About Patch

Patch Caregiving provides backup childcare to workers through their employers, because no one should have to choose between showing up to work and showing up for their families. Our care spaces are located within parents' workplaces for easy drop-off and pick-up.

The Role

We're looking for a kind, motivated on call substitute teacher to manage our play-based, multi-age care room. You'll care for children ages 2–12, lead activities and curriculum, communicate with parents, and keep the space safe, clean, and fun.

We need coverage for shifts Monday-Friday from 4:30-9:30 pm (as needed) at our site in Earth City, MO.

Schedule — Please Read Before Applying

This is a part-time, variable-schedule position. A few things to understand upfront:

Shift schedules are typically finalized the Friday before the upcoming week. You'll receive a notification via our scheduling tool or a message from your Regional Care Director confirming your start time for the following day.

Shift times vary based on employer schedules, so start and end times are not always predictable in advance.

Specific hours are confirmed the Friday before the upcoming week.

If you need a fixed, predictable weekly schedule, this role may not be the right fit. If you're flexible and available on short notice, we'd love to talk.

What You'll Do

Ensure safety and wellbeing of all children in the care room
Lead age-appropriate activities and manage group dynamics with empathy and skill
Communicate regularly with parents and handle emergencies calmly
Plan and implement curriculum and hands-on activities
Maintain records, paperwork, and a clean, organized space
Collaborate with fellow teachers and the Center Director
Participate in ongoing training and occasional enrollment/outreach events

Basic Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
1+ year of experience as a Lead Teacher in a daycare, preschool, or similar setting (babysitting/nannying does not qualify)
Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate learning
Experience with diapering and knowledge of diapering best practices for toddlers
Familiarity with toilet training approaches and ability to support children at various stages of the process
Strong communication skills with children and parents
Ability to manage challenging behaviors with patience and positivity
Comfort with digital tools for parent/staff communication
First Aid & CPR certification (we can support completion before your start date)
Some sites (usually hospital locations) require drug testing, TB testing, and proof of immunization records
Some states have additional state background check and fingerprinting requirements

Preferred Qualifications

1+ year as a Center Director
Experience managing multi-age groups, including school-age children
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or similar certification

Physical Requirements

This role requires active, hands-on engagement throughout the day — including lifting children up to 40–50 lbs, sitting and moving at floor level, standing for extended periods, and maintaining constant supervision of children indoors and outdoors.

Compensation & Benefits

$18–$21/hour starting
Weekly paychecks
Paid sick time
Free First Aid/CPR training and certification
Learning stipend
Professional coaching and flexible days off

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

For information about our Applicant Privacy, please review here: https://app.getguru.com/card/iRgBL8yT/Applicant-Privacy-Policy

For those who require reasonable accommodations, please let us know on your application or email us at jobs@wellthy.com.

On Call Substitute Childcare Teacher, Earth City, MO