The Substitute Teacher provides a nurturing and safe environment for children to develop cognitive, social, and physical skills. They act as the primary caregiver when regular teachers are absent, implementing developmentally appropriate activities and maintaining safety standards.
Description JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that honors young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn.
We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches.
Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Florida to promote children’s well-being.
These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support.
We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida.
ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes: Medical, dental and vision insurance 403(b) plan with 5% employer match Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Long-term & short-term disability insurance Employer-paid life insurance Paid holidays Generous paid time off Career development Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
The Substitute Teacher provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe and loving environment where each child can develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills appropriately.
MAJOR
RESPONSIBILITIES: To become the Primary Caregiver/Teacher when a regular classroom teacher is absent. To familiarize self with the day’s planned activities. To assist in implementing culturally sensitive educational activities that are developmentally appropriate for each child’s age and language in an individual or small group setting. To provide a warm, nurturing, loving and positive environment, using positive guidance techniques and upholding the ECS Discipline Policy. To develop nurturing relationships with each child which encourage his or her social and emotional development. To maintain all federal, state, local and accreditation standards. (These may include those set forth by NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF and Early Head Start.) To follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling and storing of medications. To ensure that safe practices are followed to prevent injuries to children or self. To maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in the maintenance of the center. To provide and encourage effective communication and relationships with families so that parents feel comfortable talking to staff about their children. To encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program. To eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation. Early Head Start - To follow infants’ individual feeding schedules, and hold infants who cannot sit independently while feeding. To communicate regularly with other staff in order to better serve children and families, including attending staff meetings, trainings, and sharing information. To have a cooperative, positive and supportive attitude within the program. To follow directions and assignments as given. To maintain appropriate record keeping, including maintaining children’s portfolios when covering for extended staff absences. To assist in kitchen and/or cleaning duties as assigned. (These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.)
Organizational
RELATIONSHIP: This position reports to the Center Manager.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or GED required and DCF 45-hour training and experience in a child care setting preferred SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of child growth and development as well as developmentally appropriate practices for children ages birth to 5 years. Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children Ability to exercise control and maintain appropriate classroom discipline Ability and willingness to implement the approved curriculum Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity Ability to build and establish collaborative relationships Ability to work effectively with diverse staff and families Demonstrates proper use of grammar and communication skills Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures Ability to maintain confidential information Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records A willingness to learn and continue personal education CERTIFICATIONS: Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years. Commence within ninety (90) days and complete within 1 year of employment the DCF required 45 hr. training. Complete on-line Food Handlers Course Serving Safe Food in Childcare within 90 days of employment. Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training. Complete a minimum of 15 hours of in-service training annually, July 1- June 30. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Work involves constant visual supervision of children and tolerance of loud noise Ability to communicate both orally and in writing Environment includes indoor classroom and outdoor playground ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS: Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction) Acceptable hearing (with or without correction) Ability to communicate both orally and in writing Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job. A Level II Background Screening which consists of a local, state, and federal criminal check will be completed on all employees and any contracted employee position, intern position or volunteer position in which individuals have contact with children, have access to confidential information and / or are in a position of special trust. To learn more about the system used to conduct these checks, you can use this link - https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)
Market context
Florida schools regularly seek classroom teachers, especially candidates who can lead instruction, plan lessons, and meet state certification and screening requirements. Competition often centers on classroom experience, subject fit, and readiness to complete Florida’s background check and education requirements. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your credentials and prepare examples of lesson planning and classroom management before applying.