Substitute Teacher

Title: Substitute Teacher, ODC Early Childhood Network

Reports To: Site Director

Status: Hourly, exempt. Schedule is flexible and as needed.

Overview: ODC Network is a nonprofit organization focused on outdoor education and conservation throughout West Michigan. The ODC Early Childhood Network operates nature-based preschools and childcare facilities in Allegan and Ottawa County. ODC Early Childhood Network provides early childhood learning opportunities for children aged birth-5, building social, emotional, and academic skills within a unique natural environment with an emphasis on nature-based inquiry and outdoor exploration.

Purpose: The Substitute Teacher will fill vacancies in the classroom by working with the classroom teachers to provide a high-quality, developmentally appropriate nature-based preschool experience for children ages birth-5 and by working actively with ODC Network staff to ensure children have a strong connection to nature.

ODC Network is searching for substitute teachers who can help in one or two different capacities. Substitute Teachers can choose to be on-call and contacted on an as-needed basis for teacher coverage. They can also choose to work a longer-term stint in one classroom filling in for a teacher on leave. The longer-term opportunities could potentially be full or part-time, depending on availability and interest.

ODC Network Diversity Policy Statement:

ODC Network is an equal-opportunity employer. Click here to read our diversity statement.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Work with a teaching team for assigned classes.
• Participate in and help lead activities including but not limited to: interacting with students in nature and in the classroom setting, engaging students in learning activities, preparing snacks (and meals for full-day classes), supervising nap time, and maintaining a safe learning environment.
• Change the diapers/pull-ups of children and manage potty training needs.
• Assist Lead Teacher with organization of outdoor and indoor classrooms and learning resources.
• Actively participate in large group activities, nature hikes, and explorations.
• Dress appropriately and be prepared to spend each day outside, actively engaging in play/exploration in all weather. 
• Other duties as assigned by Site Director.

Professional Responsibilities: Maintain educational and training requirements for childcare

licensing and quality program assessments. Substitute Teacher will be required to attend no less than 16 hours of training annually and must maintain a current CPR/First Aid certification. ODC will work with Substitute Teacher to provide opportunities for free training as needed.

Supervision/Evaluation: Supervision and evaluation will be provided by the Site Director. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Maintenance of a healthy, safe, and positive environment for childcare staff and children
• Collaboration with children and ODC staff
• Demonstrated interest in helping to teach and develop young children and early childhood education.
• Strong decision-making skills to respond to emergencies or difficult situations
• Commitment to learning in nature and being outdoors.
• Willingness to spend a significant amount of time outdoors each day, in all types of weather. 
• Demonstrated good character, responsibility, and suitability to meet the needs of
• children with diverse backgrounds and learning differences.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team. 
• Ability to pass a complete Michigan background check, including fingerprinting.
• Current certification in First Aid/CPR, or willingness to receive training if needed.
• Willingness to work in other classrooms with ages ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old as needed.

Education/Experience:

• Preferred Education/Credentials: High school diploma or equivalent required. Current Preschool CDA and/or bachelor's degree in Outdoor Education, Biology, Environmental Studies or a related degree with experience teaching young children is desirable but not required. 
• Experience teaching children and working with children

Physical Demands: This position requires the following physical activities: pushing, pulling, climbing, walking, standing, squatting, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, lifting, bending, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing, and visual acuity. The work/teaching is performed indoors and outdoors. Additionally, this position requires occasionally lifting up to 30 pounds and walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods of time.

Equipment Operated:  Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications, Google, and the operation of general office equipment.

These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position. This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned above.

ODC Network complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Kaylee Mesbergen, People & Culture Manager at kaylee@outdoordiscovery.org.