Child Development Worker - 948019 - Shiprock, NM

Applicants must submit transcripts, degrees, certificates, and/or other required documentation with the employment application to receive full credit. The Navajo Nation provides preference to eligible and qualified applicants under the Navajo Preference in Employment Act and Veterans’ Preference.

• Department: Child Care & Development (DCCD)
• Employment Type: Regular Full-Time
• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sensitive Position: Yes

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides quality care, development, and instruction for children ages 6 months to 13 years at a Department of Child Care & Development daycare center.

• Supervises children in classrooms, on playgrounds, and in cafeteria settings.
• Provides age-appropriate meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.
• Meets children’s basic needs, including feeding, diapering, and providing activities that promote physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
• Teaches foundational skills such as colors, shapes, numbers, letters, personal hygiene, and positive social practices.
• Plans and facilitates educational, creative, culturally relevant, and engaging activities, including games, arts and crafts, music, reading, storytelling, and indoor and outdoor play.
• Prepares classrooms and materials for daily activities; labels and displays children’s work.
• Provides comfort, encouragement, and positive guidance to children.
• Arranges classroom and play environments to ensure children’s physical safety.
• Performs routine cleaning and sanitizing of toys, equipment, furniture, and cots.
• Conducts daily health checks and maintains accurate attendance and health records.
• Prepares incident reports and documentation related to children’s activities.
• Communicates with supervisors and parents or guardians regarding children’s progress, needs, concerns, and potential referrals for additional services.
• Addresses and resolves parent or guardian concerns and complaints professionally.
• Attends staff meetings, trainings, conferences, and work sessions as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED; supplemented by college coursework in Early Childhood Education in pursuit of an Applied Science in Early Childhood Development or related field; and two (2) years of work experience in a child care setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Favorable background investigation.
• Physical examination.
• Possess a valid state driver’s license.
• Possess a Food Handler’s Permit.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of early childhood development and care.
• Applicable childcare rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Navajo traditional culture and beliefs.
• Educational and developmental activities for children.
• Childhood development assessment and identification of developmental delays.
• Standard office practices, procedures, and equipment.

Skill in:

• Nurturing, motivating, teaching, and guiding children.
• Demonstrating patience, maturity, and understanding.
• Coordinating activities such as music, art, drama, and storytelling.
• Integrating Navajo traditional culture and beliefs into childcare activities.
• Maintaining accurate child development records and documentation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION APPLICANT SHOULD KNOW

Within ninety (90) days of hire, the incumbent must:

• Obtain CPR and Adult/Pediatric or Standard & Pediatric First Aid certification;
• Complete the Navajo Nation Defensive Driving Course and obtain a Navajo Nation Vehicle Operator’s Permit.