Kankakee School District 111
Early Childhood Education Program
Childcare Worker Job Description
TITLE: Childcare Worker
REPORTS TO: Director of Early Childhood
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Associate’s Degree (preferred) in Early Childhood Education or related field ● High School Diploma or GED required
● At least 3 years of Childcare Experience is a must
● Must meet all requirements set forth by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
CORE COMPETENCIES:
The Childcare Worker must demonstrate:
● Emotional maturity when working with children
● Respect for children, families, and staff
● Flexibility, patience, and understanding
● Strong listening and communication skills
● Sensitivity to children’s socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and individual needs ● Ability to maintain positive, responsive interactions with children
● Use of positive discipline and guidance techniques
● Ability to create and maintain a safe, engaging, and supportive environment
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Child Supervision & Care
● Provide active supervision at all times to ensure children’s safety and well-being
● Maintain required child-to-staff ratios in accordance with DCFS regulations
● Build positive relationships with children through consistent, nurturing interactions
● Support children in meeting developmental, social-emotional, and behavioral needs ● Use positive guidance and redirection strategies
Learning Environment
● Create and maintain an environment where children feel safe, comfortable, and engaged. ● Plan and implement age-appropriate activities that support development and play
● Encourage participation in play, recreation, and structured activities
● Support children’s independence and exploration
Classroom Management
● Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment
● Establish and follow consistent daily routines
● Assist with transitions and ensure smooth daily operations
● Complete the required documentation, including
○ Attendance
○ Daily notes
○ Incident/accident reports
Family & Professional Interaction
● Greet families with professionalism and respect
● Communicate clearly and appropriately with parents/guardians
● Maintain confidentiality at all times
● Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with staff and families
Program Support
● Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling and responsibilities as needed
● Participate in program activities and district initiatives
● Perform additional duties as assigned
PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The Childcare Worker must be able to:
● Lift to 40 pounds
● Sit, bend, kneel, and move frequently throughout the day
● Sit on the floor and interact with children at their level
● Transition quickly from seated to standing positions
● Engage in physical activities such as walking, running, dancing, and playing. ● Work both indoors and outdoors for extended periods
● Maintain high energy levels throughout the day
● Respond quickly and appropriately to changing situations
The work environment includes typical childcare settings with exposure to noise, movement, and varying conditions.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
● Determined by program needs and district guidelines
EVALUATION:
Performance will be evaluated in accordance with district procedures by the Site Supervisor and/or Assistant Director of Early Childhood.
Childcare Worker Position
All Staff will support the mission, vision, and values of the Kankakee School District by embedding them into the childcare programming and participating in KSD activities and initiatives.
1. Meet the general requirements set forth by the Department of Children and Family Services. a. Emotional maturity when working with children
b. Cooperation with the purposes and services of the program
c. Respect for children and adults, including fellow staff members
d. Flexibility, understanding and patience
e. Physical and mental health that do not interfere with childcare responsibilities f. Maintain positive and frequent interactions with children
g. Listening skills, availability and responsiveness to children
h. Sensitivity to children's socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds, i. individual needs and capabilities
j. Use of positive discipline and guidance techniques
k.Ability to provide an environment in which children can feel comfortable, relaxed, happy and involved in play, recreation and other activities
l. Skills to help children meet their developmental and emotional needs
2. Skills in planning, directing, and conducting programs that meet the children's basic needs.
Classroom Responsibilities:
1. Keep all records necessary for the classroom such as: attendance, daily notes, accident reports etc.
2. Maintain child/staff ratios at all times and adhere to requirements set.
3. Keep the room clean and safe.
4. Establish routines
5. Greet parents with respect and clear expectations.
6. Maintain confidentiality at all times.
7. Maintain flexibility in scheduling due to possible changes being necessary to provide the best care for the students.
8. Other duties as assigned.
Kankakee School District 111 is a regular school district located in Kankakee County with 11 schools, 264 teachers and 4,826 students. Total Revenue is $105,590,000 and is trending up. Kankakee School District 111 spends $16,838 per student per year on instruction.