Child Care Assistant

Supports classroom teacher’s curricula and activities while providing nurturing care to an infant or pre-school age child participating in a therapeutic Early Achievers early learning facility. Also includes interacting with mothers in early recovery who are engaged in daily treatment activities. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Applies discipline in a positive, non-judgmental manner that sets clear and appropriate limits. Assists the child in accepting responsibility for his/her behavior.
• Encourages the child's individuality and independence and assists them in gaining the skills for understanding and expressing their wants and needs, and to resolve their conflicts.
• Assists parents in learning nurturing and appropriate methods of parental control while mother is participating in the daycare program.
• Assists in maintaining equipment in proper working order and sanitary condition. Is alert to and removes hazards to health and/or safety and notifies proper authorities when necessary.
• Assists in clean-up of classroom, yard and equipment using universal precautions as appropriate.
• Follows basic health safety rules posted in classroom and assists children in understanding and observing rules.
• Knows procedures for responding to a variety of emergencies and assists in conducting drills to train staff and children.
• Responsible for clearing of building in case of fire or other emergency. Initiates procedures in the event of illness or emergency.
• Helps in checking first aid kit and supplies and advising supervisor of items used.
• Reports injury or potential child abuse in accordance with laws and program policy.
• Maintain professional boundaries and set a positive example of care-taking and discipline for patients and children.
• Shows consideration for the cultural and socioeconomic background of the children and treat each child with dignity and respect.
• Attends all daycare staff meetings and participate in training programs, conferences, and recommended courses as requested by supervisor.
• Follows all policies and procedures with regard to alcohol/drug patient information protection, including 42 CFR, 45 CFR and HIPAA.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work effectively and compassionately with adults with substance use disorders and diverse populations.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative consistent with agency policies, procedures and practices.
• Work cooperatively and professionally with patients, visitors, coworkers, and community agency representatives.
• Show consideration for the cultural and socioeconomic background of each child and treat each child and their parent with dignity and respect consistent with trauma-informed milieu.
• Set boundaries and is positive example of care taking and discipline for mothers and children.
• Maintain confidentiality with sensitive information as well as protected health information as required by state and federal law and agency policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Some experience in working with children preferred but not mandatory; history of reliable work attendance.
• Maintain First Aid and Adult and Infant CPR certifications, and food handler’s card. Active Washington State Driver’s license preferred.