Primary Caregiver I, II, III, IV

Ecs4Kids•Eustis, FL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Primary Caregiver provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe and loving environment where each child can develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills appropriately. This role involves planning and implementing educational programs, ensuring children's health and development, fostering partnerships with families, and maintaining a positive and communicative work environment.

Requirements

PCG I: High School Diploma or GED and an Infant Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential (FCCPC).
PCG II: Associate degree in child development or early childhood education with 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development OR an IT CDA credential or FCCPC.
PCG III: Baccalaureate degree in child development or early childhood education with 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development OR an IT CDA credential or FCCPC; OR a baccalaureate degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses including 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development OR an IT CDA credential or FCCPC.
PCG IV: Advanced degree in child development or early childhood education with 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development OR an IT CDA credential or FCCPC; OR an advanced degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses including 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development OR an IT CDA credential or FCCPC.
Demonstrate competency in effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions.
Plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment.
Promote children's progress across Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework standards and applicable state standards.
Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
Ability to develop consistent, stable, and supportive relationships with very young children.
Ability to exercise control and maintain appropriate classroom discipline.
Ability and willingness to implement the approved curriculum.
Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity.
Ability to work effectively with diverse staff and families.
Demonstrate proper use of grammar and communication skills.
Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
Ability to maintain confidential information.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records.
A willingness to learn and continue personal education.
Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children (renew every 2 years).
Commence within ninety (90) days and complete within one (1) year of employment the DCF required 45 hr training.
Complete on-line Food Handlers Course Serving Safe Food in Childcare within 90 days of employment.
Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
Complete a minimum of 25 hours of in-service training annually (July 1-June 30).

Responsibilities

Plan and implement a culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate educational program for each child's age and language.
Use Teaching Strategies Cloud to plan and create weekly digital lesson plans promoting cognitive, language, literacy, social, emotional, and physical development.
Follow the approved daily schedule to implement daily lesson plans from the approved curricula.
Plan a balanced daily routine that encourages play, exploration, and learning, including teacher-directed and child-directed activities, and inside and outside time.
Provide a developmentally appropriate, stimulating learning environment with new and interesting materials each week.
Provide a warm, nurturing, loving and positive environment, using positive guidance techniques and upholding the ECS Discipline policy.
Develop nurturing relationships with each child that encourages social and emotional development.
Maintain all federal, state, local and accreditation standards (e.g., NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF, Early Head Start).
Adjust classroom routine, activities, and environment to meet the developmental levels of all children, including those with special needs.
Participate in research initiatives pertaining to early childhood education, development, and related topics.
Conduct daily health checks on each child.
Create a classroom routine that promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and medication administration.
Ensure safe practices are followed to prevent injuries.
Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in center maintenance.
Participate in case management meetings regarding children's health and development.
Provide and encourage effective communication and relationships with families.
Encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program.
Inform parents about their children's progress formally and informally (parent notes, learning outcomes, conferences, home visits).
Maintain transition procedures for children moving between classrooms or programs.
Plan and implement weekly family involvement activities.
Eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation.
Serve food in a way that encourages development and socialization.
Assist in kitchen duties as assigned.
Follow infants' individual feeding schedules and hold infants who cannot sit independently while feeding.
Plan weekly nutrition activities for children and/or families.
Communicate regularly with other staff, attend staff meetings and trainings, and share information.
Maintain a cooperative, positive, and supportive attitude.
Follow directions and assignments.
Maintain appropriate record keeping.