Job Description:   CHILDCARE/CHILD CAREGIVER

PURPOSE:

Assist in implementing childcare programs and assuring that each child is well cared for and safe. Provide routine care for infants and children in an instructional setting.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:  

• Each caregiver must obtain a minimum of 35 hours of approved training each licensing year as required by Texas Workforce in addition to annual orientation, CPR and 1^st
• Must hold or be able to obtain, within 90 days of employment, the Texas Paraprofessional Certification issued by Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Special Skills and Knowledge:

• Demonstrate proficiency in handling matters of highly confidential nature
• Must possess personal qualities related to respect for the rights and confidentiality of others
• Ability to organize and be detail oriented
• Knowledge and ability to comply with the minimum standards for child-care centers.
• Physically and emotionally able to perform assigned tasks
• Communicate and work with students
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to demonstrate competency, good judgement and self-control

Experience:

• Prefer experience working with students; experience may be work in church related schools, day camps, youth groups, private schools, licensed day-care centers, or similar experience

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Accountabilities and Major Work Activities:

Childcare Activities

• Be able to identify assigned children by name and have information showing each child's age.
• Supervise children at all times. And maintain control of the children and activities.
• Interact routinely with children in a positive manner and adhere to the Minimum Standards rules for

Discipline and Guidance. 

• Foster developmentally appropriate independence in children through planned but flexible program activities.
• Foster a cooperative rather than a competitive atmosphere.
• Show appreciation of children's efforts and accomplishments.
• Ensure continuity of care for children by sharing with incoming or substitute caregiver’s information about each child's activities during the previous shift and any verbal or written instructions given by the parent.
• Perform job related tasks as the need arises to maintain a quality program.
• Ensure children’s hands are washed before eating.
• Ensure the children’s meal and snack times are pleasant experiences by sitting with assigned group of children during meal time to model positive social behavior and good eating habits.
• Ensure all meal and snack times are unhurried and include adult supervision of the children.

Classroom Maintenance

• Organize a daily classroom routine providing for instruction and stimulation of all skill areas (e.g. cognitive, social, self-help, moral, motor, pre-academic).
• Communicate regularly with center staff and parents about classroom activities and goals.
• Maintain a record of each child's development including narrative descriptions, samples of work, and notes concerning any communication with parents.
• Maintain curriculum idea files, workroom areas and professional library.
• Maintain the classroom cleanliness; clean and disinfect tables, classroom windows, mirrors, toys and furnishing; spot sweep or vacuum floors, clean off tables after eating or other activities as needed and as necessary for the children’s safety;
• Ensure sleep mats are cleaned and disinfected weekly.
• Keep centers neat and clean; maintain classroom preparations for daily story time, learning centers and circle time; teaching supplies.
• Maintain equipment put away in the workroom; classroom toys and learning center and ensure to rotate items.

Professional Conduct

• Demonstrates ability to remain calm and withstand pressures
• Flexible to changes in routine and adapts quickly to changing situations
• Reliable and responsible attendance and punctuality
• Demonstrates respect, courteous to peers and visitors and assist fellow workers willingly
• Avoid speaking ill of the district and district personnel

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or other administrator that are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position.
• Report any suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation to DFPS or to law enforcement.
• Must complete annual training topics to meet the minimum standards criteria. Any staff member who does not attain the required training will be dismissed.

Supervisory Responsibilities:   

• Staff and volunteers assigned for assistance.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

• Demanding and stressful
• Lifting children, bend over to put down sleep mats, dealing with children and parents, withstand a lot of crying.
• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; Vacuum, laminator, copy machine, diaper bar
• Posture: Moderate standing; occasional kneeling, squatting, bending, and stooping
• Motion: Moderate walking
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress
• Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise