Substitute Aide Pool Program

Early Care and Education (ECE) is experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals to keep providers operating at full certified capacity. ECE programs are essential to the infrastructure of communities they serve. ECE professionals are serving the needs of children, families, and the community all at once.

As a way to support ECE providers, STEP in partnership with the Early Learning Center Region 7 has developed a Substitute Aide Pool Program (SAPP). Individuals interested in the Substitute Classroom Aide positions will be hired by STEP and receive all necessary clearances, orientation, onboarding, and training as it relates to the job position, including health and safety topics. ECE providers will be invited to become members of the SAPP to secure the available Classroom Aides, should they have staffing needs.

This program will utilize the Connecteam app which will allow for Substitute Classroom Aides to schedule which times and location they are able to substitute for. In addition, providers will be able to list the dates and times that substitutes will be required.

The creation of the Substitute Aide Pool Program will build the needed staff capacity in an innovative way that alleviates the burden of hiring new staff for providers, but allows them the comfort to know the substitutes have been vetted and trained. Furthermore, SAPP can offer individuals valuable Classroom Aide experience and flexible schedules.