Child Care Assistant

Child Care Assistant position supporting early childhood development in a licensed, NAEYC-accredited program.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate positive interactions with children, families, and staff through verbal and non-verbal communication, adhering to Child Care Program expectations, Advocate's Behaviors of Excellence, and supervisor guidance.
• Engage with children at eye level, using respectful tones to model appropriate behavior and foster a safe, responsive environment.
• Nurture children through verbal reassurance, physical comfort, and words of encouragement.
• Follow Day Center Child Care discipline guidelines, using positive guidance techniques to help children understand behavioral consequences.
• Collaborate with the classroom team and supervisor to discuss child behavior and development, ensuring compliance with DCFS regulations and planning individualized activities.
• Implement primary caregiving plans to maintain consistent, positive relationships with children and families.
• Actively engage children in activities and learning experiences that support their growth and development.
• Assist classroom staff in developing and reinforcing positive behavior patterns.
• Contribute to daily activities, learning experiences, and curriculum implementation aligned with Illinois Early Learning Standards/Guidelines and NAEYC guidelines.
• Respond to children’s physical, psychological, and emotional needs in a timely manner.
• Provide input and assist in completing progress reports, developmental checklists, parent/teacher conference forms, daily notes, and children’s portfolios (e.g., anecdotal records, work samples, photos).
• Participate in classroom meetings and other assigned meetings, contributing to discussions on program philosophy and goals.
• Observe and document children’s behaviors and development to inform planning and meet individual needs.
• Pursue ongoing training and professional development through early childhood trainings, professional journals, and continuing education; earn required in-service hours annually.
• Complete DCFS and Advocate’s required online trainings; work toward earning or maintaining the Gateways ECE Credential.
• Collaborate with the teaching team, administration, and coworkers, communicating ideas, concerns, and needs effectively.
• Share responsibilities for daily routines, procedures, and classroom goals, working as part of a team to maintain a safe and responsive environment.
• Follow Day Center’s written policies and procedures to uphold program integrity, quality, and safety.
• Support Center and classroom goals, demonstrating flexibility with schedules, routines, and assignments.
• Resolve conflicts professionally and address issues with the team as they arise.
• Maintain awareness of the number of children in your care at all times, positioning yourself to monitor the classroom for safety hazards and intervene when necessary.
• Assist in implementing child safety practices, including head counts, ratio sheets, name-to-face checks, and sleep room/crib checks.
• Role model and encourage positive social interactions among children.
• Avoid distractions (e.g., personal conversations, cell phone/computer use) while children are awake and engaged.
• Communicate daily with parents about their child’s activities and assist in completing written forms (e.g., daily notes, progress reports).
• Create a welcoming atmosphere that promotes daily communication with families and integrates parents as part of the teaching team.
• Greet parents and share their child’s daily accomplishments and interests to foster a partnership in their development.
• Direct parent concerns to the supervisor or classroom team and keep responsible staff informed of issues affecting children or classroom operations.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, and organized environment, including removing damaged/unsafe materials and completing health/safety checklists.
• Practice appropriate hand hygiene and adhere to Advocate’s Be Safe Behaviors and Tools at all times.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• Ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally with children, families, and staff.
• Competent interpersonal skills and emotional maturity when working with children.
• Basic computer skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Lifting: Medium work—up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 10 pounds constantly; maximum lift of 35 pounds individually (assistance required for over 35 pounds).
• Ability to stand, stoop, bend, carry children, and sit without back support for 15–20 minutes at a time.
• Flexible work schedule, including room assignments and unusual hours.
• Ability to work with children aged 6 weeks through 10 years, communicating at an age-appropriate level.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, complete work within short timeframes, and respond quickly to unsafe conditions.
• Flexibility, understanding, and patience to meet children’s developmental and emotional needs.
• For direct patient care/contact: Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance; use patient handling equipment for lifts over 35 pounds or when the child cannot assist.