Child Care Assistant

Major Responsibilities: Demonstration of positive interactions with children, families and associates through verbal and non-verbal communication within the expectations and guidelines of the Child Care Program, Advocate's Behaviors of Excellence, and under the guidance of supervisor and/or classroom teacher. 1) At child's eye level, listen, respond and speak to children in positive, respectful tones for the purpose of modeling appropriate behavior and exhibiting respect for each child. 2) At all times, engage with and listen, respond and speak to children at eye level within close proximity 3) Demonstrate ability to nurture children appropriately, to provide children with the comfort of a safe, responsive environment as needed. This can be accomplished verbally or through physical comforting, words of encouragement, etc. 4) Follow Day Center Child Care discipline guidelines and demonstrate positive guidance and discipline techniques to help children understand the consequences of thier behavior. Discuss childs behavior and development with classroom team and/or Supervisor and maintain compliance with DCFS regulations as well as develop a strong understanding of each child for the purpose of planning individualized activities. 5) Implement the primary caregiving care plan for assigned children to maintain a consistent positive relationship with both child and family. 6)Interact with the children at all times and engage them in activities and learning experiences that support their growth and development. 7)Assist classroom staff with developing and implementig positive behavior patterns of children. Implementation of planned activities, learning experiences and observations of the children and classroom environment. 1) Gives input for daily activities and learning experiences and assist in preparing and implementing curriculum activities as outlined in the Illinois Early Learning Standards/Guidelines and NAEYC guidelines. 2) Meet the needs of the children in group to support the development of psychologically and physically healthy individuals. By responding to the physical, psychological and emotional needs of the children in a timely and appropriate fashion. 4)From observations of children, give input and assistance to teachers in completing progress reports, developmental checklists, parent/teacher conference forms, daily notes and documentation for children's portfolios that can include anecdotal records, samples of children's work, pictures, etc. 5)Actively participate and attend classroom meetings and all other assigned meetings. Continue to develop understanding of program philosophy and goals by listening and contributing to disscussions and to continue to develop a professional knowledge base. 3) Work with classroom teachers and/or administrative staff to learn how to make observations and take notes of childrens behaviors and development. By visually observing children in a group setting and objectively noting/recording their behavior for the purpose of further increasing the understanding of the development of each individual child to meet and plan for their needs and further their development. 6)Seek ongoing training and professional development by attending early childhood trainings, reading professional journals, and/or continuing education in the early childhood field. Earns required inservice hours annually. Puts into practice and shares information learned through trainings 7)Assits in completing Environmental Rating Scale for asssigned classroom. 8)Completes DCFS and Advocate's required on-line trainings and other trainings for ExcelRate ECE Credential. Works with Gateways to earn and/or maintain ECE Credential. 9)Earns required inservice hours annually. Updates Professional Development Record and provides documentation of hours earned. Ability to work cooperatively with teaching team, administration and other co-workers. 1) Communicate ones own and parent ideas, concerns and needs with co-workers. To share information which may affect the development of the children and family by listening and communicating appropriate information in a timely manner to other professionals working in the program. 2) Share in responsibilities of carrying out the daily routines, procedures, schedule and Center and classroom goals. Work as part of a team to create and maintain an optimum environment for the growth and development of the children in it. Physical and mental activities are required to maintain this environment in a safe and responsive manner. 3) Awareness of classroom information such as orientations, transitions, schedule changes, etc. 4) Follow Day Center's written policies and procedures which have been established to maintain a professionally run organization and to maintain the integrity, quality and safety of the program. 5)Understand and support Center and classroom goals. 6)Demonstrate flexibility with teaching team, daily schedule, routines, and classroom assignments. 7)Resolve conflicts with co-workers in a professional manner and address issues/concerns with team as they arise and in team meetings following Advocate's Behaviors of Excellence. 8)At all times, model appropriate behavior and demonstrate positive attitude. Provide suggestions/solutions as issues arise. Responsibility to be aware of the number of children in assigned group at all times. 1)Physically position self within classroom, away from other staff, to be able to see children at all times, to monitor the classroom for possible safety hazards and physical or verbally intervene whenever necessary. 2)Assist in implementing child safety practices that include head counts, ratio sheets, name-to-face checks, sleep room/crib checks and supervision of children. 3)Interact and engage with the children to role model and encourage positive social interactions. 4)Avoids distractions that interferes with supervision of children. Refrains from personal conversations, cell phone and computer usage while the children are awake and engaged in activities. Ability to communicate daily to parents regarding the childs daily activities. 3)Assist in completing written forms of communication such as Today We Did board, daily notes, progress reports, etc. 4)Assist in creating a welcoming and open atmosphere that promotes daily communication with staff and families and integrates parents as part of the teaching team. 1) Greet parents and communicate childs daily accomplishments and interests. To keep parents informed of their childs growth and development and create a partnership with parents to further enhance their childs development. 2) Direct parent concerns/issues to supervisor and/or classroom teaching team. Keep responsible staff informed of issues which may affect the care or development of children in the classroom and/or classroom/Center operations. Assistance in the maintenance of a safe, clean and welcoming environment. 1)Share in the responsibility of organizing, cleaning, storing and removing damaged/unsafe materials or equipment. 2)Assist in maintaining an organized, clutter free environment in the classroom and throughout the Day Center. 3)Assist in completing classroom health and safety checklist along with other safety checklists - bottle charts, ratio sheets, etc. 4)Demonstrates appropriate hand hygiene by following policy/procedure and ensuring all staff, familie and chldren do the same. 5)Adheres to, follow and practices Advocate's Be Safe Behaviors and Tools at all times. Education/Experience Required: High school diploma or equivalency Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: Ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally with participants Competent interpersonal skills Basic computer skills Emotional maturity when working with children N/A Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Lifting: medium: up to 11 - 50 pounds frequently and/or up to 10 pounds constantly. Max. lift 35 pounds by individual - over 35 pounds assistance required. Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and carry children, sit without back support for 15-20 minutes at a time Requires unusual hours and flexible work schedules, including room assignments. Ability to work with children 6 weeks through 10 years of age. Ability to communicate with children at an age appropriate level. Ability to handle multiple tasks and complete work within short timeframes. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints. Ability to physically respond quickly to unsafe conditions which may put children at risk. Flexibility, understanding and patience. Skills to help children meet their developmental and emotional needs. If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.