Job Description
Summary The Child Care Learning Academy is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Day Care Assistant to join our team. In this role, you will support the daily operations of our group family daycare by providing quality care and education to children aged 6 weeks to 12 years. Your responsibilities will include assisting with the implementation of educational activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of the children, maintaining a clean and organized environment, and supporting the Lead Caregiver in daily routines.
You will also help with meal preparation following CACFP guidelines, engage in interactive play, and foster a nurturing and stimulating atmosphere where children can thrive. A successful candidate will demonstrate patience, creativity, and a strong commitment to the growth and development of the children in our care. Experience in child care is preferred, and a positive, team-oriented attitude is essential. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a warm and supportive environment where children's learning and happiness are the top priorities.
The Teacher Assistant supports the Teachers and the Director by helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in activities to improve the overall care and quality of education. S/he must be able to communicate, listen and work well with others in a team environment. Assisting the staff in implementing a quality educational program and in developing positive relationships with the children and their parents, the Teacher Assistant observes and documents children's interest and progress, and relays that information back to parents and staff. Teacher Assistant are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children's interests and needs under the direction of the Teacher and the Director.
Duties GENERAL
- Assist in the implementation of curricula activities and encourage participation by children.
- Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, maintenance, and availability of classroom materials.
- Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions and progress reports.
- Encourage self-help and good hygiene through behavior modeling.
- Help ensure smooth, daily transition from home to child care center.
- Follow all center policies and state regulations.
- Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
Child Supervision & Safety - Supervise and monitor the safety of children at all times, ensuring a secure and nurturing environment.
- Assist in enforcing daycare rules and guidelines to maintain a structured environment.
- Conduct regular headcounts and safety checks during indoor and outdoor activities.
Educational Support - Assist in the implementation of the Creative Curriculum, including helping with lesson plans, activities, and educational games.
- Engage children in age-appropriate educational activities that promote learning and development.
- Read stories, teach songs, and facilitate arts and crafts activities that align with the weekly themes and learning objectives.
Routine Care - Support the daily routine, including diaper changing, potty training, feeding, and nap time supervision.
- Help prepare and serve meals and snacks following CACFP guidelines, ensuring children's dietary needs are met.
- Assist with the proper hygiene practices, including handwashing, for all children before and after meals, after using the restroom, and during other daily routines.
Cleaning & Maintenance - Maintain a clean, organized, and child-friendly environment, including sanitizing toys, furniture, and play areas regularly.
- Assist with daily cleaning duties such as sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming to ensure the daycare is always in excellent condition.
- Manage waste disposal and ensure all child care spaces are free of hazards.
Parent Communication - Greet parents and caregivers during drop-off and pick-up, providing a friendly and welcoming environment.
- Communicate any relevant information regarding a child's day, including their behavior, activities, and any concerns.
- Support the Lead Caregiver in documenting children's progress and milestones as needed.
Emergency Preparedness - Be familiar with and follow all emergency procedures, including fire drills, lockdowns, and first aid protocols.
- Assist in conducting regular emergency drills and ensure children understand safety practices.
- Administer basic first aid when necessary and report any injuries or incidents to the Lead Caregiver immediately.
Collaboration & Professional Development - Work closely with the Lead Caregiver and other staff to create a harmonious and collaborative working environment.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to stay updated on best practices in child care.
- Provide input and feedback on improving the daycare program and activities.
Creative & Fun Activity Planning - Contribute ideas and assist in planning creative, fun, and educational activities that engage children and promote their social, emotional, and cognitive development.
- Utilize social media and other resources to find inspiration for new activities and lesson plans.
Compliance with Regulations - Adhere to all NYS OCFS regulations, including maintaining proper child-to-staff ratios, ensuring children's safety, and following all health and safety guidelines.
- Ensure that all documentation and record-keeping are accurate and up-to-date, including attendance logs, incident reports, and emergency contact information.
Downtime Duties - Utilize downtime effectively by organizing supplies, preparing for upcoming activities, and assisting with any additional tasks needed to support the daycare.
- Plan and prepare materials for the next day?s lessons and activities.
Requirements - Minimum of 1-2 years of professional child care experience.
- High energy.
- Ability to work well with others.
- Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
- An understanding of child development.
- Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
- Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.
Requirements per NYS OCFS for a Day Care Assistant in a Group Family Daycare
Age Requirements - Must be at least 18 years of age.
Educational Requirements - A high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED) is preferred.
Health and Safety Training - Must complete 30 hours of training every two years, including:
- Infant and child CPR and First Aid certification.
- Health and safety training, covering infection control, SIDS, Shaken Baby Syndrome, and safe sleep practices.
- Child abuse and maltreatment identification and prevention.
- Must be familiar with the daycare?s emergency evacuation procedures and other safety protocols.
Background Checks - Must undergo and pass a comprehensive background check, including:
- State and national criminal history fingerprinting.
- A check against the NYS Sex Offender Registry.
- A check against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR).
Medical Requirements - Must submit a medical statement, completed by a health care professional, attesting to the assistant's physical and mental fitness to care for children.
- Must have an updated immunization record, including vaccinations against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), pertussis, and other required vaccinations.
Experience and Competency - Experience working with children is preferred, with demonstrated competency in providing care for children under the age of 12.
- Must demonstrate the ability to manage and engage with children in a nurturing, developmentally appropriate manner.
- Ability to understand and apply child development principles and childcare best practices.
Child-to-Staff Ratio Compliance - Must work under the supervision of a qualified provider to ensure compliance with the required child-to-staff ratios as per NYS OCFS regulations:
- Group family daycare allows for a maximum of 12 children, including up to 4 children under 2 years of age, with a qualified assistant required when caring for more than 8 children.
Continuing Education - Must complete ongoing training to remain compliant with NYS OCFS requirements, which may include topics such as child development, nutrition, program development, and professional development.
- Must maintain up-to-date knowledge of and compliance with NYS OCFS regulations and best practices in child care.
Supervision and Responsibilities - Must work under the direct supervision of the Group Family Daycare provider or Lead Caregiver, adhering to all guidance and instructions provided.
- Must demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and a strong commitment to the safety and well-being of children.
Ethical and Professional Conduct - Must adhere to ethical standards, maintain confidentiality regarding children and families, and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with children, families, and co-workers.
Nice To Haves Nice-to-Have Requirements for a Day Care Assistant: Not Required
Early Childhood Education Background - An associate degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
- Certifications in specialized areas of early childhood education, such as behavior management, special needs education, or language development.
Bilingual Skills - Proficiency in a second language, especially Spanish, to better communicate with diverse children and families and support dual-language learners.
Creative Skills - Strong abilities in arts and crafts, music, storytelling, or other creative activities that can be integrated into the daycare program.
- Experience planning and implementing themed activities or events that enhance the children's learning experience.
Technological Proficiency - Familiarity with early childhood education software or apps that can be used to track child development, create lesson plans, or communicate with parents.
- Basic knowledge of social media platforms to assist in promoting the daycare and sharing updates with parents.
Experience with Special Needs Children - Experience working with children who have special needs, including familiarity with individualized education programs (IEPs) and adaptive teaching strategies.
- Training in or knowledge of inclusive practices that ensure all children, regardless of ability, feel supported and engaged.
Cooking and Nutrition Knowledge - Experience in preparing balanced, child-friendly meals and snacks, with knowledge of special dietary needs or restrictions (e.g., allergies, gluten-free, vegetarian).
- An understanding of CACFP nutritional guidelines and how to implement them in a daycare setting.
First Aid and Emergency Response Certification - Advanced first aid certification, such as Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Wilderness First Aid, which goes beyond the basic CPR and first aid requirements.
- Experience in managing emergency situations or providing care during medical incidents.
Strong Organizational Skills - Ability to maintain an organized environment, manage time effectively, and multitask in a dynamic setting.
- Experience in managing supplies, inventory, and preparing materials for daily activities.
Reliable Transportation - Access to reliable transportation to ensure consistent and timely arrival at work, especially in cases of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Positive References - Strong references from previous employers, particularly from roles in childcare, education, or related fields.
- Testimonials from parents or previous coworkers that highlight reliability, creativity, and a strong connection with children.
Commitment to Professional Growth - A proactive attitude towards continuing education and professional development, including a willingness to pursue additional certifications or training in early childhood education.
- A passion for staying current with the latest trends, research, and best practices in childcare and early education.
Personal Qualities - A natural patience and understanding that fosters a nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported.
- A genuine passion and love for working with children, demonstrated by a caring attitude, enthusiasm for helping children learn and grow, and a positive, child-centered approach to all tasks.
Benefits Benefits will be determined based on qualifications and experience and will be discussed during the interview process.
Job Tags
Full time, Immediate start, Outdoor,