Caregiver, Child Development​/Support, Preschool ​/ Daycare

Position Summary

The caregiver will prepare children, infants to 5 years, for elementary school by developing lesson plans, supervising academic and emotional development, maintaining open communication with parent’s/guardians to help children’s transition into elementary school setting.

• Structure a developmentally appropriate educational experience in the classroom using storytelling, games, and activities.
• Enforce safety and security standards for children, staff, and visitors.
• Supervise children at all times, ensuring knowledge of assigned children, numbers, ages, and safety. Intervene when necessary.
• Ensure supervision considerations per Texas Administrative code including age, development stage, individual differences, indoor/outdoor layout, hazards, and child’s needs.
• Foster a cooperative atmosphere.
• Prepare lesson plans and classroom materials.
• Plan and conduct a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time, encouraging observation, questioning, and investigation.
• Interact with children positively; supervise class projects, field trips, and experiential activities.
• Teach basic skills such as color, shape, number, letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
• Teach students to follow rules and procedures.
• Monitor students’ progress and evaluate preparedness for kindergarten.
• Adapt teaching methods for varying interests, strengths, and special needs.
• Communicate progress and concerns with parents and director.
• Identify signs of emotional, developmental, or health problems and discuss with supervisors/parents.
• Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
• Set appropriate behavior expectations based on development stage.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with parents.
• Ensure continuity of care by sharing shift information with incoming caregivers.
• Attend to basic needs: feeding, dressing, diaper changes.
• Maintain required paperwork: individual student records, attendance, incident reports.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation to DFPS per Texas Family Code.
• Stay informed of research and best practices in early childhood education.
• Attend professional meetings, conferences, and training workshops.
• Perform other duties assigned.

• Child Development Associate Certification (must be acquired within 1 year; preference for current cert).
• Pediatric CPR/First Aid Certification (must be acquired within 90 days; preference for current cert).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain/maintain vehicle insurance.

High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Previous experience in childcare setting serving ages birth through eight years preferred.
• Spanish speaking preferred.
• Good judgment, self‑control, courtesy, respect, patience, empathy, compassion, and enthusiasm.
• Recognize and respect uniqueness and potential of all children, families, and cultures.
• Knowledge of early childhood development principles and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with adults and children.
• Ability to collaborate with teachers, support staff, parents, and students.
• Organizational skills, ability to set priorities, work independently, and develop goals.
• Group process skills: goal setting, planning, conflict mediation.
• High personal accountability.
• Ability to plan, manage, and evaluate curriculum.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or related software.

• Good judgment and discretion; ability to work well in a team.
• Skill in teaching others and conveying information effectively.
• Creative thinking, developing new ideas, designing new applications.
• Monitoring/assessment skills for self and others.
• Adherence to ethical conduct and confidentiality.
• Understanding of diverse community backgrounds and cultural perceptions of health and wellness.
• Trauma‑informed care principles and ability to identify signs of trauma.
• Knowledge of incident reporting, HIPAA, professional ethics, consumer rights, and confidentiality.
• Familiarity with West Care services and programs.
• Required communication skills: speaking, listening, visual clarity, and ability to use protective equipment.

Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of West Care Foundation.