Early Childhood Substitute Teacher - Nature Based Program

Ann Arbor, MI

Full Time

Entry Level

Early Childhood Substitute Teacher

Nature-Based Program | Ann Arbor Area

ECE Subhub is seeking an energetic, adaptable Long-Term Early Childhood Substitute Teacher to support one of our nature-immersive partner programs in the Ann Arbor area. This is a great opportunity for an educator who loves the outdoors, embraces child-led exploration, and enjoys working in a diverse, inclusive early childhood community.

This placement is with a program that spends the majority of each day outside exploring natural playscapes, gardens, and the surrounding community — rain, shine, mud, or snow. Educators who thrive in this environment enjoy staying active, getting messy, and supporting children as they learn through movement, nature, creativity, and hands-on discovery.

The program operates across multiple locations, including Upper School, two Lower School locations, and a Spanish Immersion Center. Each site offers a unique environment designed to encourage curiosity, independence, and meaningful exploration.

About the Program

Lower School

Ages: 6 weeks–2.5 years
Child-to-teacher ratio: 4:1
Daily attendance: Approximately 25 children
Hours: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM

The Lower School provides a warm, nurturing environment for infants and toddlers. Children are cared for in small, loving family-style groups where mixed-age play, responsive caregiving, and nature-based routines are part of each day.

Program features include:

Nature-based themes woven into daily routines
Small, family-style classroom groups
Organic morning and afternoon snacks
Cloth-diaper friendly practices
Baby-wearing supportive environment
A nurturing, relationship-centered approach to infant and toddler care

Upper School

Ages: 2.5–5 years
Child-to-teacher ratio: 8:1
Daily attendance: Approximately 30 children
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM

The Upper School is designed for active, curious preschoolers who learn through exploration, collaboration, and outdoor play. Children spend much of the day in natural playscapes, gardens, and community spaces where they can investigate, create, and build confidence.

Program features include:

Classrooms designed for exploration across subjects and materials
Daily outdoor learning and play
Natural playscapes and garden spaces
Community walks and neighborhood exploration
Child-led discovery and hands-on learning experiences

A Welcoming and Inclusive Community

This partner program is deeply committed to creating an inclusive, affirming environment for children, families, and staff. The community welcomes people of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences, including a strong and visible LGBTQ+ community.

Educators who are successful in this placement bring openness, authenticity, respect, and a genuine commitment to helping every child feel safe, valued, and supported.

This opportunity is open to both emerging and experienced educators.

What You’ll Do

As a Long-Term Early Childhood Substitute Teacher, you will support the daily routines and learning experiences of a nature-based classroom. Depending on the needs of the program, you may assist with or lead:

Outdoor learning and exploration
Classroom routines and transitions
Child-led play and hands-on activities
Relationship-building with children and staff
Curriculum implementation and daily learning experiences
Infant, toddler, or preschool care routines
Safe supervision during indoor, outdoor, and community-based activities

Educators in this program view children as capable, curious learners who grow through exploration, problem-solving, creativity, and meaningful interactions with the natural world.

About Working With ECE Subhub

At ECE Subhub, you’ll be supported every step of the way. We provide training, guidance, and ongoing support so you feel prepared and confident in your placement.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy early childhood education and are looking for meaningful, flexible work with young children.

Benefits of working with ECE Subhub include:

Work with children ages 0–5
Consistent weekly availability required, with a minimum of two days per week
Great fit for retirees, college students, career changers, and those re-entering the workforce
Comprehensive training and ongoing support
Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in early childhood classrooms
Supportive team environment

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following qualifications:

Current CDA, or
Associate’s degree, or
18 college credits in one of the following areas:
- Early Childhood Education
- Special Education
- Child Development
- Social Work
- Human Services
- Youth or Family Studies
- Elementary Education

We’re Looking For Someone Who Is

Comfortable spending extended time outdoors in all seasons
Warm, dependable, and flexible
Respectful of children’s individuality and developmental needs
Excited about nature-based, child-led learning
Comfortable getting messy, staying active, and engaging in outdoor play
Inclusive, open-minded, and respectful of diverse communities
Able to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff

Apply for this position

Required*

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Phone*

Address

Resume*

We've received your resume. Click here to update it.

Attach resume or Paste resume

Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

Address Line 1*

Address Line 2 (Apt Number, PO Box, Etc)

City*

State*

Zip Code*

What is your highest level of Education?*

Do you have an active unexpired CPR certification?*

Do you have a CDA certification in lieu of 18 college credits in early childhood or an associates degree in early childhood?*

If you were referred for this role, who referred you?

Have you ever worked for ECE SubHub or Heartfelt Impressions Learning Center in the past?*

If yes, please list your most recent location and manager.

Are you authorized to work in the United States?*

Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship to work in the United States?*

Have you ever been convicted of, pled guilty or no contest to, been imprisoned, or been on probation or parole for any felony?*

If you answered yes to a felony conviction, please explain the circumstances of the convictions. (Licensing requirements prohibit certain felonies from working with young children)

Have you ever been investigated by Child Protective Services, State Licensing, or any comparable entity regarding your ability to work with children?*

By submitting this application, I acknowledge and certify the following:

At Will Employment: I understand and agree that, if hired, my employment will be at will. This means my employment is for an indefinite period of time and may be terminated by either me or the company at any time, for any reason, with or without cause, and with or without notice.

Background Check: I understand that I will be subject to a pre employment background check after receiving a conditional offer of employment, which may include a review of my criminal history and driving record.

Drug Testing: I understand that I may be required to undergo a pre employment drug test and must receive a negative result for illegal drug use before being permitted to begin work with the company.

Medical Examination: I understand that I may be required to complete a pre employment physical after receiving a conditional offer and must meet the qualifications for the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, before being permitted to commence work.

Authorization to Verify Information: By signing this application, I authorize the company and its representatives to contact all of my employment references and to investigate and obtain copies of records from my former employers, educational institutions, relevant third parties, and any government or law enforcement agency for the purpose of verifying the information I have provided.

Release of Liability: I release the company, as well as my current and former employers, schools, references, and any other person or organization providing information, from any and all liability arising from the release or use of such information.

Accuracy of Information: I certify that all information provided in this application is true, accurate, and complete. I understand that any omission, falsification, or misrepresentation made by me will disqualify me from further consideration for employment or, if hired, may result in immediate termination of employment.* I agree that by submitting this application electronically, my typed name and submission serve as my legally binding electronic signature, confirming that all information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Full Name*

Date Application Signed*

Human Check*

Submit Application

Thanks for visiting our Career Page. Please review our open positions and apply to the positions that match your qualifications.