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 our Head Start program, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Georgia to promote children’s well-being. This enables 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 the Savannah River Region.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the direction of the Center Manager, the Substitute plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations of the early childhood center. This position helps create a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children can thrive socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. The role includes classroom support, kitchen and janitorial duties (as applicable), and collaboration with staff and families to ensure a high-quality learning environment.
Key Responsibilities:
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To become the Lead / Assistant Teacher when a regular classroom teacher is absent.
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To familiarize self with the day’s planned activities.
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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.
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To provide a warm, nurturing, loving and positive environment, using positive guidance techniques and upholding the ECS Discipline Policy.
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To develop nurturing relationships with each child which encourages his or her social and emotional development.
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To maintain all federal, state, local and accreditation standards. (These may include those set forth by DECAL, ECS, and Head Start.)
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To follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling and storing of medications.
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To ensure that safe practices are followed to prevent injuries to children or self.
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To maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in the maintenance of the center.
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To provide and encourage effective communication and relationships with families so that parents feel comfortable talking to staff about their children.
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To encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program.
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To eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation.
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To communicate regularly with other staff to better serve children and families, including attending staff meetings, trainings, and sharing information.
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To have a cooperative, positive and supportive attitude within the program.
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To follow directions and assignments as given.
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To maintain appropriate record keeping when covering for extended staff absences.
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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.)
Requirements:
QUALIFICATIONS:
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High School Diploma or GED required.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:
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Demonstrate competency to provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions, plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment and promote children’s progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate.
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Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children
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Ability to exercise control and maintain appropriate classroom discipline
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Ability and willingness to implement the approved curriculum
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Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity
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Ability to build and establish collaborative relationships
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Ability to work effectively with diverse staff and families
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Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures
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Ability to maintain confidential information
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Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
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Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records
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A willingness to learn and continue personal education
CERTIFICATIONS:
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Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
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Current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
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At least 10 hours of state-approved training completed within the first 90 days of employment.
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25 hours of annual training (January–December) in topics related to child development, health and safety, curriculum, and program operations.
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Training must be Georgia state-approved and documented in the staff member’s personnel file.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
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Indoor classroom and outdoor playground settings
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Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
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Tolerance for noise and high activity levels
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:
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Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds as needed to assist children or move classroom materials.
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Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, and sitting on the floor to engage with children at their level.
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Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors.
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Capacity to respond quickly and physically in emergency situations.
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Regular visual and auditory monitoring of children to ensure safety and engagement.
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Tolerance for high noise levels and a fast-paced, physically active environment.
