Substitute Teacher at The Autism Center

The Villages Charter School Autism Center is a specialized program within The Villages Charter School designed to serve students with autism spectrum disorder in a structured, supportive, and highly individualized environment. Our center is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging educational experience that supports both academic growth and functional life skills. The Autism Center maintains a 3:1 student-to-staff ratio in all learning spaces and during transitions, ensuring individualized support and safety for every student.

We are currently accepting applications for Substitute Teachers to join our Autism Center team. In the absence of the classroom teacher or support staff, substitutes provide instruction, encourage student progress, and maintain a structured learning environment with a strong emphasis on safety, consistency, and individualized supports.

Scope of Responsibilities

To enable each child to continue his or her education as smoothly and completely as possible in the absence of the classroom teacher, while maintaining the structured routines and individualized supports essential for student success in the Autism Center. Staff are expected to provide constant sight and sound supervision of students at all times and uphold the Autism Center’s 3:1 student-to-staff ratio in classrooms and during transitions.

Essential Functions

The expectations include the following and other duties as assigned:

• Follow lesson plans and individualized student support plans provided by the classroom teacher.
• Implement classroom routines, behavior strategies, and structured teaching methods (e.g., TEACCH, stations model).
• Provide clear, consistent expectations to foster a safe, predictable environment.
• Maintain constant sight and sound supervision of students at all times.
• Uphold the 3:1 student-to-staff ratio in all learning spaces and during transitions.
• Supervise students closely to ensure safety and support functional independence.
• Use visual supports, schedules, and other accommodations to meet student needs.
• Model appropriate communication and behavior, supporting both academic and social growth.
• Interact professionally with students, staff, and families.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information.
• Enforce school and Autism Center policies concerning student conduct.
• Collaborate and work cooperatively with teachers, paraprofessionals, behavior technicians and support staff.
• Substitutes, unless CPI certified, are not to engage in physical (hands-on) de-escalation or behavior management strategies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience working with students with autism or in an ESE (Exceptional Student Education) setting.
• Ability to maintain patience, flexibility, and composure in a structured classroom environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification preferred, but not required.
• All substitutes must adhere to Professional Conduct Rule 6A-10.081, Florida Administrative Code, Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida.
• Willingness to follow all Autism Center safety protocols, including restrictions on physical intervention unless CPI certified.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and interact with students in both classroom and activity settings. The employee must be able to assist with student transitions, manage classroom materials, and occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the environment can vary and may require the use of de-escalation and behavior management strategies.

Terms of Employment

Part-time, as needed.

We invite you to learn more about The Villages Charter School Autism Center at www.tvcsac.org and encourage you to apply to be part of our dedicated and compassionate team.