Child Care Specialist

The position is located in San Xavier)

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, promotes physical, mental, and social development for children while providing day care services to infants and toddlers of the Tohono O'odham Nation.

The work is normally reviewed upon completion, with occasional spot checks while in process, to ensure accuracy, timeliness and conformance to established standards; major work tasks are covered by instructions or procedures and unusual situations are referred to a supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepares materials and supplies needed for daily activities.
• Organizes and participates in games, reads to children, and teaches them simple painting, drawing, handwork, songs, and similar activities.
• Directs children in eating, resting, exercising and toileting.
• Helps children develop habits of caring for own clothing and picking up and putting away toys and books.
• Maintains discipline in the center.
• Assists in recording each child's progress and growth; confers with parents as needed.
• Maintains daily progress reports, activity logs, and accident reports; assists in maintaining educational and activity calendars.
• Serves meals and refreshments to children and regulates rest periods.
• Assists in preparing food and cleaning quarters.
• Maintains professional knowledge by attending meetings, conferences and educational workshops.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned and contributes to a team effort.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge of early childhood development, diet and nutrition guidelines.
• Skill in operating various word-processing programs and other office equipment.
• Skill in administering disciplinary rules to children and resolving situational conflicts among children.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Skill in providing superior customer service to external and internal customers.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.
• Ability to maintain privileged confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
• Ability to travel within the interior/exterior boundaries of the Tohono O'odham Nation.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or General Education Diploma and six months work experience in caring for infants and toddlers, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Must obtain certifications in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid within the first six months of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a Food Handler's card.
• Must satisfy health requirements as defined by the federal program standards.
• Must enroll in Child Development Associate (CDA) courses, within the first six months of hire, to seek CDA credential.
• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and National FBI check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license, (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.