Substitute Teacher
About This Role
Are you the type of teacher who is excited by experiential, play-based learning opportunities in a small school environment? Gardner School is looking for dedicated and creative substitute teachers to join our dynamic staff and help move the school forward as a leader in progressive education in Clark County. Gardner is a place where creativity, connection, curiosity, and courage are celebrated, and where learning is ongoing for students, staff, and families. Gardner School has two campus locations, our Preschool-6th grade Main Campus in the Mt. Vista neighborhood in Vancouver, and the 18 months-school age Country Friends Campus in Hockinson.
What You'll Do
POSITION SUMMARY:
As a substitute at Gardner’s Country Friends Campus supports the classroom in providing a warm, engaging, developmentally appropriate environment for young children. This role is essential in implementing play-based learning activities, maintaining classroom safety, and nurturing positive relationships with children and families.
Substitute Teachers help maintain a warm, engaging classroom environment in the absence of the regular teacher. They support classroom routines, guide children through planned activities, and ensure a safe and supportive space for learning. Working closely with fellow team members, they bring flexibility, reliability, and a genuine enthusiasm for early childhood education. The ideal candidate is adaptable, collaborative, and ready to contribute meaningfully, even on short notice.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support the classroom in implementing a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum in the absence or support of the Lead Teacher.
- Assist with preparing materials and classroom spaces for daily activities as needed.
- Engage positively with children, modeling respectful behavior and supporting their social-emotional development.
- Observe and interact with children, sharing any relevant insights with the teaching team.
- Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment, including participating in regular cleaning routines.
- Supervise children indoors and outdoors to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
- Follow daily routines such as transitions, meals, rest time, and toileting/diapering, maintaining consistency for children.
- Communicate appropriately with families under the guidance of the Lead Teacher or supervisor.
- Collaborate with team members to support a cohesive and caring teaching environment.
- Follow all DCYF licensing regulations and support the classroom’s Early Achievers participation.
- Perform additional duties as directed by the Lead Teacher or site supervisor
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
DCYF Requirements Before Hiring:
- Minimum Age: 18
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Completion of required DCYF (DEL) certifications in MERIT
- Portable background check
- TB Test
- Completion of 30-hour Child Care Basics training
- Current First Aid and CPR certification (or within 90 days of hire date)
- Blood Borne Pathogens Training (or within 90 days of hire date)
- Food Handler Permit (or within 90 days of hire date)
Benefits
- Compensation and benefits include:
- Wage: $17.13-$19 (dependent on experience)
- Position Classification: Non exempt (hourly)
- Hours: Varies
Common Questions
What ECE credentials are required for this position?
A CDA is preferred for this role.
What does this position pay?
This Substitute Teacher role pays $17.13 to $19/Hr.
Is this full-time or part-time?
This job is Full Time.
Where is The Gardner Country Friends Campus located?
The Gardner Country Friends Campus is located at 17415 Northeast 159th Street, Brush Prairie, WA