Child Care / Daycare / Childcare Specialist

SUMMARY: Coordinates services under the direction of the Director of Children’s Services to provide consistent quality care for the children served in the Child Development Center. Follows all Texas DFPS child care standards and ensures the safety of all children in the Child Development Center. Provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences for the children in the center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

ASSISTS Director of Children Services in providing a nurturing and safe environment for parent/child programming.

ASSURES the children’s area is clean.

Assists parents in facilitating their parental responsibilities.

LEADS games and activities as assigned by the Director of Children’s Services.

CARES for hygienic needs of the child in child care to include changing diapers, bathing, and changing clothes as necessary.

ASSISTS in planning age-appropriate leisure and weekend activities for children in the women and children program.

ATTEND all training as requested by the Director of Children’s Services and required by the state licensing agency.

DOCUMENTS positive and negative behaviors observed during interaction with parent and/or child. Report to the Program Director any disruptive or significant changes or behaviors.

DOCUMENTS on Incident Report Form any behaviors requiring physical staff intervention or any injury or illness experienced by children.

DOCUMENTS attendance and/or absence of parent/child during assigned activities.

ORGANIZES children’s supplies and reports shortages to Team Leader.

ASSURES that children remain in the area assigned during activities time and mealtimes.

REPORTS immediately any indication of abuse or neglect to the Director of Children’s Services or the Women and Children Director. Provide subsequent written documentation. Assist Program Director to contact Child Protective Services.

CO-LEADS curriculum-based support groups as indicated for children in child care.

ASSISTS child care team to develop monthly lesson plans.

DOCUMENTS child’s progress in chart daily and weekly treatment plans for each child in accordance to state licensing documentation standards.

ASSISTS Director of Children’s Services to decorate and plan for holiday events.

PROVIDES medication supervision to children as needed.

PROVIDES transportation for children school, appointments, outings, and field trips.

OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge regarding normal child development and milestones.
• Ability to anticipate safety concerns involving children and clients.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions.
• Ability to write simple correspondence, and communicate with peers, management, and clients.
• Working knowledge of Child Development Practices.
• Working knowledge of Minimum Standard provided by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services.
• Ability to provide daily documentation for parent communication, required agency forms, and attendance.
• Ability to provide developmentally appropriate activity plans every week.
• Ability to communicate children’s needs to parents, Counselors, and administrators including mealtimes daily.
• Ability to positively cope with demands of the position, which often includes stress and pressure.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Child Care Specialists may be asked to assume leadership in the absence of the Director of Children’s Services.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions As a condition of continued employment, you are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all training required to stay in compliance with state licensure rules and regulations.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); one to three years’ related experience and/or training in a childcare/daycare ensures setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.