Daycare Worker Jobs

The Teen Parent Daycare Center provides opportunities for teen parents to receive childcare in order that they may graduate from high school. The position of Daycare Worker - Teen Parent Daycare Center is responsible for assisting the Daycare Lead with the daily operation of the Daycare Center to meet Oregon State Day Care Facility licensing standards and Early Head Start (EHS) guidelines. The Daycare Worker ensures the safety and care of a designated group of infants and toddlers and provides assistance to the daycare aides and student assistants. S/he plans activities, assesses and prepares documentation for a designated group of children. The Daycare Worker is also responsible for assisting the Daycare Lead with home visits to the teen parents’ homes and follow up reporting.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assists Daycare Lead in the operation of the Teen Parent Daycare center by working with teen parents and student assistants to maintain a safe and developmentally productive environment for infants and toddlers.
• Assists the Daycare Lead in maintaining USDA National School Lunch Program standards.
• Utilizing Early Head Start guidelines, develops, plans, implements and documents developmental activities for the children in his/her care.
• Utilizing the EHS processes, the Day Care Worker assesses the ongoing development and progress of each child in a designated group.
• Maintains an orderly, safe, and clean childcare facility that meets state licensing standards for safety and sanitation.
• Reports any unusual behavioral findings of infants or teen parents to the Lead, Guidance Counselor and/or Teen Parent Program Director (Principal).
• Counsel teen parents and student assistants to continue their education and encourages their attendance.
• Responsible for the care and supervision of a designated group of infants or toddlers.
• Assists or shares responsibility with Teen Parent Daycare Lead to meet the required annual two (2) home visits and two (2) parent teacher conferences.
• As a condition of the Early Head Start grant, the Daycare Worker assesses, reports, monitors infant and toddler development, behavior, growth, attendance, and safety. The results are discussed with teen parents daily, weekly and monthly as appropriate.
• Assumes all other reasonable duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Assists the Lead in team planning, family input, family meetings and written plans.
• In accordance with national food safety standards, prepares and serves midmorning and afternoon snacks to children.
• Maintains confidentiality at all times.
• Monitors the well-being of all infants and toddlers in the center to ensure they are free of any communicable diseases.

Qualifications:

• Experience Required: Prior experience working with infants and toddlers in an early childhood education setting.

• Skills, Knowledge and/or Abilities Required:

Skills to implement age appropriate curriculum, play and activities for infants and toddlers; use standard office equipment including computer, telephone, printer and copier; communicate effectively both orally and in writing;

Knowledge of applicable state, federal, and local laws as well as school regulations and policies and Head Start procedures related to the operation of the daycare center and mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse; national food safety standards; Early Head Start grant requirements including assessment, reporting, and safety standards;

Abilities to stand/walk for prolonged periods, sit on the floor and in small chairs for extended periods of time during group activities with the children; keep and maintain accurate records, understand and carry out oral and written instructions, effectively communicate with and direct other personnel.

Significant physical abilities include lifting and carrying children up to 50 pounds in weight in a safe manner; lifting and moving tables, chairs, and large equipment (toys) up to 50 pounds. Pushing/pulling balancing, stooping, reaching/handling/manual dexterity, talking/hearing conversations and other sounds (potential hazards), visual acuity/depth perception/visual accommodation.

• Education Required: High School Diploma or GED required. Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, a related field OR an Infant/Toddler Certification through the Oregon Career Development Center. Must attend reasonable training sessions and training opportunities associated with the job functions required to sustain a Head Start Program as negotiated with the Principal (Center Director).

• Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required: Current driver’s license, insurance, and access to a reliable automobile during work hours for transportation to off-campus sites. Infant/child first aid/CPR, must be obtained within 60 days of hire date. Appropriate Food Handler Permit must be obtained within 30 days of hire date. Oregon Fingerprint and Criminal Check clearance prior to beginning employment and enrollment must be maintained throughout employment.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 hours per day, 186 work-day calendar (late August - mid June)