Daycare Worker

REPORTS TO: Site Director, Early Childhood Programs


The Puerto Rican Action Board (PRAB) is a comprehensive human services organization in Middlesex County, New Jersey. We provide a comprehensive range of essential services for children, youth, families, and senior citizens. We deliver need-based assistance to low and moderate-income residents of Central New Jersey and serve as advocates for those seeking to live productive, self-sufficient lives.


The PIC-C Daycare Worker has a basic understanding of NJ Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing standards and expectations and child development. S/he has good classroom management skills and understands developmentally appropriate practices for infants and toddlers.


S/he is knowledgeable of internal systems used for general program operations, practices and procedures. S/he works closely with the Site Director to meet program and organizational goals. S/he is able to thrive in a fast-paced, complex, dynamic environment, and promotes entrepreneurism, creative problem-solving, and respect and compassion for staff members and the populations PRAB serves.


RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning and Preparation

• Demonstrates knowledge of content.
• Demonstrates knowledge of students.
• Understand instructional goals.
• Plans and prepares for coherent instruction with supervision.

Supports the Class Environment

• Creates an environment of trust and respect.

• Understands strategies to assist in the inclusion of students in various settings.
• Ability to use strategies to promote student independence.
• Ability to effectively employ a variety of strategies that reinforce positive behavior.
• Responsible for assisting with the health, safety, and welfare of students in a classroom environment.

• Maintain record of student's allergy information and ensure center's compliance in meal service.
• Understand and follow center's Crisis Management Plan and Procedures.

Delivery of Services / Accommodations (instruction)

• Ability to employ constructive communication strategies and approaches in working with students, staff, and the greater school community.
• Uses questioning and discussion.
• Engages students in learning.

Professional Responsibilities and Development

• Reflects on practice.
• Documentation of student learning.
• Positive relationship with others.
• Participating in professional opportunities.
• Showing integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Displaying a positive work ethic.
• Ensure confidentiality to all children and families.
• Work in collaboration with staff and supervisors.

• Grow professionally and actively participate in the school's professional learning community.
• Attend on Staff Meetings as well as other required meetings.
• Demonstrate consistent and reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Site Director or Senior Director of Early Childhood Programs.

General

• Follow NJ state requirement as per NJ Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing,
• Chapter 122 Manual of Requirement for Child Care Centers.
• Follow Center policy for the discipline and care of students in accordance with the DYFS and PRAB manual & procedures.
• Insure compliance with PRAB rules, regulations and procedures accordance with PRAB Employee Handbook.
• Positively interact with children on a regular basis throughout each day.
• Responsible for the safety and well-being of students at all times.
• Responsible for receiving or releasing students during the morning drop off or afternoon pick up.
• Follow Center policy for the discipline and care of students in Accordance with the DCF Office of Licensing and PRAB manual & procedures.
• Classroom organization and management ensuring contract compliance.
• Create weekly lesson plans/activities.
• Conduct evaluations and record student progress.
• Participate in scheduled and unscheduled Parent/Teacher conferences.
• Maintain all records and reports of attendance, accident/injury/unusual incident as needed.
• Participate in after-hour meetings, workshops and activities as needed.

• Follow all Agency Policies, Practices and Procedures.
• Assist in training other teacher assistant
• Report to Site Director any indications of child abuse or neglect.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Fully committed to PRAB's vision, mission, and strategic goals and outcomes
• Follow NJ state requirement as per NJ Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing, Chapter 122 Manual of Requirement for Child Care Centers.
• Follow Center policy for the discipline and care of students in accordance with the DCP&P and PRAB manual & procedures.
• Insure compliance with PRAB rules, regulations and procedures accordance with PRAB Employee Handbook.
• Basic knowledge of children's physical, emotional and developmental patterns.
• Basic knowledge of general learning theories and curriculum development alternatives.
• Sensitivity for the individual and group needs of children and a joyful approach.
• Evidence of emotional maturity and stability.

• Evidence of sufficient security and judgment to handle crisis situations.
• Ability to seek supervision and use it constructively.
• Ability to create an atmosphere of positive and appropriate discipline.
• Ability to communicate with parents effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a fast paced, highly interactive staff
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team setting
• Proven ability to work well with diverse groups
• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively under pressure
• Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Bilingual English/Spanish recommended
• Demonstrated maturity, integrity, and sound judgment

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Regularly stand, sit, and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• School staff will be working in a busy and occasionally noisy environment that is typical to the school environment

Compensation and Hours

• This is a full-time, non-exempt, hourly position
• Salary is based on an pre-established range and is commensurate with experience

• Includes some early evening and weekend work hours
• Benefits are generous, including paid employee health and dental insurance (some employee contribution required); voluntary vision and retirement plans are also available
• Paid time off includes sick, personal days, and holidays

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field or New Jersey Paraprofessional Certificated.
• Two years teaching experience with an early childhood program.
• Experience working with low-income/urban population.
• Preferably bilingual Spanish/English.

PRAB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER