Job Function:    To observe and enhance the development of infants and toddlers within the Early Head Start care room, as well as model appropriate care giving skills for parents and peers.

 

It is the expectation that all employees seek additional opportunities to contribute to the success and progress of Early Education and Care and its programs.

 

Specific Job Duties:

1. Maintain records on each child’s daily activity: milestones, meals, diapering, etc., and provide that information to parents daily.
2. Ensure the indoor and outdoor environments are safe and healthy for children. Notify supervisor of potential hazards so that appropriate corrective actions can be taken.
3. Supervise children at all times in the classroom and on the playground.
4. Respond appropriately to crisis or emergency situations that may occur.
5. Conduct the required parent/teacher conferences and home visits for the purpose of assessment and support and to share information on classroom progress and educational strategies at school and at home.
6. Assist with bus monitoring and other program needs as requested.
7. Must maintain current first aid and CPR.
8. Assure general maintenance and security of facility and assist with inventory of equipment and supplies.
9. Sanitize toys as per state licensing and Early Head Start standards. Provide daily cleaning of cribs, play surfaces, laundering of bedding, blankets, bibs and other washable items.
10. Model accepted Early Head Start care giving practices and interactions for parents, peers and volunteers.
11. Foster an open and friendly relationship with parents. Encourage and support maternal and paternal attachments with children, providing opportunities for parents to learn and grow in their role.
12. Provide planned experiences in a child directed environment, affording each child an individualized daily schedule, which remains flexible, based on the child’s needs and interests.
13. Possess knowledge of developmental milestones of infants and toddlers, providing opportunities for each child to enhance their development.
14. Provide meals and rest periods according to each child’s individual needs rather than expecting children to conform to a group schedule.
15. Maintain appropriate records, accident/incident reports, medication forms, etc. according to Early Education and Care, Inc. policies.
16. Coordinate and communicate with parents about concerns or changes/additions to infant or toddler’s diet, toilet training, and medical conditions. Support parental decisions in same as appropriate.
17. Ensure that all bottles, supplies for individual children are labeled with child’s name.
18. Follow Head Start Performance Standards for disciplining children. Positive methods of child guidance will be used and not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation.  Staff will not use methods of discipline that involve isolation, the use of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs.
19. Follow OSHA and Early Head Start guidelines for diapering, handling of blood or body fluids as instructed in orientation and yearly in-service training.
20. Attain continuing education as requested for program improvement and professional growth to include, but not limited to minimum of an Infant/Toddler CDA.
21. Participate as Early Head Start team member (along with parent(s), family advocate) providing input for program improvement.
22. Promote and employ N.A.E.Y.C. principles in the care of infants and toddlers.
23. Ensure that confidentiality is maintained for each child and their family.
24. Attend required in-service meetings.
25. Actively participate in the planning of agency events, such as Kidfest and other activities sponsored by EEC.
26. Responsible for gathering resources that will support contractual match requirements for EEC’s funding sources.
27. Attend staff meetings, workshops, conferences, parent meetings and parent conferences as needed and obtain necessary 15 hours in-service training yearly.
28. Abide by the policies and procedures set forth by the EEC’s Board of Directors.

Limits of Authority:                       Act under the supervision of the Center Director and assume any duties and responsibilities as delegated.

Education & Experience:

AA/AS in early childhood education or related field preferred; with a willingness to further education.  FCCPC or age-specific CDA accepted with willingness to further education.

Employee must complete a the DCF Early Literacy Course and enroll in and complete the 45-clock hour Introductory Child Care Training as evidenced by passage of a

competency examination within 6 months of hire date.

Employee must obtain and maintain a staff credential issued by DCF (Department of Children & Families).

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Must be able to organize time and implement a developmentally appropriate program for infants and toddlers.

Must be able to relate to children and families of various socioeconomic backgrounds.

Must be knowledgeable in appropriate early care and education for infants and toddlers.

Must possess good communication skills both verbally and in writing.

Must be able to read, write and speak effectively in English.

Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work with parents in mentoring/coaching role.

 

Work Environment, Physical and Mental Abilities:

Must submit current physical exam and TB tine screener or test (if needed) on 1^st day of employment; re-screens will be required periodically.

Sound mental and physical health.

The work environment is representative of the needs of the children and families enrolled.

The noise level is usually moderate but can become high in the care room setting.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand, walk, talk, read, write, hear and lift up to 40 lbs.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust and focus.

 

Personal Attributes:

Must meet all requirements as mandated by local licensing authority and Early Head Start Performance Standards.

Must be neat, well-groomed and represent EEC as a professional at all times.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must pass criminal background screenings and urinalysis drug screen.
• Must complete a physical and a tb tine screener

Benefits:  Early Education and Care, Inc., offers a generous benefit program including Paid Time Off, holiday pay, health, dental, vision, life insurance, company-funded retirement plus a 401(k) plan. Details                               provided on start date.

Apply:  Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply at Early Education and Care, Inc. 704 W. 23rd Street, Panama City, FL. You may also apply on this website (eeckids.org) or our Facebook page.  EOE M/F/V/D                 Drug Free

We will continue to accept applications until position is filled.