Early Childhood Substitute Teacher

ECE Subhub is seeking a compassionate, dependable Substitute Teacher to support a network of Head Start classrooms in the River Rouge area. This role is ideal for an educator who believes in nurturing development, fostering resilience, and cultivating well-being in young children and their families.

This placement is with a long-standing community organization recognized for more than 60 years of service. Their early childhood programs are part of a broader mission to support children, adults, and families through education, prevention, and growth-focused services. As Sub, you’ll play an important role in helping preschool children unlock their potential in safe, supportive, and developmentally rich environments.

What the Role Involves

You’ll assist in planning and implementing educational activities that promote age-appropriate growth across all developmental domains. Classrooms emphasize hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and strong relationships with children and families. Because this role supports multiple Head Start sites, your schedule and location may vary based on program needs.

What You Can Expect

• Work with preschool-aged children in high-quality Head Start environments.
• Support teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Build relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Experience a mission-driven organization committed to equity, cultural sensitivity, and community well-being.
• A role that requires flexibility, teamwork, and a calm, supportive presence.

Physical & Professional Expectations

This position requires active engagement with children throughout the day, including:

• Lifting up to 60 pounds unassisted during emergencies.
• Standing for 3.5–5 hours depending on class session length.
• Moving between floor-level and standing positions frequently.
• Bending, stooping, and assisting with a child needs multiple times per hour.
• Sitting on the floor or child-sized chairs for extended periods.

The ideal candidate brings a nonjudgmental, culturally competent approach, sensitivity to diverse family experiences, and the ability to remain steady and supportive during crisis situations.

Working With ECE Subhub

At ECE Subhub, you’ll be supported every step of the way. As a substitute teacher, you’ll have opportunities to assist or lead in curriculum implementation, daily routines, relationship-building, and the overall rhythm of each classroom you support. You’ll gain hands-on experience across a variety of teaching styles and settings, build strong professional relationships, and develop confidence working with young children. Our substitutes are trusted partners in each classroom, and we make sure you have the tools, training, and encouragement you need to succeed.

What You Can Expect

• Work with children ages 0–5.
• Choose your schedule with a minimum of two days per week.
• A great fit for retirees, college students, and those reentering the workforce.
• Comprehensive training, coaching, and ongoing support.
• A welcoming, inclusive team that values your growth and contributions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field with 12 ECE credits, or Preschool CDA or state-awarded certificate meeting CDA requirements, or Enrollment in a degree or CDA program to be completed within two years.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Experience working with preschool children in a classroom setting.