Caregiver (Part-Time) (51908)

Position Summary:

The caregiver will prepare children, infants to 5 years, for elementary school by developing lessons plans, supervising academic and emotional development, maintaining open communication with parent’s/guardians to help children’s transition into elementary school setting.

Essential Job Functions:

• Structures a developmentally appropriate educational experience in the classroom using methods such as storytelling, games, and activities.
• Enforces safety and security standards for children, staff, and visitors.
• Supervise children at all times, as specified under Texas Administrative code
• Knowing which children are assigned to the Caregiver
• Knowing how many children the Caregiver is responsible
• Knowing each child’s name and having information showing each child's age
• Ensure each child’s safety and well-being, including physical proximity and auditory or visual awareness of each child’s on going activity as appropriate
• Intervene when necessary to ensure each child’s safety
• Ensure supervision of children considers the below regulations under Texas Administrative code
• The child’s chronological age;
• The child’s current stage of development;
• The child’s individual differences and abilities;
• The indoor and outdoor layout of the operation;
• The circumstances, hazards, and risks surrounding the child; and
• The child’s physical, mental, emotional, and social needs.
• Fosters a cooperative rather than a competitive atmosphere
• Prepare lesson plans and other materials for class activities.
• Prepare classroom for daily class activities.
•  
• Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Interact with children in a positive manner
• Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guests, or other experiential activities and guide students in learning from those activities.
• Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills
• Teaches students to follow rules and procedures in the classroom and school.
• Monitors students’ progress throughout the year and evaluates preparedness for kindergarten.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying habits, interests, strengths, and any special needs, including any special supervision needs or care
• Communicates all progress and concerns with tact and professionalism to parents and the director, suggesting ways to promote learning and development.
• Identify children showing signs of emotional, developmental, or health-related problems and discuss them with supervisors, and parents or guardians.
• Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
• Set appropriate behavior expectations based on the child’s current stage of development
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with parents.
• Ensure continuity of care for children by sharing with incoming caregivers information about each child’s activities during the previous shift and any verbal or written instructions given by the parent
• Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.
• Maintains required paperwork for individual student files, attendance and incident reports, and other necessary records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation to DFPS as specified in the Texas Family Code
• Maintains knowledge of research, developments, and best practices in early childhood education.
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation

Essential Qualifications:

Certifications/Licensures:

• Child Development Associate Certification must be acquired within 1 year of employment. Preference will be given to those candidates who are currently certified.
• Pediatric CPR/First Aid Certification must be acquired within 90 days of employment. Preference will be given to those candidates who are currently certified.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.

Education:

• Graduation with a high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Previous experience in childcare setting serving children ages birth through eight years of age is preferred
• Bilingual, Spanish speaking, is preferred.
• Competency, good judgment, and self-control in the presence of children and when performing assigned responsibilities
• Ability to relate to children with courtesy, respect, acceptance, and patience
• Ability to be empathetic, compassionate, non-judgmental, and enthusiastic.
• Ability to recognize and respect the uniqueness and potential of all children, their families, and their cultures
• Ensures that no child is abused, neglected, or exploited while in the care of the center
• Extensive knowledge of early childhood development principles and developmentally appropriate educational practices.
• Enthusiastic personality that will engage preschool children
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with adults and children.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with teachers, support staff, parents, and students in a positive and constructive way.
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives required.
• Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems required.
• Ability to develop meaningful goals and objectives required.
• Skill in group processes including goal setting, planning, and conflict mediation required.
• High level of personal accountability for the quality and impact of work required;
• Experience in youth development model, asset-based relationship building, and experience in motivating youth required.

Salary : $13 - $15