Infant and Toddler Caregiver

LOCATION: To be determined based on the needs of the program.
PROGRAM: Birth-to-Five Head Start
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Non-exempt
DEPARTMENT: EHS Education
JOB CLASSIFICATION: Regular, Part-time
REPORTS TO: Site Base Manager
WORKING HOURS: Monday Friday
SUPERVISES: None

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
This position requires the individual to care for infants and toddlers while substituting in the classroom during lunch breaks and/or when staff is out. Responsible for assisting the Child Development Specialist staff in the day-to-day care of children. Part-time hours vary between 8:00 and 2:00 p.m. Monday Friday. All Head Start and Early Head Start staff are mandated reporters and are legally obligated to report any suspected or known child abuse/neglect as required by law to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Maintains open lines of communications with immediate supervisor, parents, and all Head Start Staff.
• Assists CDS in implementing daily lesson plans inside/outside the classrooms and allows ample time for both spontaneous activities by children and blocks of time for adult-directed activities.
• Assists CDS in documenting children's files daily on class attendance, nutrition monitoring, health monitoring, etc.
• Reports to CDS his/her observations on individual children and reinforces classroom and environmental safety.
• Assumes role of CDS when primary caregiver is on break or absent.
• Involves parents in educational activities to enhance their role as the principal influence on the child's education and development.
• Provides materials and activities appropriate to the child's age and level of development.
• Assists children through regular periods of physical activity (both indoor and outdoor) using materials and experiences designed to develop muscles, eye-hand coordination, body awareness, and rhythm & movement.
• Serves the cultural relevant background of the children using classroom materials, activities and related languages.
• Participates in staff development in-service training.
• Makes evaluations based on measurable or verifiable data.
• Promotes a high self-esteem, is a good role model, and follows agency's behavior management system and code of ethics.
• Performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor, Child Development Coordinator, or Director of Birth to Five Head Start.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

• Requires GED or High School diploma.
• Must obtain CDA and continue formal education when possible.
• Must successfully complete and maintain the following permits, and certifications:
  • a) Food Handlers Permit (must state ANSI in the certificate); will need to be renewed every two (2) years by expiration date
    • www.efoodcard.com (not endorsed by NCCAA, but meet the requirements)
  • b) First aid and CPR Infant/Toddler certification; will need to be renewed every two (2) years by expiration date
    • CPR/First Aid must be for Adult/Pediatric (Child and Infant) CPR/First Aid/AED (Not endorsed by NCCAA, but meets requirements: Coastal Bend CPR)
• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish preferred but not required.

Please upload the following documents, along with your resume:1- College transcripts (you will need to have an unopened official copy prior to onboarding), 2- Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), 3- Food Handlers (ANSI certified) permit, 4- First Aid/CPR Certification for Adult/Pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates ability to read and write, keeps routine records, follows written and oral instructions, and files alphabetically and numerically.
• Makes judgments or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria relies on one or more of the five physical senses.
• Deals with people beyond giving and receiving instructions--is courteous, cooperative, conscientious, and tactful in dealing with employees and the general public.
• Performs job duties in a precise, thorough, and meticulous manner.
• Possesses sensitivity towards families living below the socioeconomic level.
• Able to handle various projects at the same time in an effective manner.
• Dresses in appropriate attire with a neat personal appearance.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires 24 clock hours of training annually to meet TDPRS requirements.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug test, physical and functional capacity evaluation prior to first day of employment
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Must successfully pass and submit a pre-employment TB test and periodically as indicated by the regional Texas Department of State Health Services or local health authority.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver's license (Operators-Class C) and driving record must be approved by insurance company on an annual basis.
• Must have transportation and current liability coverage on vehicle to be used in the performance of job duties. Some out of town travel may be required.
• Proof of work eligibility must be provided.