Child Care Aide

JOB PURPOSE:  

Provides classroom experiences to enhance and promote the educational, intellectual, and social growth and development of children from six months to nine years.

This position description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required or assigned to this position.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists with implementation of lesson plans in a manner that will develop each child’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social behavior; assists with planned activities to stimulate growth in language, social, and motor skills.
2. Provides stimulation activities and experiences in all curriculum areas; avoids activities causing over-stimulation or fatigue.
3. Assists in play, reading, field trips, and group discussion.
4. Encourages children to communicate.
5. Assists in analyzing and appraising children’s development and progress. 
6. May accompany and transports children on field trips or to activities.
7. Instructs children in practices of personal cleanliness and self-care.
8. Ensures the cleanliness and safety of materials, classroom, and playgrounds by performing routine inspections and disinfecting equipment, facilities and toys.
9. Assists parents in feeling welcomed, comfortable, and involved.
10. Maintains effective working relationships with parents by assisting with parent participation.
11. Assists in preparing snacks and serving meals at breakfast and lunch times.  Sits with and supervises children at meal times.  Assists in cleaning up after meals.
12. Keeps a daily log of children’s activities and evidence of progress.
13. Carefully sanitizes classroom equipment, toys, and furnishings at least weekly.
14. Implements established classroom rules and routines and ensuring that they are understood and accepted by children and their parents.
15. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
16. Performs other duties as assigned.

 SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:    

1.  N/A

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

1. High School Diploma or GED.

2. Experience working with children at the pre-school level preferred. 

3. Child Development Associate certificate.

4. Current Food Handlers Permit.

5. First Aid and CPR Certificate.

6. Valid and clean state driver’s license.

7. Must be able to pass background check, with NO prior convictions of any felonies and no history of child abuse and/or neglect.

The Navajo Nation Preference in Employment Act applies to all hiring, promotions or transfers of individuals into this position. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

1. Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
2. Knowledge of department organization, functions, objectives, policies and procedures.
3. Knowledge of early childhood development, diet and nutrition guidelines.
4. Skill in administering disciplinary rules to children and resolving situational conflicts among children.
5. Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.
6. Ability to supervise and ensure a safe learning environment for young children.
7. Ability to communicate effectively in the Navajo and English language.
8. Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
9. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
10. Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
11. Ability to demonstrate moral character, honesty, tact, fairness, lack of prejudice, and desire to help when dealing with people.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, and squat.
2. Use hands for dexterity of motion, repetitive movement of both hands.
3. Have normal auditory, visual acuity, and verbal communications skills. 
4. The employee must occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

1. Work is typically performed within an office and childcare/nursery setting with a moderate to loud noise level.
2. Exposure to unpleasant odors, hazardous material and infectious disease. 
3. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. 
4. Evening and/or weekend work may be required.  Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.