ROMANCATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ST. AUGUSTINE ST. LUKE'S CHILD CARE CENTER EARLY LEARNING PARAPROFESSIONAL FLSA: Non-Exempt Reports to: Director GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe and loving environment where each child has the opportunity to develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills appropriately. MAJOR RESPONSIBITIES: Children's Health and Developmental Services
To conduct daily health checks on each child. To plan weekly activities that promote a healthy lifestyle To follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling, and storing of medication. To ensure that safe practices are followed to prevent injuries to children or self. To maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in the maintenance of the center. Education and Development To assist in planning and implementing a culturally sensitive educational program that is developmentally appropriate for each child's age and language. To assist in planning and implementing appropriate daily lesson plans, based on the approved curriculum, that promote the cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development of children. To assist in conducting ongoing assessment and individualization documentation in a timely manner. To assist in planning a balanced daily routine that encourages play, exploration, and learning; and which includes teacher-directed and child-directed activities, and inside and outside time. To provide a developmentally appropriate, stimulating learning environment that includes adding new and interesting materials each week. To provide a warm, nurturing, loving and positive environment, using positive guidance techniques and upholding the center's discipline policy. To develop nurturing relationships with each child that encourages his or her social and emotional development. To maintain all state, local and (Gold Seal if applicable) standards. (These may include those set forth by Gold Seal, DCF, ELC, and QRIS) To adjust the classroom routine, activities, and environment to meet the developmental levels of all children in the group including children with special needs, over the course of their enrollment at the center. Nutrition To eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation. To serve food in a way that encourages the development and socialization of the children. To assist in kitchen duties as assigned. To follow infants' individual feeding schedules, and hold infants who cannot sit independently while feeding. Family Partnerships To provide and encourage effective communication and relationships with families so that parents feel comfortable talking to staff about their children. To attend parent meetings as assigned. To assist in informing parents concerning their children's progress formally and informally, which may include parent notes, portfolios, and parent conferences. To assist in maintaining transition procedures for children moving from classroom to classroom along with other appropriate staff. To assist in planning and implementing family involvement activities. Training and Communication Follow best practices in the field of early childhood education. To participate in on-site and off-site professional development trainings and workshops and complete a minimum of 10 annual in-service training hours. To communicate regularly with other staff in order to better serve children and families, including attending staff meetings, trainings, and sharing information. To have a cooperative, positive and supportive attitude within the program. To follow directions and assignments as given. To maintain appropriate record keeping. To maintain confidentiality at all times. (These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.)
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: - This position reports to the Center Director
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: - High School Diploma or GED required
- DCF 45-hour training
- Experience in a child care setting preferred
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILIITES: - Evidence of emotional maturity and stability.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse staff and families.
- Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
- Ability to relate joyfully and sensitively with children, parents and staff.
- Ability and willingness to implement the approved curriculum.
- Ability to work effectively to help close the literacy gap.
- Demonstrates proper use of grammar and communication skills.
- Knowledge of child growth and development as well as developmentally appropriate practices for children ages birth to 5 years.
- Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
- A willingness to learn and continue personal education.
- Ability to exercise control and maintain appropriate classroom discipline.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATIONS: - Register and complete Infant & Child First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire. Renew before expiration.
- Commence within ninety (90) days and complete within one (1) year of employment the 45 DCF-required training hours
- Complete 10 hours of in-service training hours each DCF training year (July-June).
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: - Work involves constant visual supervision of children and tolerance of loud noise
- Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
- Environment includes indoor classroom and outdoor playground
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:
- Acceptable eyesight & hearing (with or without correction)
- Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling objects up to 40 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job.
