Early Learning Center Caregiver - Hugo

Job Summary

The Early Learning Center Caregiver 2 is responsible for the care, safety, well‑being and education of a group of four (4) children in the Center. The Caregiver 2 creates and manages a clean, attractive, warm and challenging learning environment for infants and toddlers, incorporating appropriate early intervention, learning and care activities that meet the needs of the group as well as those of individual children and families.

The Caregiver 2 will implement the curriculum and assess the needs of each individual child, and assist each family in following the goals that they have set for themselves. Must have the ability to read, speak and write with proficiency in the English Language. Maintain a safe environment and regular attendance. This is a Safety Sensitive position.

• Perform activities that ensure the health, safety and progress of each child. Maintain accurate health records on each child. Ensure well‑child exams and other health checks are completed in a timely manner.
• Implement the EHS curriculum and Early Head Start Performance Standards for Early Head Start/Early Learning Center classrooms. Prepare daily lesson plans in advance that include both indoor and outdoor activities, are individualized and based on the infants/toddler’s own needs, interests and schedules; and include multicultural educational materials and activities, family‑style meals and other elements, as appropriate. Document volunteer activities and parent communication regarding children's functions and activities.
• Demonstrate verbally and by role‑modeling a sound knowledge of good teaching practices and of child growth and development.
• Organize the classroom according to developmental levels and individual needs of the infant or toddler ensuring the development of trust and emotional security; opportunities to explore a variety of sensory and motor experiences; opportunities for the development of self‑awareness, autonomy, and self‑expression; and opportunities for gross and fine motor development. Ensure infant and toddler classrooms are home‑like, safe, sanitary, and free of clutter.
  
  Organize the toddler classroom in rudimentary learning centers that are well defined, rotating materials routinely to create a stimulating environment.
• Provide for diaper changing and toilet training functions in the classroom in a safe, sanitary and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Promote the development of secure relationships with infant/toddlers assigned by assuring primary and continuity of care. Relate to infants and toddlers in a calm, caring, nurturing, soothing manner, responding to all cries, babbles and talks, using appropriate child guidance techniques at all times. Stay involved with children at all times during the day.
• Observe children and record observations in anecdotal records on , making appropriate referrals; conduct or assist with developmental screenings as assigned; participate in IFSP's (Individualized Family Service Plan) as required.
• Acquire and maintain certification to administer developmental tests.
• Provide information to parents regarding their children as well as general child development information.
• Manage classroom operations, providing training and technical assistance to parents and volunteers as needed; maintain a clean, safe learning environment at all times.
• Provide meals and snacks to children according to their age, development and needs. Feed infants according to their home schedule, hold them every time they are fed, and share information about their eating with their parents daily. Begin family‑style dining with toddlers when they are ready and implement according to program policy and procedures, CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) and Early Head Start Performance Standards.
• Involve parents in all aspects of the classroom; greet parents and children pleasantly and appropriately, ensuring a smooth transition into the center, a positive home‑center connection and a family partnership; maintain ongoing professional and appropriate communication with parents through a variety of methods and send activities home that parents can do with their children…