Short-Term Substitute Teacher Assistant (Early Childhood)

The Organization 

For over 55 years, Urban Community School (UCS) has served Cleveland’s children by providing an individualized, innovative, and challenging education. Rooted in the Ursuline Sisters’ tradition of faith, character, and educational excellence, UCS engages our faculty, families, and community partners in the successful whole child development of students. Serving nearly 800 children from 6 weeks old through 8th grade, the school uses restorative practices and conscious discipline to foster growth and community. Accredited by the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS), UCS enrolls a student body in which seventy-six percent of families are economically disadvantaged. 

Our growing 15-acre campus in the Ohio City neighborhood is home to a vibrant mix of facilities and partners. The Roundstone Athletic Center features the Glick Family Fieldhouse and the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. The campus also hosts The MetroHealth System, House of Champions, Urban Squash Cleveland, USA Lacrosse, Re:Source Cleveland, and Facing History and Ourselves. Outdoor spaces include Doyle Field, a new Little League field, along with a sports mini-pitch, basketball court, lacrosse field, three playgrounds, and learning garden. 

UCS is a recipient of the 2026 and 2022 Top Workplace Award from The Plain Dealer, which is based solely on employee feedback. UCS has also been recognized as one of Cleveland’s City Champions by The Plain Dealer, a National Green Ribbon School for Environmental Practices and Learning Model, and a School of Excellence by the Cleveland Foundation and The George Gund Foundation.

Responsibilities

• In the absence of the teaching team, follow the regular classroom procedures and routines. 
• Build and maintain relationships with students. 
• Provide a safe and engaging learning environment that is aligned to the mission and values of the organization. 
• Support the team in a variety of ways including:
• Preparing and setting up materials and activities.
• Implementing portions of the lessons as directed by the teacher or teaching team.
• Assisting in keeping the classroom and storage areas clean, neat, and organized.
• Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times.
• Maintain required staff-to-child ratios at all times.
• Share anecdotal observations and notes with the teaching team as requested  to support student learning and development. 
• Assist with non-instructional duties as required.
• Complete approved, specialized professional development hours as required by the Ohio Department of Education and Step Up To Quality. 
• Participate in staff meetings and training as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Skills and Competencies

• Accountability and Dependability: Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work, and achieves results with little detailed oversight. Resourceful with ability to work independently. Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Adapts to changing school and student needs, conditions, and responsibilities. Is open to different and new ways of doing things. Able to work well under time demands and to perform multiple tasks.
• Collaboration: Works well in teams and with others in ways that promote goals and collective objectives. Service-oriented with ability to effectively interact with students, staff and administrators. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Initiative: Recognizes situations that warrant initiative and moves forward without hesitation; reasonably resolves issues, problems, or situations. Willing to participate in skills enhancement and professional development. 
• Student Focus: Builds and maintains student service and success; provides excellent service to students. Ability to work with confidential information and maintain student confidentiality.

Education and Experience 

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate's degree in child development, early childhood education, or other approved related field strongly preferred 
• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or CPL 2 preferred
• Previous experience working with infants, toddlers or preschool children strongly preferred. 
• Maintain CPR, First Aid, Communication Disease and Child Abuse Recognition & Prevention certifications.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Must be examined by a licensed physician, physician's assistant, advanced practice nurse, or certified nurse practitioner within twelve months prior to the first day of employment.
• FBI/BCI background check required. 
• Must be able to actively interact with young children by having good dexterity with ability to lift up to 40 pounds, push, pull, carry, climb, balance and kneel and the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and squat.
• Prolonged periods of standing, moving throughout a classroom, and climbing stairs in a two story building. 
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

Compensation and Benefits

• $16.56 per hour 
• Casual work attire (denim and UCS spirit wear are welcomed)
• On-site fitness center for faculty and staff
• Financial and retirement advising at no cost to employees  
• Opportunities for discounts on home, rental and auto-insurance

Additional Information

• Status: Part-Time; Non-Exempt; Variable 
• Reports to: Director of Early Childhood

Urban Community School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Urban Community School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Urban Community School complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.