Substitute Guide

Position Title Employment Classification

Substitute Guide On-Call / Part-Time / Temporary

Reports To Programs Served

Education Director Infant, Toddler, and Early Childhood Programs
(Children ages 3 months–5 years)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Substitute Guide at Ithaca Montessori School (IMS) provides classroom support and supervision in the absence of regularly scheduled staff. Substitute Guides help maintain a safe, respectful, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate Montessori learning environment while supporting the daily needs of children ages 3 months to 5 years old.

Substitute Guides are expected to follow Montessori principles, OCFS regulations, Quality Stars standards, NAEYC best practices, and IMS policies and procedures while ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all children in their care.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with children under 13 years of age preferred
• Ability to pass all OCFS-required background clearances
• Compliance with all school and state health requirements including:
  • Physical examination
  • TB screening/testing
  • Required immunizations
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend, squat, stand, sit on the floor, and actively engage with children for extended periods
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or background in:
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Child Development
  • Montessori Education
  • Related field
• Montessori classroom experience
• CPR/First Aid certification

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Child Supervision & Safety

The Substitute Guide will:

• Supervise children actively and attentively at all times
• Maintain compliance with OCFS staff-to-child ratios and supervision requirements
• Ensure children remain safe during:
  • Classroom activities
  • Outdoor play
  • Transitions
  • Rest periods
  • Meal times
  • Bathroom and toileting routines
• Follow all IMS health and safety procedures
• Conduct classroom responsibilities in accordance with:
  • OCFS regulations
  • IMS policies
  • Emergency procedures
  • Health care plans
• Report injuries, accidents, hazards, or concerns immediately to administration
• Ensure children are released only to authorized individuals

Classroom Support & Montessori Practices

The Substitute Guide will:

• Support the classroom Lead Guide and Assistant Guide with daily routines and classroom functioning
• Maintain a calm, respectful, and organized classroom environment
• Support Montessori classroom expectations including:
  • Grace and courtesy
  • Respect for materials
  • Independence
  • Positive redirection
• Assist children with:
  • Transitions
  • Feeding
  • Toileting and diapering
  • Rest routines
  • Emotional regulation
  • Self-help skills
• Read books, engage children in conversation, and support classroom activities as directed
• Help maintain clean, organized, and prepared classroom spaces

Professionalism

The Substitute Guide will:

• Arrive on time and prepared for assigned shifts
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and respectful communication
• Follow all IMS policies, procedures, and employee handbook expectations
• Demonstrate flexibility and teamwork when supporting different classrooms
• Communicate effectively with classroom staff and administration
• Dress professionally and safely according to IMS dress code policies
• Maintain positive and respectful interactions with children, families, and staff

Training & Professional Development

The Substitute Guide will:

• Complete all required OCFS trainings and onboarding requirements
• Participate in orientation regarding:
  • OCFS regulations
  • Health and safety procedures
  • Emergency procedures
  • Mandated reporting responsibilities
  • Montessori classroom expectations
• Maintain required professional development hours as applicable under OCFS regulations
• Maintain current CPR/First Aid certification if required for the position

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The Substitute Guide must be able to:

• Lift, carry, and assist children and classroom materials safely
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Respond appropriately and quickly in emergency situations
• Maintain active supervision and engagement throughout the workda

OTHER DUTIES

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Education Director, Program Director, or Administration Team