Child Care Assistant

American Addiction Centers • Libertyville, IL

2d • $19 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a PRN position for the Intergenerational Day Care - Child Care department. The role requires availability at least 4 hours a month, year-round, with flexible hours depending on the Center's needs. The assistant will work in all classrooms with children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency
• Ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally with participants
• Competent interpersonal skills
• Basic computer skills
• Emotional maturity when working with children
• Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and carry children, sit without back support for 15-20 minutes at a time
• Ability to work with children 6 weeks through 10 years of age
• Ability to communicate with children at an age-appropriate level
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and complete work within short timeframes
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints
• Ability to physically respond quickly to unsafe conditions which may put children at risk
• Flexibility, understanding, and patience
• Skills to help children meet their developmental and emotional needs
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available.

Nice To Haves

• N/A

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate positive interactions with children, families, and associates through verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Engage with children at their eye level, listen, respond, and speak in positive, respectful tones.
• Provide comfort and a safe, responsive environment for children, using verbal or physical comforting as needed.
• Follow Day Center Child Care discipline guidelines and demonstrate positive guidance techniques.
• Implement the primary caregiving care plan for assigned children to maintain consistent positive relationships.
• Interact with children at all times, engaging them in activities and learning experiences that support their growth and development.
• Assist classroom staff with developing and implementing positive behavior patterns of children.
• Give input for daily activities and learning experiences, and assist in preparing and implementing curriculum activities.
• Meet the needs of the children in group settings to support their development.
• Provide input and assistance to teachers in completing progress reports, developmental checklists, parent/teacher conference forms, and daily notes.
• Actively participate and attend classroom meetings and all other assigned meetings.
• Work with classroom teachers and/or administrative staff to learn how to make observations and take notes of children’s behaviors and development.
• Seek ongoing training and professional development by attending early childhood trainings, reading professional journals, and continuing education.
• Assist in completing the Environmental Rating Scale for the assigned classroom.
• Complete required on-line trainings and other trainings for ExcelRate ECE Credential.
• Work with Gateways to earn and/or maintain ECE Credential.
• Earn required inservice hours annually and update Professional Development Record.
• Communicate one’s own and parent ideas, concerns, and needs with co-workers.
• Share in responsibilities of carrying out daily routines, procedures, schedule, and Center and classroom goals.
• Be aware of classroom information such as orientations, transitions, schedule changes, etc.
• Follow Day Center's written policies and procedures.
• Understand and support Center and classroom goals.
• Demonstrate flexibility with teaching team, daily schedule, routines, and classroom assignments.
• Resolve conflicts with co-workers in a professional manner.
• Model appropriate behavior and demonstrate a positive attitude.
• Be aware of the number of children in the assigned group at all times.
• Physically position self to monitor the classroom for safety hazards and intervene when necessary.
• Assist in implementing child safety practices such as head counts, ratio sheets, and checks.
• Interact and engage with children to role model and encourage positive social interactions.
• Avoid distractions that interfere with supervision of children.
• Communicate daily to parents regarding the child’s daily activities.
• Assist in completing written forms of communication such as Today We Did board, daily notes, and progress reports.
• Create a welcoming and open atmosphere that promotes daily communication with staff and families.
• Greet parents and communicate child’s daily accomplishments and interests.
• Direct parent concerns/issues to supervisor and/or classroom teaching team.
• Share in the responsibility of organizing, cleaning, storing, and removing damaged/unsafe materials or equipment.
• Assist in maintaining an organized, clutter-free environment in the classroom and throughout the Day Center.
• Assist in completing classroom health and safety checklists.
• Demonstrate appropriate hand hygiene.
• Adhere to, follow, and practice Advocate's Be Safe Behaviors and Tools at all times.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Generous retirement offerings
• Programs that invest in your career development
• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED