Day Care Associate

Job Description

Primary Purpose:

Supervise and maintain a developmentally appropriate learning environment for the children in the child development center birth to 5 years old. Ensure that all NAEYC standards and minimum standards are met and that all suspected child abuse is reported to the Child Abuse hotline at 1-800-252-5400 and the director. Work under supervision of CDC director.

Education/Certification:

18 years of age; High school diploma or GED; CDA or AAS in child development preferred;

Must successfully pass MISD Literacy Test

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to work well with young children

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to be proactive instead of reactive

Experience:

At least 6 months of experience working with young children in a NAEYC accredited preschool center based environment preferred. 2 years of experience is preferred.

Essential Job Functions:

• Plans and implements developmentally appropriate activities that meet the individual needs of infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
• Works with other staff members to insure the health and safety of the children in the center following procedures for hand washing, change and sanitation of mats, diaper changers and toys.
• Presents classroom activities with enthusiasm and frequently acknowledges the positive performance of children in the classroom.
• Welcome each child and parent to the classroom.
• Prepare educational materials prior to each day and replace properly after each use.
• Ensures safety, up keep, availability, and age appropriateness of all equipment for birth to 5 year olds. 
• Develops a positive and productive relationship with all parents by communicating with parents in a positive manner as frequently as possible.
• Ensures appropriate supervision of all children at all times. 
• Participate in staff development training programs to improve job performance.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings and mandatory teacher training of at least 30 hours each year.
• Report to work in a timely manner according to assigned schedule.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or other administrator that are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position.

Professional Conduct:

• Maintain professional interactions with staff, parents, community and visitors.
• Demonstrate the ability to remain calm and withstand pressures.
• Demonstrate flexibility to change in routine and adapt quickly to changing situations.
• Demonstrates respect, courteous to peers and visitors and assist fellow workers willingly.
• Avoid gossip, or speaking badly about the district and district personnel.

Supervisory Responsibility: 

None

Equipment used:

Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment

Working Conditions

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Mental Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress

Work with frequent interruptions

Physical Demands:

Lifting (45 pounds or more)

Carrying (45 pounds or more)

Sitting

Standing

Bending/Stooping

Kneeling

Pushing/Pulling

Repetitive hand motions

Keyboarding/mouse

Speaking clearly

Hearing

Environmental Factors:

Work inside/outside

Exposure to noise

Work prolonged or irregular hours

2025-07-16