Child Care Assistant Zoenitas loving arms Suffolk, VA Job Details Part-time | Full-time $14 - $17 an hour 1 day ago Qualifications CPR Certification Experience working with individuals with disabilities First Aid Certification Meal preparation Food safety Meal assistance Full Job Description Job Summary Join our vibrant team as a Child Care Assistant, where your enthusiasm and dedication will help create a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment for young children. The Childcare Assistant is responsible for supporting the daily operation of Zoenita's Loving Arms, LLC by providing safe, nurturing, attentive, and developmentally appropriate care to children ranging in age from infants through school-age. The Childcare Assistant will work under the direction of the Family Day Home Provider and assist with supervision, daily routines, meals, personal care, educational activities, indoor and outdoor play, rest periods, and maintaining a clean and organized childcare environment. The ideal employee will be dependable, patient, energetic, nurturing, attentive, and genuinely enjoy working with children. Because the safety and well-being of children are our highest priorities, the employee must demonstrate good judgment, professionalism, reliability, and the ability to follow all childcare policies, procedures, licensing requirements, and safety practices. Child Supervision & Safety

• Provide active and attentive supervision of children at all times.
• Maintain awareness of the location and activities of children while in care.
• Ensure children remain in safe and approved childcare areas.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate child-to-adult ratios.
• Follow established emergency, evacuation, fire, severe weather, and safety procedures.
• Immediately report injuries, accidents, illnesses, behavioral concerns, or safety concerns to the provider.
• Never leave children unattended. Daily Childcare
• Assist children with arrival and departure routines.
• Provide nurturing and responsive care to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.
• Assist with diapering, toileting, handwashing, dressing, and other personal-care needs.
• Assist infants with feeding, bottle routines, diaper changes, and safe sleep practices.
• Help children transition between activities throughout the day.
• Assist with nap and rest periods.
• Provide comfort and appropriate emotional support when children are upset. Learning & Activities
• Participate in age-appropriate educational and recreational activities.
• Read books, sing songs, complete arts and crafts, play games, and encourage imaginative play.
• Support activities that promote language, social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Encourage positive peer interactions, sharing, cooperation, and appropriate communication.
• Participate in indoor and outdoor activities with the children rather than simply observing. Meals & Snacks
• Assist with preparing and serving approved meals and snacks.
• Supervise children during meals and snacks.
• Follow instructions concerning food allergies, dietary restrictions, and individual feeding needs.
• Assist with cleaning and sanitizing eating areas before and after meals.
• Follow proper food-handling and sanitation procedures. Cleaning & Sanitation
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, organized, and child-safe environment.
• Clean and sanitize toys, tables, chairs, highchairs, play areas, and frequently touched surfaces.
• Assist with cleaning after meals, activities, diaper changes, and other daily routines.
• Keep childcare materials and supplies organized.
• Assist with light housekeeping duties directly related to childcare operations.
• Promptly address spills, hazards, and unsafe conditions. Behavior Management
• Use positive, age-appropriate behavior guidance techniques.
• Redirect inappropriate behaviors calmly and respectfully.
• Reinforce appropriate behavior, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Follow the provider's established discipline and behavior-management policies.
• Never use physical punishment, humiliation, threats, inappropriate language, or other prohibited forms of discipline. Communication & Professionalism
• Communicate respectfully and professionally with children, parents, coworkers, and the provider.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Follow all policies regarding photographs, social media, and sharing information about children.
• Report parent questions or concerns to the provider when appropriate.
• Maintain professional boundaries with families.
• Refrain from using personal cell phones while actively supervising children except for emergencies or authorized childcare purposes. Attendance & Reliability
• Report to work on time and prepared for the scheduled shift.
• Maintain dependable and consistent attendance.
• Notify the provider as soon as possible regarding emergencies, illness, or unavoidable absences.
• Remain available and attentive throughout the scheduled work period.
• Understand that dependable attendance is essential because staffing directly affects the safety and supervision of children.

General Expectations The Childcare Assistant must be able to work effectively in an active childcare environment that may require frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, lifting children and childcare materials, and participating in indoor and outdoor activities. The employee is expected to follow all applicable licensing requirements, health and safety standards, childcare policies, confidentiality requirements, and instructions provided by the Family Day Home Provider. The Childcare Assistant may also perform other reasonable childcare-related duties necessary to maintain a safe, nurturing, organized, and high-quality childcare environment. Experience Prior experience working with children in daycare, preschool, or childcare settings is highly preferred Knowledge of childhood development principles and early childhood education best practices Experience working with children with disabilities or special needs is a plus Classroom management skills to effectively oversee group activities and individual needs Certification in first aid, CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), and pediatric first aid is required or obtainable upon hire Familiarity with behavior management techniques to support positive social interactions among children Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with parents, colleagues, and children in a respectful manner Join us in shaping the future by providing a safe, joyful space where children can learn, grow, and thrive! We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values dedication, compassion, and professional growth. All positions are paid roles designed to support your career development in early childhood education.

Pay:

$14.00 - $17.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person