Para - PK Childcare Services

Polk County Public Schools • Winter Haven, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position exists to perform specialized work in assisting with Infant/Toddler classrooms. Provides for the care and well-being of Infant/Toddler student's growth and compliance with the Department of Children and Families rules and regulations, and developmentally appropriate practices classroom activities. Duties are performed with the Child Development Associate Teacher and the general supervision of supervisors. Performance is evaluated through observation of work, and/or periodic conferences, critiques, records and reports. Complies with federal, state, and local standards.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or completion of GED.
• Associate's degree of 60 college credit hours, or passing of the Para Pro test and DCF 40 hours of Childcare required.
• Ability to understand written and oral instructions, to speak and write coherently, to keep records, and make simple reports, and to work cooperatively and act professionally with other school personnel and parents.
• Be physically, mentally and occupationally capable of performing the following actions with infant/toddlers without endangering self/and or infant/toddler's own health:a). Reach an infant/toddler child 25 feet away within 10 seconds or less,b). Hear an infant/toddler call for help from at least 50 feet away,c). Comprehend and react to dangerous situations involving infant/toddler without hesitationd). Crouch to an infant/toddler child's height and maintain eye contacte). Reach children on the highest piece of play equipment,f). Lift a minimum of 40 pounds,g). Sit on the floor and interact with children for an extended period of time,h). Preparation of food - Includes the selection, measurement and combining of ingredients in an ordered procedure to create a meal intended for consumption. This definition is not limited to cooking. Bottle preparation is included in this definition.Also requires standing, walking and moving about to coordinate this work.
• Requires face-to-face discussions and contact with individuals and/or teams.
• Requires the use of alternative communication systems, such as electronic mail, telephones and computers.
• Requires coordination of work tasks to establish priorities, set goals and meet deadlines.
• Requires work with students, parents, internal and external contacts, and with the public.
• Requires sitting, standing, walking, and the ability to lift, carry, move and/or position objects frequently weighing up to 20 pounds, and infrequently weighing 40 pounds or more, with help as necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Background and actual work experience with early childhood programs and childcare center is preferred, not required.
• Knowledge of Department of Children and Families, age appropriate or preschool standards, purpose, and procedures is preferred.
• Sincerely interested in educating and working with young children.
• Bilingual/biliterate is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assisting classroom staff is required.
• Duties may require: set up of outdoor classroom space, arrival/dismissal duties, late student sign-in, food service delivery support, health and hygiene care to students, operation of adaptive equipment, and physical assistance to impaired students.
• Promotes feelings of security and trust in infants and toddlers.
• Talks, sings and reads to infants frequently.
• Responds quickly in a soothing and tender manner to infant cries, needs for food or calls of distress.
• Organizes and maintain daily schedule, and staff/student ratio to meet DCF requirements.
• Professional duties will involve attending meetings as necessary, attending in-service provided, and becoming acquainted with philosophies, policies, procedures, equipment, and the work site where assigned.
• Clerical assistance will be performed when needed to assist the CDAT to which one is assigned.
• Reinforcement of instruction of students in various situations and programs as needed.
• Preparation of instructional or other support materials will be assigned as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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