Child Care Worker

Specific Responsibilities

• Maintain constant visual supervision of children while in childcare.
• Ensure children remain in approved childcare areas and are never left unattended.
• Adhere to established staff-to-child supervision ratios at all times.
• Monitor children’s physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being and respond promptly to safety concerns.
• Immediately report injuries, incidents, behavioral concerns, or supervision issues to supervisory staff.
• Follow all MSC safety protocols, including safe sleep practices, hygiene standards, and emergency procedures.
• Support daily childcare routines, including play, meals/snacks, rest periods, diapering, and transitions.
• Implement age-appropriate, developmentally supportive activities as outlined by program schedules and guidance.
• Model positive, trauma-informed caregiving and supportive interactions.
• Create and maintain a nurturing, orderly, and predictable environment for children.
• Use developmentally appropriate, non-punitive behavior guidance strategies.
• Support emotional regulation through redirection, co-regulation, and calm presence.
• Follow MSC behavior guidance policies, including prohibition of restraint and punitive discipline.
• Seek supervisory guidance when behaviors present safety or program concerns.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the childcare/play room throughout the shift.
• Clean and sanitize toys, equipment, surfaces, and materials in accordance with program cleaning standards.
• Complete assigned pre-shift and post-shift cleaning responsibilities, including setup and breakdown of the childcare space.
• Launder childcare items as assigned, including but not limited to crib sheets, sleep sacks, blankets, and bibs.
• Ensure cleaning supplies are stored safely and out of children’s reach at all times.
• Report cleanliness, supply, or maintenance concerns to supervisory staff promptly.
• Adhere to infection control and hygiene protocols as outlined in MSC policies.
• Complete required childcare documentation accurately and in a timely manner, including:
• Daily logs
• Attendance/sign-in and sign-out records
• Incident reports, when applicable
• Complete daily childcare task checklists as assigned for each shift.
• Ensure cleaning and sanitation responsibilities are completed before shift handoff.
• Communicate relevant information to supervisors, residential staff, and clinical team members as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and agency communication standards.
• Support program structure and oversight by following all MSC policies, procedures, and program expectations.
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and required training.
• Cooperate with supervisory oversight, including room checks, documentation reviews, and quality assurance activities.
• Support consistency and accountability across shifts by adhering to established protocols.
• Perform additional duties related to childcare operations, safety, or program support as assigned by supervisory staff.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Early childhood education coursework, certificate, or credential preferred.
• Experience working with infants and young children in a structured setting preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to get).
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate childcare practices.
• Ability to maintain constant supervision, follow safety protocols, and complete required documentation.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and acceptable driving record, as applicable.
• Successful completion of required background checks and health clearances.
• Required Early Childhood Training (In Addition to Orientation):
• OCFS-aligned early childhood training through the Early Childhood Education and Training Program (ECETP) administered by the Professional Development Program (PDP) at Rockefeller College, University at Albany.
• Focuses on child supervision, health and safety, infant and toddler development, emergency preparedness, safe sleep, trauma-informed care, and bias-aware practice.
• All required training must be completed within the first month of hire, with completion monitored and documented through program supervision and quality assurance processes.

Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies

• Ability to maintain continuous supervision and prioritize child safety.
• Strong observational and communication skills.
• Ability to follow direction, policies, and escalation protocols.
• Professional boundaries and respectful interaction with residents, children, and staff.
• Team-oriented, reliable, and accountable.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and family dynamics.
• Belief in families’ capacity for growth and change.

Working Conditions

• On site role in a residential program.
• Shift-based schedule between the hours of 7am and 10pm.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision and Dental (for FT staff)
• 100% agency paid life insurance
• 403B retirement plan
• Generous PTO package
• Paid training
• Tuition reimbursement
• Discounts on phone services & more!

SCO Family of Services is an equal employment opportunity employer.