Substitute Orientation

THE FAIR WAGES AND HEALTHY FAMILIES ACT-  Earned Paid Sick Time

EXEMPTIONS: The Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act (the “Act”) does not apply to any person who is employed by a parent or a sibling; any person who is employed performing babysitting services in the employer’s home on a casual basis; or any person employed by the State of Arizona or the United States government. 

ENTITLEMENT AND AMOUNT: Beginning July 1, 2017, employees are entitled to earned paid sick time and accrue a minimum of one hour of earned paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, subject to the following limitations: 

• Employees whose employers have less than 15 employees may only accrue or use 24 hours of earned paid sick time per year. 

• Employees whose employers have 15 or more employees may only accrue or use 40 hours of earned paid sick time per year. Employers are permitted to select higher accrual and use limits. 

TERMS OF USE: Earned paid sick time may be used for the following purposes: (1) medical care or mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition; or (2) a public health emergency; and (3) absence due to domestic violence, sexual violence, abuse, or stalking. Employees may use earned paid sick time for themselves or for family members. See Arizona Revised Statutes § 23-373 for more information.

RETALIATION & DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED: Employers are prohibited from discriminating against or subjecting any person to retaliation for: (1) asserting any claim or right under the Act, including requesting or using earned paid sick time; (2) assisting any person in doing so; or (3) informing any person of their rights under the Act. 

ENFORCEMENT: Each employee has the right to file a complaint with the Industrial Commission’s Labor Department alleging that an employer has violated the Act. Certain time limits apply. A civil action may also be filed as provided in the Act. Violations of the Act may result in penalties. 

INFORMATION: For additional information regarding the Act, you may refer to the Industrial Commission’s website at www.azica.gov or contact the Industrial Commission’s Labor Department: 800 W. Washington, Phoenix, Arizona 85007-2022; (602) 542-4515. 

As a retiree, coming back to substitute teaching, you will need to go online with AZ State Retirement System (ASRS). This will need to be done on your first day of teaching.  ASRS Link:  AZ State Retirement  - Please contact Laurel LaPierre when you have completed this:  602-347-2619 or Laurel.LaPierre@wesdschools.org. 

If you receive and accept an assignment, but are notified the job has been canceled when you report for duty at the school, you will either receive a half-day pay or may have the option of accepting another assignment, if available.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)  - Deer Oaks offers integrated, built-to-suit Employee Assistance Program, Work/Life, Wellness and Student Assistance Program solutions for WESD employees.

•All Employees and members of the household can use this service 

•No Cost - Available 24 Hours a Day

•Services Offered:

Phone:  888-365-6271

Email: info@deeroaks.com 

Please view the WESD building lockdown procedure video here: Lockdown Procedures 

The Washington Elementary School District recognizes that differences and misunderstandings will occur periodically.  We encourage solving these problems appropriately.  If you have a problem, it can usually be resolved by following these steps:

1. Any concern should first be discussed with the principal at the school.

2. If the principal cannot solve the problem or if you are not satisfied after Step 1, you should ask to speak to the Human Resources Department.  Please contact substitute services to be directed to appropriate staff member.

*In the event you have a concern, and for personal reasons you cannot follow the above steps in this procedure, you may go directly to the Human Resources Department.

There are a variety of student discipline programs used in the schools of WESD. When substitute teaching  at a school, especially if not familiar with the school's discipline practices, we encourage you to perform the following:

• Request school’s discipline program prior to starting the school day;

• Seek a neighbor teacher to discuss discipline practices;

• Seek a neighbor teacher’s or school administration’s assistance when necessary;

• Do not implement your discipline practices without confirming with school administration.