CHILDCARE WORKER

OCCUPATIONAL SUMMARY

This position works closely with the Care & Learning Center Coordinator to maintain the daily operations of the Center. Follows all regulations under the Child Care Program guidelines. Assists with implementing lessons designed to stimulate growth at all developmental stages. The Care & Learning staff will work with children individually or in small groups to develop their self-esteem and social skills.
This position does not supervise others.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Utilizes the IN State Licensing guidelines for the Childcare Center.
2. Ensures the Care & Learning Center play areas are maintained clean, orderly, and safe.
3. Monitors activities and behaviors of children to ensure their physical and environmental safe keeping.
4. Assists the Center Coordinator with supervision of learning activities, providing assistance and support to the children.
5. Adheres to all regulatory standards, rules and requirements, including those for NAEYC accreditation, Paths to QUALITY, and Indiana child care center licensing.
6. Actively engage in daily activities and routines with children ensuring that smooth transitions and consistency in routines.
7. Encourage empathetic and respectful feelings for others, as well as the environment through positive modeling. Encourage children to talk with each other and with the faculty.
8. Maintains communication with families on regular and ongoing basis to provide information regarding each child’s progress.
9. Assist with preparing and managing an engaging environment that encourages children’s self-selection of learning activities.
10. Reports incidents of suspected child abuse to proper authorities.
11. Attend all in-service and staff meetings.
12. Keep all appropriate records such as attendance and time sheets.
13. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or CDA certification. Including core courses and 6 administrative units or in an Early Childhood degree program actively pursing a degree in Early Childhood Education.
2. Experience: Previously worked in an Early Childhood Center or intern hours at an Early Learning Center.
3. Knowledge of the Department of Education, Child Development Division guidelines; the Child Care Food Program guidelines; Early Childhood development and appropriate practices; provide basic knowledge of child psychology.
4. Knowledge of appropriate health and safety codes; reporting procedures for suspected child abuse; laws and regulations covering such abuse.
5. Knowledge of materials, tools, and equipment to be used in the classroom setting; skills in establishing and maintaining effective communications with adults and children.
6. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications as detailed below, or file for equivalency. Equivalency decisions are made based on a combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. If requesting consideration on the basis of equivalency, an Equivalency Application is required at the time of interest in a position (equivalency decisions are made by Human Resources, in coordination with the department where the vacancy exists, if needed).

Note: This position is a Part-time childcare worker for afternoons or evenings only; approximately four to five hours a day.