Childcare Worker

General Summary

Responsible for providing a safe and fun environment for children ages 6 months to 7 years enrolled in the City of Lafayette's Childcare Program.

Essential Functions

The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all-inclusive:

• Provide a creative environment, assist children in socialization and learning skills; assist in maintaining children's files and comply with policies and procedures.
• Assist in maintaining control of the environment; provide a safe environment for young participants; monitor the safety of activities and facilities; use all required safety equipment, take proper safety precautions, anticipate unsafe circumstances, and act accordingly to prevent accidents.
• Assist in preparing program materials, equipment and other necessary items; organize related equipment; inspect the equipment to ensure safety and cleanliness; may be required to set-up and break-down materials used for instruction.
• Provide a safe and fun environment in which both children, as well as, parents feel comfortable.
• Responsible for the enforcement of all childcare policies, general building policies; required to clean all toys and materials at the end of each shift.
• Responsible for completing and reporting accidents or injuries occurring in the assigned area; completing required forms for each child placed in and removed from the Child Care Room.
• Required to attend meetings as scheduled.

Typical Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE: Basic knowledge of age-appropriate development and activities for children ages 6 months to 9 years.
SKILL: Critical thinking and problem-solving skills; understanding and responding to customer needs.
ABILITY: Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job; promote and follow City and Department policies and procedures. Communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with all people including those from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds. Recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate staff. Work from broad direction with limited supervision; work with, instruct and supervise children ages 6 months to 9 years.
TRAINING: Obtain a working knowledge of the childcare program; of the equipment, and the facility; departmental rules and regulations; principles, practices, and teaching methods.
EXPERIENCE: Required to have some childcare experience, or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the functions of the position.

Special Requirements

CPR/AED, First Aid and Universal Precautions certifications required within 30 days of hire. City provides training.