in these courses until 6 units have been completed. Plus some experience in child care or a related environment, which could include parenting, grandparenting, volunteer work with children or baby-sitting.

Preferred Qualifications:

Completion of 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education, including Core* units, plus 6 months experience, OR

Completion of 12 semester units in any area of the following: Recreation, Physical Education, Human Services, Social Welfare, Nursing, Psychology, Sociology, Home Economics, ECE, Child Development or School Age classes, plus 6 months experience.

Any combination of education and experiences equivalent to graduation from a four-year college with a major in Child Development or related field.

*Core Units:  Child Development; Child, Family, Community; Program/Curriculum; and Infant Development

The following additional qualifications are required:  CPR/First Aid certification.

Palo Alto Community Child Care is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.