Imagination Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Organization Overview

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (Smart Start or SSMC) is a Charlotte-based non-profit that funds local programs for children ages birth to five and their families. The organization is a catalyst for improving the lives of the 85,000+ young children in our community, with a focus on health, family, early education, and literacy. We mobilize resources and forge partnerships to support evidence-based policies, practices, and programs to ensure all children enter kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed.

Smart Start has a budget of over $35 million comprised of funding from the state of North Carolina, Mecklenburg County, and private donations and grants. SSMC funds approximately 25 programs annually serving over 25,000 young children and their families and administers Mecklenburg County's MECK Pre-K program, which provides free Pre-K to children in the community. SSMC also operates programs and campaigns internally, including Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Guiding Parents to Services, Ready4K, and The Basics Mecklenburg. The organization is also the leader in research, data, convening and collaborating on issues related to children 0-5 in the Greater Charlotte area.

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Substitute will represent Smart Start of Mecklenburg County to provide substitute teacher responsibilities as needed. Substitutes will be required to complete initial trainings with Smart Start, respond to substitute requests and fill in for teachers staffed at eligible early care and education licensed facilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete all training with Smart Start prior to becoming a substitute
• Respond to requests from Sub Pool Coordinator
• Meet with Provider administration prior to shift start for a brief orientation
• Fill in for a teacher taking time off for vacation, illness, or other personal matters
• Care for children for the duration of your shift, ensuring a safe and engaging early learning experience
• Help with all learning experiences, including art, music, mealtimes, outside time and more
• Work with the Provider's staff including other teachers and administration
• Communicate with families about their child's day as needed
• Follow all childcare program policies and state regulations for all facilities
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure quality care
• Provide feedback on all center's placements
• Meet with Substitute Pool Coordinator and Professional Development Specialist post shifts

Qualifications

• Minimum of 18 years old with H.S. diploma or equivalent
• Completion of EDU-119-Intro to Early Childhood Education: NC Early Childhood Credential (prefer applicant with a grade of B or better)

Approval

• Qualification letter from NC DCDEE that indicates clearance to work in a childcare facility or family childcare home
• Negative TB test
• Emergency information form and health questionnaire
• Confidentiality agreement
• Complete all 24 hours of pre-service training

Benefits and Perks

• Ability to choose hours and locations of substitute requests
• Stipend paid by Smart Start for pre-service training
• Ongoing support, training, and coaching
• Direct access to Substitute Pool Coordinator and Professional Development Specialist

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required for a job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a part-time position, with some degree of flexibility. This position must be available and flexible to meet the demands of participating facilities (early mornings and afternoons). Location & Travel This position is based in Mecklenburg County, with travel throughout the County to various childcare sites. Travel is primarily local during the business day.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.