Substitute Teachers provide instructional and supervisory support in classrooms for infants through preschool children. They assist lead teachers with daily activities, curriculum preparation, and maintaining a safe, organized learning environment.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be at least 18 years old and certified in First Aid/CPR for children and infants. Preference is given to those qualified by the Massachusetts Early Education and Care (EEC) with experience in NAEYC-accredited settings.
Written: May 2024 Our Mission Horizons for Homeless Children is a Boston-based non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of young children experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. We help their families succeed by providing high-quality early education, opportunities for play, and comprehensive family support services. Our advocacy efforts extend our impact and advance our vision of ending homelessness among families with young children. Summary of Position Substitutes are a crucial part of our teaching staff; this role is an as-needed, part-time, non-exempt position with oversight by the Assistant Director and reporting to the Operations Manager. Substitute Teachers are assigned to various classrooms (Infants-Preschool) as needed, and the assignment may change according to the Center’s need. Substitute Teachers with Horizons are an integral part of our shared mission of helping children and their families and regularly: Collaborate with a talented, dedicated team of Early Childhood Professionals Teach with high teacher-to-student ratios in each classroom, ensuring that our children get the individualized attention they need. Develop their professional career through mentorship from Education Managers and teamwork with peers, in addition to participating in ongoing trainings in current topics in the field. Nurture and inspire children who need it most. Responsibilities Interact with Children Assist the Education Leader and Supervising Teacher by instructing and supervising children in classroom activities. Work with individual children or small groups of children to reinforce new skills initially introduced by the Supervising Teacher. Assist the Education Leader and Supervising Teacher in devising and implementing special strategies for reinforcing skills based on the individual needs and abilities of each child. Assist with critical daily activities such as classroom transition times, mealtimes, toileting, and/or diapering. Utilize appropriate language, interactions, and positive discipline. Model positive behavior. Support age-appropriate activities that meet the Head Start standards, the NAEYC standards, and Creative Curriculum. Assist with field trips or day trips such as neighborhood walks under the supervision of the Education Leader and/or Supervising Teacher. Continuously monitor children to ensure safety at all times. Curriculum Preparation Assist Education Leader and/or Supervising Teacher to prepare activities that support lesson plans. Documentation Assist in designing and completing documentation panels for the classrooms and hallways. Complete all necessary paperwork for classroom activities including meal count sheets, attendance, tracking sheets, and daily notes. Observe and document children’s behavior. Classroom Maintenance Assist the teacher in the classroom with maintaining a clean and organized learning environment. Maintain a quality room arrangement in compliance with curriculum standards. Assist with routinely checking classroom equipment and materials to ensure they are in good repair. Workspace This is a part-time as needed position. The work you will perform is active, taking place in a classroom setting, working alongside others. There is a large staff room with indoor and outdoor space for breaks as well as a designated quiet room.
Our beautiful office space is located: Edgerley Family Horizons Center at 1785 Columbus Ave, Roxbury, MA. This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local and company policy concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, Background record check and health and safety training. Wellbeing and Belonging The equitable world has always been at the center of Horizons’ mission, but in the last several years we’ve recommitted to the role Horizons plays in rectifying some of the problems we see and wish to address. Visit our Commitment to Workforce DEI page to learn more about what that looks like at Horizons for Homeless Children. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. For more information about Horizons, please visit horizonschildren.org. QualificationsQualifications Education & experience Must be at least 18 years of age teacher qualified by Massachusetts Early Education and Care (EEC) is preferred but not required Certified in First Aid/CPR for children and infants and willing to maintain certification through professional development Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Cooperates successfully as a member of a team. Communicates effectively with others, including giving and receiving feedback on the quality of services. Meet any specific content area requirements. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Demonstrated capability to interface and maintain effective relationships with staff, consultants, and regulatory/funding representatives in a team-oriented environment. Capacity to assume responsibility for own professional development. Flexible, with the ability to work in a highly demanding, stressful environment.
Must be flexible and willing to work between the hours of 7:30 am and 5:30 pm Able to lift 50 lbs. Priority will be given to individuals who have had previous experience working with homeless children and their families, especially in a NAEYC-accredited Early Childhood Education setting. Able to work effectively with adults and children with a demeanor that is appropriate sensitive and enthusiastic, showing a commitment to working with homeless families. Looking to grow a career in Early Education with Horizons using the resources and coaching available. Commitment to Horizons mission and ability to embody our core values (Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative, and Passionate).
Market context
Substitute roles stay in steady school demand
In Massachusetts, substitute positions are commonly needed to cover teacher absences and keep classrooms running smoothly, so schools often look for candidates who can step in quickly and follow established routines. These roles can be competitive because districts value reliability, flexibility, and prior child care or early education experience. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm the district’s preferred age, education, and availability before applying.
