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On-Call Substitute Preschool Teacher
Posted on May 22, 2026
- Milwaukee, United States of America
- No Salary information.
- Part Time
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Substitute Preschool Teacher
Department: Early Childhood Education
Reporting Manager: Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Bonus/Commission Eligible: No
Position Summary
Do you want to be an impactful educator that allows you to build a flexible schedule that works for you? As a substitute teacher at Penfield Children’s Center, you’ll support our Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms by stepping in when teachers are absent, helping maintain a warm, safe, and engaging environment for young children. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys variety, values teamwork, and is interested in growing their skills in early childhood education.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Support compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, WI DCF licensing, and accreditation requirements.
- Carry out the absent teacher’s or caregiver’s prepared lessons or routines and perform the essential functions identified in an absent teacher’s job description during prolonged absence.
- Uphold classroom policies, procedures, and health/safety practices.
- Follow the classroom’s daily schedule, routines, and guidance from the teaching team.
- Participate in required staff meetings, training, and workshops.
- Support or lead developmentally appropriate, hands-on classroom activities as directed.
- Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment, including refreshing learning centers and ensuring materials are sanitized and in good repair.
- Provide active supervision of children at all times and support positive social-emotional development.
- Assist with documenting attendance, meal counts, and simple classroom notes as directed.
- Maintain confidentiality and follow all agency policies and professional boundaries.
- Support inclusive practices and assist children with diverse needs.
- Collaborate respectfully with co-teachers, center staff, and families to support a positive learning environment.
- Follow mandated reporting requirements for suspected child abuse or neglect.
- Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changing classroom assignments and schedules.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience
- High School Diploma
Preferred Education and Experience
- Associate’s Degree in early childhood education or related field
- Child Development Associate (CDA)
- Level 7 or higher on the Wisconsin Registry
- A valid drivers’ license
- Experience working with infants, toddlers, or preschool-age children
- Experience supporting classroom routines, caregiving, or early learning environments
- Experience working in diverse, inclusive, or community-based programs
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices for infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers.
- Ability to support positive guidance, social-emotional development, and responsive caregiving.
- Knowledge of health, safety, and supervision practices, including active supervision to ensure child safety at all times.
- Ability to work as part of a team and support different classrooms and age groups as needed.
- Ability to follow classroom routines, schedules, and teacher direction.
- Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with children and adults.
- Basic understanding of classroom routines, caregiving practices, and early learning environments.
- Basic comfort with technology, including email, tablets, internet use, data entry, required for communication or documentation.
- Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and professional boundaries.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Bilingual (English & Spanish)
- Experience supporting diverse families and communities
- Familiarity with Head Start standards or WI DCF licensing
- Skill in supporting early learning activities, small groups, or classroom transitions.
- Ability to assist with simple documentation or child observations.
- Ability to support children with diverse needs, backgrounds, and learning styles.
Physical Requirements
- Must meet all required health and safety clearances in accordance with Penfield Children’s Center policy, including an annual flu vaccine and tuberculosis test.
- Move freely throughout the classroom and center, including standing, walking, bending kneeling, and sitting on the floor with children.
- Lift, carry, and hold children weighing up to 40 pounds as needed for caregiving routines.
- Safely push, pull, or maneuver classroom equipment, strollers, or materials up to 50 pounds.
- Maintain visual and auditory supervision of children at all times; including during active play, outdoor activities, and transitions.
- Perform routine caregiving tasks such as diapering, feeding, and assisting with toileting and hygiene.
- Ability to respond quickly and safely to children’s needs, including emergency situations.
- Tolerate typical early childhood environmental conditions, including noise, frequent movement, and exposure to cleaning products used according to licensing and program standards.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
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