Job Description
Position Summary:
The primary purpose of your job position is perform the day-to-day activities of the Child Care Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations governing such, and as may be directed by the Administrator, and/or the Director of Child Care/Preschool, to assure that children in our care are safe and secure. Staff members are to be committed to the mission, overall philosophy and objectives of St. Gerard’s Child Care.
Education
Must obtain and maintain specific education hours according to state day care licensing rules.
Experience
Must have the ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
On-the-job training provided as needed.
Delegation of Authority
Directly responsible to the Child Care Supervisor. In her absence, responsible to the Program Director.
As a child care staff member, you are delegated by the Administrator the responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.
Performance Standards
- Carry out all policies as set forth in the handbook for St. Gerard’s Child Care.
- Providing quality care for the children is of utmost priority while maintaining a calm atmosphere conducive to the specific needs of each child.
- Responsible to keep in absolute confidence all that pertains to the children, their families, their finances, and all the affairs of St. Gerard’s Child Care.
- Staff of the child care are obliged to refrain from discussing any child or any information about the child or the child care as such, with any person in or out of the nursing home. To engage in such discussions is not only a breach of charity but may involve the individual in legal proceedings and the possibility of immediate dismissal from their job.
- Responsible to see that the child care is always neat, clean, organized, and maintained so it projects a positive image to the public and the children.
- Carry out the daily activities scheduled for your shift as specified by the Supervisor.
- Prepare nutritious snacks, serve them to the children, and clean up afterwards.
- Must be willing to be flexible in scheduling and ready to adjust working hours on short notice.
- Any shift changes by child care staff members amongst themselves must have the Supervisor’s approval.
- May close the child care for the day 20 – 30 minutes after last child leaves upon approval of Supervisor, Director, or Administrator.
- Prior to leaving for the day, last child care provider must:
* Disinfect counter and sink.
* Put away all toys, disinfecting them if soiled.
* Make sure all shelves are neat and orderly.
* Vacuum all carpeted areas.
* Take garbage out.
- Follow established safety policies and procedures.
- Maintain a productive working relationship with other departments and coordinate cleaning services to assure that tasks can be performed without interruption.
- Assume the responsibility for maintaining your professional competence through participation in programs of continuing education (i.e., seminars, training programs, etc.)
- Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positive emphasis as well as a calm environment throughout the facility.
- Is responsible for any and all duties as assigned by the administrator.
Specific Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
- Must possess the ability to make independent decisions, to follow instructions, and to accept constructive criticism.
- Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, children, family members, visitors, government and state personnel and others as well as work harmoniously with other members of the St. Gerard’s team.
- Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition, and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle children based on whatever maturity level they are currently functioning.
- Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing child care practices.
- Must be able to relate information concerning a child’s condition/behavior.
Physical and Sensory Requirements (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)
- Must be able to move frequently throughout the work day.
- Must be able to sit occasionally, stand and walk frequently.
- Must be able to lift/carry 0-20lbs constantly, 21-50lbs frequently.
- Must be able to bend and kneel constantly, crawl and squat occasionally.
- Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
- Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
- Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
- Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with the children and families, personnel, and support agencies.
- Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility.
- May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of children during emergency situations.