The children care Program Workers will provide support and direct care for child care program, including special needs children or infants/toddlers to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical and emotional growth. The position day to day duties will be conducive to MYFRS policy and procedures; and to adhere to provincial legislative criteria.

Qualifications

· Early Childhood Education Certificate, plus Special Needs or Infant Toddler /Under Three Certificate (must provide license number and current certification)

· One year related work experience

· Current 1^st Aid certificate plus the 1^st Aide certificate for Child Safe

· Food safe certificate

· Valid driver’s license – if class 5 must be willing to get Class 4

· Criminal Record Check - Children and Vulnerable Adults

· Merritt community services available Knowledge is an asset

· Demonstrate special needs/cultural sensitivity, creativity, collaborative approach and resourcefulness

The ability to function independently, under pressure while managing emergency situations is an ongoing expectation of this position

Key Duties & Responsibilities

· Build friendly and supportive relationships with children and parents during drop-in Welcomes and orientates visitors for the first time

· Plan, develop, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate activities and experiences for children using modelling, observing, questioning, demonstrating and reinforcing techniques. Develops daily program schedules that include indoor/outdoor, active/quiet and individual and group activities. Guides and assists children in the development of appropriate life skills and interactive behaviour; telling stories, teaching songs, leading discussions.

· Ensures a healthy and safe environment in which the children can interact. Identifies and removes potential hazards, reports all incidents of child abuse to supervisory position and follows organization's procedures and government legislation.

· Attends to the children’s physical needs that may include diapering, toileting, eating and sleeping.

· Maintains health records, administers first aid and medication in accordance with established policy

· Children assessments - Identifies the abilities, interests and needs of children and develops individualized and group curriculum based on these. Recommends referrals or additional services or work in consultation with professionals such as behavioural therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists

· Reports on progress, behaviours and other issues related to children.

· Requests input from and participation of parents in the development of programs. Confers with parents with regard to unusual or problematic issues.

· Contributes to reports for children moving on to elementary school. Maintains required records and statistics.

· Participates in preschool planning and evaluation of programs offered by the organization. Provides recommendations for change to management.

· To maintain all reports and all pertinent documents are accurately completed.

· Maintains open and positive communication with families about children’s growth and development.

· Provides work direction to child care program assistants as required.

· Maintains Child Care Program equipment and assists in housekeeping and building maintenance duties

· Prepares snacks/meals

· Drive children for program related purpose

· Performs other related duties as required