CAREGIVER

Job TitleThe incumbent in this position is responsible for providing a safe and developmentally appropriate program in accordance with Accreditation guidelines and ensuring compliance with Agency Policies and Procedures, Regulatory Agency requirements, and all Funding Sources guidelines.The incumbent must demonstrate competency to provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions, plan and implement learning experiences to ensure effective implementation and use of curriculum and assessment that promotes children's progress, including children with disabilities and dual language learners as appropriate, as well as be able to be respectful, culturally responsive, and build trusting relationships with families.Essential FunctionsGreets infant/toddler and their parents warmly and with enthusiasm every morningProvide daily lesson planAssures that at arrival each child gets individual attention and is gradually assisted to become part of the small groupPlan and implement activities to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs of the children in the programProvide daily a variety of experiences and opportunities that allow the children to develop curiosity, initiative, and problem-solving skills, creativity, and gross motor developmentResponds quickly, soothingly, and tenderly when children cry or calls of distressResponds consistently to children's needs for food and comfortImplements individualized feeding plans for children; respects individual preferences and eating styles; sits with toddlers and shares family-style meals, models manners and good nutritionEnsures children are supervised at all times, including nap timeInfants are always put in bed on their backSupervises parent/legal guardian signature is recorded daily in the center's sign in/out log, and assures that no child is dismissed with a person other than those identified in the center's registration card.Ensures the learning environment is clean and safe.Tends to children's personal hygiene needs, remaining attentive to them during routines such as diaper changing, cleaning, feeding, and changing wet or soiled clothes.Maintains a positive, calm attitude and a pleasant, soothing voice and models this attitude and voice to parents and volunteers.Administration of medicine and dispensation of first aid is conducted in accordance with guidelines.Provide a safe and secure environment for children to feel comfortableIntegrate special needs children positively and respectfully.Visually assess or screen the general health condition of children at arrival time and complete the Health Alert form if necessaryIdentify, refer and discuss children's problems with the appropriate professionals as appropriateKeep parents informed of program expectations, program activities and child's progress in a positive and tactful fashionConduct developmental screening and ongoing assessment as per guidelinesPrepare and submit to direct supervisor written record of accidents or unusual incidents and child abuse and neglect according to guidelinesRecord meal counts, and monitor portions according to guidelinesDevelop and maintain current, accurate, and confidential client informationTalks, sings, and reads to children frequentlyDevelop culturally appropriate programs and activitiesObserve children and make note of progressPromotes feelings of security and trust in infants and toddlersEnsures that children treat each other gentlyEstablish routines and provide positive guidanceBe familiar with emergency proceduresMaintain an open, friendly, and cooperative relationship with each child and familyEncourage each child's family to be actively involved in the programVisit each child's home to become familiar with the home environmentDiscuss and document children's development with parents as per guidelinesKeep classroom inventory updated* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.Other DutiesAttend conferences, trainings, and staff meetings as requiredMaintain deficiency-free and 90% compliance in the safety area and regulationsComply with all personnel policies and procedures, including but not limited to dress code, wearing of name badge, professional image and conduct, punctuality and work attendanceDemonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect towards persons of different cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgroundsProvide orientation to new employees as needed.Maintain your required certifications and mandatory skill updates.Comply with all policies, local, state, and federal laws and regulations.Perform other duties as assigned.Supervisory ResponsibilityMay serve as an interim department leader depending on need.Physical RequirementsMust be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Walk, climb stairs or ladders, stand on your feet for extended periods, etc.DisclaimerThe job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.EEOC StatementCHS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, PM19RequirementsKnowledge & Experience RequirementsHigh School diploma or general education degree (GED)National Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential in Infant/toddlerBilingual – English / SpanishCPR & First Aid CertificateDepartment of Children and Families 45 mandatory training hours must be obtained within 6 months of employmentAnalytical, decision, and problem solving skillsEffective verbal and listening skillsStress management skillsTime management skillsMust have knowledge of computer office softwareMust be able to read, write and understand the English language