Daycare Program Assistant

at  Family and Childrens Services Niagara

SUMMARY:

• Employer: Family and Children’s Services Niagara
• Location: St Catharines, ON
• Type: Regular-Full Time (33.75 hours/week)
• Benefits: 4 weeks paid vacation, 5 personal days, pension, health and dental benefits

WHO WE ARE:

Family and Children’s Services has been making a positive difference in the lives of children, youth, and families in Niagara for more than a century. As a multi-service agency providing child welfare services, fostering and adoption, counseling, and childcare, the team at FACS Niagara works to keep children safe and families strong.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education or the equivalency as approved by the Ministry of Education.
• Valid Registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• Minimum 1 year previous experience working in a daycare setting required.
• Valid Standard First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate.
• A valid G Driver’s License and access to a reliable motor vehicle with appropriate liability insurance are required.

GENERAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Knowledge of normal early childhood development and experience in working with children ages 18 months to 12 years.
• Knowledge of routine daycare operations.
• Knowledge of the Child Care and Early Years Act, Occupational Health and
• Safety Act, Child, Youth and Family Services Act and agency Policies and Procedures, and the ability to meet specifications of these Acts.
• Ability to relate to and support children, families, and colleagues in a positive non-judgmental manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all information related to children, families, and staff.
• Ability to adapt to the various activities and changing needs of the program.
• Ability to work various shifts within the 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daycare operation hours.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a team.
• Good verbal, written, and listening communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative.
• Ability to perform all physical demands of this job listed below.
• Willingness to work in the environment described below.
• Demonstrated computer literacy (MS Office, Outlook e-mail).

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

Under the direction of the Daycare Team Lead, the Daycare Program Assistant is responsible for providing care and supervision to children. The Program Assistant will assist with implementing an age-appropriate curriculum for the early childhood program, which is conducive to quality care and education, and with addressing the emotional, physical, cognitive, and social development of children from 18 months to 12 years of age.
Family and Children’s Services Niagara welcomes candidates from racialized groups, First Nation Inuit or Métis persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression. Accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process by the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist and implement developmentally appropriate educational programs that support the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children including:
• Arranging equipment for various indoor and outdoor activities,
• Cleaning toys, equipment, and cupboards as required,
• Assisting in moving and storing equipment according to the requirements of the location, and
• Preparing and attending parent/teacher activities.
• Through observation, recognize unusual behavior in children and assist the ECE with preventative or remedial action
• Maintain working knowledge of relevant childcare issues.
• Assist with maintaining a safe, nurturing environment that is conducive to child development in all areas of the program: playroom, washroom, cloakroom, lunchroom, and sleep room.
• Carry out daily routines such as:
• Toileting,
• preparing and serving snacks and lunches for all children, and
• directing children to assist in maintaining the general tidiness of the playroom.
• Ensure adequate sanitary and housekeeping standards are maintained including.
• Vacuuming,
• Loading or unloading the dishwasher, and
• Other housekeeping duties as needed.
• Complete visual health and safety inspections regularly.

OTHER RELATED PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform duties such as answering the phones and checking the daily log, to ensure high quality of service for families. Document messages and record parents’ inquiries.
• Keep the Daycare Team Lead informed of any situation that may have significant implications for the child, the program, and/or the Society.
• Attend staff meetings during off hours as required.
• Participate in training sessions to enhance professional practices.
• Open [unlock] and close [lock] the premises as required. Keep exits clear and free of snow or play equipment as necessary.
• Exercise appropriate personal and professional behavior.
• Adheres to professional and ethical standards and abides by applicable legislation.
• Actively upholds the principles identified in the Society’s Code of Ethics.
• Identifies individual professional developmental needs to the Daycare Team Lead to ensure that performance is maximized.
• Works in compliance with OH&SA, utilizing protective equipment as necessary, and attends mandatory training as required.
• Reports any hazard, missing or defective parts or equipment which may endanger self or another worker or any contravention of the OH&S Act to the supervisor.
• Reports workplace accidents/injuries by agency policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.