Kristi's Kiddie Korner Substitute Teacher Whitehall, MT · Part time Company website

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Kristi's Kiddie Korner has proudly served children and families in Whitehall, Montana, since 2008. What began as a small, family-based childcare program has grown into a licensed early learning center with three classrooms and a dedicated team of early childhood professionals.

We believe every child deserves a safe, loving, and engaging second home where they are respected, nurtured, and inspired to grow. Our approach emphasizes play-based learning, positive child guidance, meaningful relationships, and strong partnerships with families.

As a STAR Level 5 program in Montana's STARS to Quality system and an Early Head Start partner, we are committed to providing high-quality early childhood education. We value continuous improvement, professional growth, and staying current with research-based practices that support children's learning and development.

At Kristi's Kiddie Korner, we recognize that exceptional care begins with exceptional educators. We strive to create a supportive, collaborative workplace where team members feel valued, encouraged to grow, and empowered to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.

**We are more than a childcare center—we are a community built on relationships, where children, families, and educators can learn, thrive, and shine together.**

JOB SUMMARY:

Substitutes will support LECT and ECTs in providing a quality caring and supportive learning environment, education and supervision of children ages 0-12 years.  Aids and Substitutes will actively participate with children in care, model behavior and guide children.  Substitutes will work directly with the ECTs, LECTs and Director to carry out activities, learning situations and curriculum.  

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must be at least 16 years of age and be working towards a high school diploma or GED
• Must be a member of Early Childhood Practitioner Registry account or be willing to become one upon hire
• Must have completed (or be willing to complete) the DPHHS Early Childhood Teacher orientation including obtaining a CPR/First Aid Certificate 
• Must be willing to attend trainings as needed.  Substitutes working greater than 500 hours per year must complete a minimum of 16 hours of training each year (including a health and safety review course and the online medication administration course at least every three years)
• Must have awareness of or be willing to learn state regulations for Licensed Childcare, Montana STARS to Quality program and Headstart Performance Standards
• Must meet all other applicable licensing requirements

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide support in carrying out developmentally appropriate activities and experiences

• Read the daily lesson plans and assist the other classroom teacher in executing themUtilize Sub Plans to meet individual needs of children
• Provide support in the classroom by utilizing the Classroom Schedule and Lesson Plan to guide the structure of the day
• Observe, monitor and participate in child play/educational activities. Ensure children are constructively engaged in classroom activities 
• Engage and interact with all children
• Support regular classroom staff as needed and keep children engaged in activities
• Instruct children in health and personal habits such as eating, resting, and toileting habits
• Support children’s emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts 
• Be friendly, warm and affectionate  
• Engage in eye to eye interaction while putting your body at the child’s level 
• Use modulated, appropriate tone of voice
• Show respect for all individuals
• Support children in learning positive behavior expectations
• Respond to children empathetically when they are upset, hurt or angry
• Talk to children about emotions and appropriate ways to express them 
• Instruct children what to do while avoiding negative statements (“No”, “Stop”, “Don’t”, “You’re fine”)
• Reinforce positive behavior by providing positive descriptive feedback 
• Bring any concerns about a child’s needs to the LECT, ECT, and/or the Director’s attention 
• Accompany children to and from school and on outings 

1. Ensure child’s environment is healthy and safe

• Report any suspected abuse or neglect 
• Guide children by using the Classroom Expectations 
• Assist children in their daily needs and encourage them to move towards independence in daily tasks
• Participate in family style meals
• Know where to find and access the Infant Feeding Schedules, allergies and other special conditions or needs
• Remain calm in tense situations 
• Complete the Daily Task List and other items as assigned by the LECT

1. Support LECT to ensure positive communication with families

• Communicate positively as needed with staff and families
• Be available and approachable with families
• Smile, wave or otherwise acknowledge each family's presence
• Show respect to those with diverse backgrounds
• Allow LECT or ECT to relay negative information if needed
• Maintain confidentiality

1. Contribute to program operations

• Be friendly and respectful to all co-workers
• Work as a team player. Complete assigned tasks in a timely manner
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Follow licensing regulations
• Behave in an ethical manner
• Attend and actively participate in requested trainings, in-service, and staff meetings

1. Continually grow as a teacher 

• Actively participating in staff professional growth activities 
• If working more than 500 hours per year: attend a minimum of 16 hours of staff development each year (including a health and safety review course and the online medication administration course at least every three years)
• In collaboration with the Director, create 1-2 professional development goals as part of annual review
• Reflect on personal biases and discuss how biases influence behavior

SKILLS:

• Ability to communicate effectively and willingness to build relationships with other classroom staff
• Ability to take direction from Director, LECTs and ECTs 
• Ability to support positive classroom management at all times
• Ability to work under pressure and for long periods of time while remaining active and engaged
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and be self-motivated
• Demonstrates strong personal communication skills
• Ability to demonstrate patience with emotional situations, difficult situations and challenging behavior
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and tact when discussing difficult situations
• Ability to accept feedback gracefully
• Demonstrates professionalism and personal responsibility