Newsletter #3

Hello Everyone!

This newsletter is reflective of what we are hoping to find in our caregivers. Our teachers will be the most important part of this expansion and for the children. This is a long one so without further ado…

Physical, Mental and Health Characteristics 

• Maintains good health and is personally clean and appropriately groomed

• Has a high energy level, is very active

• Does not use alcohol, drugs, or take medication that will affect responsiveness to children

• Can lift children weighing up to 50 pounds, get on the floor, get up quickly and run and play with children

• Is attentive and always alert to the children and what they are doing in the environment

• Can work with and supervise children doing different things at the same time

Social Characteristics 

• Enjoys working with and is courteous to children and their families; enjoys learning and helping others to learn and solve problems  

• Respects children as individuals

• Respects parents as the primary persons in the lives of their children

• Likes to be in an active, constantly changing environment where the needs of children and their families come first

• Has good communications skills, verbally and non-verbally; Speaks English clearly, listens to children/parents, does not use negative words/body language and is consistent and predictable in interactions with children and parents

• Is alert and sensitive to others’ needs and uses this sensitivity to anticipate what might happen in given situations

• Is tolerant and appreciates the differences in others’ skills, appearances, interests, cultures, and personalities

• Is honest in both monetary and non-monetary matters

• Has a keen sense of responsibility and personal accountability

Knowledge Characteristics

• Can read and write English proficiently

• Has broad general knowledge and information regarding child safety, common and uncommon child hazards, infection control, how to recognize abuse and neglect, child growth and development, expected milestones and common practices to help children achieve them  

• Can plan an age-appropriate program for the children in care

• Can observe and evaluate children’s progress and problems

• Can make referrals to appropriate resources as needed

• Understands basic behavioral guidance techniques, e.g., redirection, positive guidance, role modeling, etc.

• Can assist children with learning acceptable behavior and dealing with the logical consequences of unacceptable behavior

• Is well organized and efficient and understands the principles of program planning

• Understands the need for transitions and how to incorporate them successfully into the day-today activities of working with children

• Can plan an environment that stimulates children to be active learners

• Is creative in approaches to problem-solving

• Understands good nutrition and the nutritional needs of children

• Knows first aid and rescue breathing/CPR and can avoid a panic in an emergency

• Understands the requirements for safe handling of food, recognizes choking hazards and is aware of potential allergens and how to mitigate those risks

• Can maintain necessary files and records

Emotional Characteristics 

• Is emotionally stable, flexible, warm, affectionate, patient, caring and calm in trying situations;, can control temper and has healthy self esteem

• Can objectively evaluate own performance and takes responsibility for improving performance based on feedback and self-appraisal

• Can deal with conflict openly, comfortably and constructively, without becoming upset, vengeful or defensive

General Characteristics

• Knows and practices good professional ethics

• Keeps information confidential; avoids gossip

• Is reliable and available when services are needed and expected and makes arrangements with all necessary parties for time away from responsibilities

• Is interested in ongoing professional development

Professional Requirements

• Has a minimum of 6 months of programmatic experience working with children ages birth to thirteen

• Is 18+ years of age

• Has a full comprehension of the state licensing standards and regulations

• Understands safe sleeping, feeding and handling of children, especially infants; and unequivocally performs related tasks with precision and due care

• Plans to remain in the area and advance within the company or continue with a career in child education or development

• Has no criminal record

• Has a High School Diploma or equivalent

• Has own transportation

Preferable, But Not Required - Has experience with special needs children; with an understanding of basic interventions and strategies to assist them with inclusion, transitions, sensory needs, processing time and assist clinicians/therapists with related therapies