Substitute Teachers and Teacher Aides

Hillsborough County Head Start/Early Head Start Department is seeking multiple qualified contractors to establish a pool of substitute teachers and teacher aides for temporary or part-time positions across 18 different program center locations. The Invitation to Bid (ITB-26-00012) requires contractors to provide substitute personnel who meet specific qualification standards, including background checks, E-Verify compliance, and various educational certifications. For teacher aides, requirements include a high school diploma or GED, six months of preschool experience, 40 clock hours from the Florida Department of Children and Families, and First Aid and CPR certification. Teacher requirements are more extensive, necessitating an associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, specific training hours, and additional certifications. The two-year contract has a fixed reimbursement rate of $29.82 per hour for substitute teachers and $26.73 per hour for teacher aides, with a 3% annual increase. The bid is due on November 14, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time and will be submitted through the County's electronic bidding system, with contractors expected to support classroom activities, special needs children, and various administrative tasks.

The procurement opportunity appears to have no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but contractors must comply with several critical requirements, including maintaining a drug-free workplace, providing a Certificate of Liability Insurance, and executing an Affidavit of Compliance denying business with foreign countries of concern. Potential contractors must adhere to strict Standards of Conduct derived from Head Start Program Performance Standards, which prohibit various forms of child abuse and mandate professional interaction with children. The total aggregate contract amount is $1,975,930.00, with the County reserving the right to hire temporary staff after 10 consecutive weeks of placement. Contractors must also follow comprehensive staff qualification standards outlined in section 1302.91 of the Head Start Program Performance Standards, which mandate specific educational credentials and ongoing professional development. Additional compliance requirements include meeting Voluntary Prekindergarten Program substitute instructor guidelines and maintaining detailed records of substitute instructor assignments and credentials.