Description

JOIN THE ECS TEAM

At ECS, we help underserved children in Northeast and Central Florida build a solid foundation for educational success. Give a child a better start, and you dramatically increase the child’s odds of being a better person – of having a better life. Partner with us to we create opportunity so that the children we serve can achieve their full potential.

ECS has career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. Thank you for your interest in a career with Episcopal Children’s Services.

ECS offers a competitive benefit package which includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• College tuition assistance
• Career development

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Primary Caregiver provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe and loving environment where each child can develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills appropriately.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Education and Development

1. Plan and implement a culturally sensitive educational program that is developmentally appropriate for each child’s age and language.
2. Plan and implement appropriate daily lesson plans, based on the approved curriculum, that promote the cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development of children.
3. Conduct ongoing assessment and individualization documentation in a timely manner.
4. Collect, enter, analyze and implement child assessment data.
5. Plan a balanced daily routine that encourages play, exploration, and learning; and which includes teacher-directed and child-directed activities, and inside and outside time.
6. Provide a developmentally appropriate, stimulating learning environment, which includes adding new and interesting materials each week.
7. Provide a warm, nurturing, loving and positive environment, using positive guidance techniques and upholding the ECS Discipline policy.
8. Develop nurturing relationships with each child that encourages his or her social and emotional development.
9. Maintain all federal, state, local and accreditation standards. (These may include those set forth by NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF and Early Head Start.)
10. Adjust the classroom routine, activities, and environment to meet the developmental levels of all children in the group including children with special needs, over the course of their enrollment at the center.
11. Participate in research initiatives pertaining to early child hood education, development, and related topics.

Children’s Health and Developmental Services

1. Conduct daily health checks on each child.
2. Create a classroom routine that promotes a healthy lifestyle.
3. Follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling, and storing of medication.
4. Ensure that safe practices are followed to prevent injuries to children or self.
5. Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in the maintenance of the center.
6. Participate in monthly case management meetings regarding children’s health and development.

Family Partnerships

1. Provide and encourage effective communication and relationships with families so that parents feel comfortable talking to staff about their children.
2. Encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program.
3. Inform parents concerning their children’s progress formally and informally, which may include parent notes, portfolios, parent conferences and home visits.
4. Maintain transition procedures for children moving from classroom to classroom or program along with other appropriate staff.
5. Plan and implement weekly family involvement activities.

Nutrition

1. Eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation.
2. Serve food in a way that encourages the development and socialization of the children.
3. Assist in kitchen duties as assigned.
4. Follow infants’ individual feeding schedules and hold infants who cannot sit independently while feeding.
5. Plan weekly nutrition activities for children and/or families.

Training and Communication

1. Communicate regularly with other staff to better serve children and families, including attending staff meetings, trainings, and sharing information.
2. Have a cooperative, positive and supportive attitude within the program.
3. Follow directions and assignments as given.
4. Maintain appropriate record keeping.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.)

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:

• This position reports to the Center Manager.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• PCG I - High School Diploma or GED and an Infant Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential (FCCPC) or an IT CDA credential or FCCPC.
• PCG II - An associate degree in child development or early childhood education with 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development or an IT CDA credential or FCCPC.
• PCG III – A baccalaureate degree in child development or early childhood education with 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development or an IT CDA credential or FCCPC; or a baccalaureate degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses including 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development or an IT CDA credential or FCCPC.
• PCG IV - An advanced degree in child development or early childhood education with 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development or an IT CDA credential or FCCPC; or an advanced degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses including 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development or an IT CDA credential or FCCPC.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
• Commence within ninety (90) days and complete within one (1) year of employment the DCF required 45 hr training.
• Complete on-line Food Handlers Course Serving Safe Food in Childcare within 90 days of employment.
• Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
• Complete a minimum of 40 hours of in-service training annually, July 1- June 30.