What are the responsibilities and job description for the Childcare Aide position at Good Shepherd Lutheran Services?
Hours: Non-Exempt. Hours may vary. Schedules are done every two weeks and based on the center's attendance. The center is open Monday-Friday 6:30 A.M.-5:30 P.M. Other hours may be required by GSLS and for special functions.
Reports to: Child Care Director
Travel: Some travel to and from activities may be required.
Job Summary: The Child Care Aide is responsible for nurturing and caring for the children under their care. Aides carry out Child Care activities under the supervision of the teachers and assistant teachers.
Work Environment: Helping children grow, learn and gain new skills can be very rewarding. The work is sometimes routine; however, new activities and challenges mark each day. Childcare can be physically and emotionally taxing.
Essential Functions:
• In addition to attending to children’s basic needs, the Aide will help the classroom teacher and assistant teacher organize activities that stimulate children’s physical, emotional, intellectual and social growth.
• Help children explore individual interests, develop talents and independence, build self-esteem, and learn how to get along with others.
• Assist in the daily serving of breakfast, lunch and snack, along with assisting children with going to the bathroom and practicing good hygiene.
• Recording of time-outs and incidents in separation log.
• Greet children as they arrive, help them to remove outer garments, and select an activity of interest. Children should also be greeted upon departure.
• When caring for infants Aides are responsible to feed and change them.
• Set up and clean up after daily classroom activities.
• Keeps the classroom clean and orderly.
• Cleans and disinfects toys, mats, tables and other surfaces in order to maintain proper health and safety practices.
• Employees are expected to follow behavior plans when applicable.
Skills and Abilities:
• Must show the ability to anticipate and prevent problems, deal with disruptive children and provide fair but firm discipline.
• Skills in music, art, drama and storytelling are important.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and early childhood education methods.
• Skills in interacting with small children in learning and play situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, policies and procedures, rules, regulations and guidelines.
Physical Demands:
• Workers constantly stand, walk, bend, stoop and lift to attend to each child’s interests and problems.
• Must have the ability to lift up to forty (40) pounds such as, but not limited to: a child, materials and equipment, from location to another.
Qualifications:
A. Education/Other-
•Must be at least 16 years old.
• An aide under the age of 18 years old must always be supervised be a teacher or assistant teacher except when the aide is assisting with the supervision of sleeping children or assisting children with washing, toileting and diapering.
• Orientation and training must be successfully completed before starting assigned duties.
• Pass criminal background study.
B. Personal-
• Basic Skills-When caring for children an aide needs to show maturity, alertness and patience. An aide should have good physical stamina and show enthusiasm. The ability to stay organized and on task is also important.
• Good Communication Skills-able to be patient when explaining daily activities to children. Able to suggest ways in which parents can stimulate their child’s learning and development at home.
• Interpersonal Skills-sensitivity to the needs, interest and abilities of children. Able to show compassion and understanding towards children while also carrying out firm and fair discipline if needed.
Benefits ~
Paid Time Off, Shift Differentials, Pension match, Health & Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Referral Bonus, Sign on Bonus, Scholarships and other benefits