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.

Additional Requirements*

• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
• Must be vaccinated for measles and pertussis; must obtain annual flu vaccine or provide a signed declination form; must be tested for TB upon hire.
• Must complete a pre-employment physical.
• Must complete and pass a fingerprint background clearance check.

 *Some may be subject to reasonable accomodation requests

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