A) JOB DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision of front Administration staff, caregivers must provide developmental care and supervision to children enrolled in the program; implement ageappropriate curriculum for children; establish and maintain supportive relationships with children and parents; act as a model for appropriate child care practices in accordance with Childcare Licensing Minimum Standards; and perform related work as required.
Depending on whether the employee is hired as a Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher, the responsibilities assigned may be more or less. Each person hired at Bilingual Child Academy is a Caregiver and must follow all Texas Health and Human Services Childcare Licensing Minimum Standards as a caregiver.
B) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
(Under Texas Department of Health and Human Services for Childcare Caregivers)
- DFPS background check and fingerprint clearance
- Notarized Licensing Affidavit for applicants
- Orientation of the childcare center
- Must be 18 years old or older
- High school diploma
- Eight (8) hours of preservice training, plus sixteen (16) additional hours within ninety (90) days of the introductory period (inclassroom training)
- Twentyfour (24) hours of annual training
C) GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
All childcare employees, including persons not counted in the child/caregiver ratio, must:
- Demonstrate competency, good judgment, and selfcontrol in the presence of children and when performing assigned responsibilities
- Relate to children with courtesy, respect, acceptance, and patience
- Recognize and respect the uniqueness and potential of all children, their families, and their culture
- Ensure that no child is abused, neglected, or exploited while in the care of the center
- Report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to CPS as specified in the Texas Family Code, Section 261.101
D) ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF CAREGIVERS WITH CHILDREN
- Be knowledgeable of DFPS Minimum Standards for licensed childcare centers
- Know which and how many children they are responsible for
- Know the name and age of each child
- Supervise children at all times; ensures health and safety of children [SUPERVISE children means you know how many children you have in your care, each childs ages and differences, indoor and outdoor areas where you are supervising, and any hazards or risks in the area.]
- Ensure children are not out of control
- Be free from activities not directly involving teaching, caring, and supervision of children, such as:
- Administrative and clerical duties that take attention away from the children
- Janitorial duties (deep cleaning), other than quick cleaning such as wiping tables before meals
- Personal use of electronic devices, such as cell phones (personal calls or texts). Use of Tadpoles for inputting childrens daily routines is acceptable as long as communication with team caregivers ensures children are being properly supervised
- Display good judgment and maturity in highrisk environments
- Interact with children in a positive manner
- Develop activities to stimulate children and foster developmentally appropriate independence through planned but flexible program activities
- Know and practice emergency procedures and protocols
- Foster a cooperative rather than a competitive atmosphere
- Attend to childrens physical and emotional needs, including feeding, dressing, and ensuring hygiene (changing diapers or assisting after potty use)
- Integrate children with special needs in a respectful manner
- Promote learning through ageappropriate activities
- Provide input for assessments and evaluations of childrens development
- Maintain daily open and positive communication with parents, coworkers, and supervisors
- Respond to accidents using basic first aid, complete accident/incident reports, and communicate with parents
- Comfort children in times of need
- Encourage children with positive expressions and appropriate physical reassurance
- Maintain confidentiality in matters related to children, the center, and other employees
E) RESPONSIBILITIES IN ENVIRONMENT AND DAILY DUTIES
- Arrange a classroom environment in accordance with program goals and philosophy
- Maintain a safe and healthy environment and remain aware of environmental hazards and risks
- Maintain a clean classroom and bathrooms for childrens use
- Inspect and replace damaged or lost materials
- Clean and sanitize equipment and toys daily; toys mouthed by children must be set aside for later sanitizing
- Attend inservice trainings and staff meetings
- Maintain good attendance and provide timely notice of tardiness or absences
- Provide two (2) weeks notice for preplanned personal absences or adequate time to secure a substitute
F) PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to perform physical activities including, but not limited to, lifting children or heavy items (minimum of 30 lbs and up to 50 lbs unassisted), bending, standing, reaching, twisting, climbing, and walking. Must be able to maintain balance while holding a child and moving safely within the classroom environment. Must be free of vertigo or other conditions that could cause fainting or loss of balance. Must be able to work safely in an environment containing biological conditions that may be unhealthful or hazardous (such as bodily fluids, waste, germs, and childhood illnesses). Must pass fingerprint clearance for all required agencies (including FBI, Department of Justice, and Child Abuse Index Services).
SUMMARY
As a childcare caregiver, you are responsible for providing a safe and developmentally appropriate childcare and preschool program for young children that complies with all applicable legislation, policies, and procedures. Responsibilities include nurturing children, providing meals, crafts, and instruction, and ensuring all children are clean, safe, and properly supervised.