Position Title
Childcare Worker
Payroll/Personnel Type
12 Month
Job #
355
Reports To
Director of Early Childhood
Shift Length
8 Hour Day
Union Eligibility
Not Eligible
Starting Salary
$17.50-$22.00 per hour
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
- 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 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
- 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.
Mission Statement
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.
Additional Responsibilities
- Skills to plan, direct, and conduct programs meeting children’s basic needs
- Ability to maintain a supportive environment for children
- Keep all records necessary for the classroom such as attendance, daily notes, accident reports, etc.
- Maintain child/staff ratios at all times and adhere to requirements set
- Keep room clean and safe
- Establish routines
- Greet parents with respect and clear expectations
- Maintain confidentiality at all times
- Maintain flexibility in scheduling as needed
- Other duties as assigned
Disclaimer
The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.
Legal Notice
In connection with hiring for this position, the district shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or national origin.