Job Title: Supported Child Development Assistant
Employment Status: Casual non-union
Location: Penticton
Job Summary
The function of Supported Child Development (SCD) Assistant is to provide supplementary staffing support to ensure that children with support needs are able to participate fully in the childcare settings chosen by their families.
The Assistant works within a designated childcare setting as a part of the childcare team. This team includes the childcare setting staff, parents and families that attend the program. As a part of the team in an inclusive childcare center, the SCD Assistant will aim to ensure that the child/ren they are supporting are included in all aspects of the program.
Qualifications
- Certificate in child development such as Early Childhood Education, Special Needs Education, Certified Education Assistant, Bachelor of Education or a combination of related child development training and experience.
- A Minimum of one year of experience working with children who have additional support needs.
Required
- Successful completion of:
- criminal record check
- physician's report
- immunization record
- TB skin test
- professional references
- educational transcripts
- Current First Aid Certificate.
- Early Intervention and Prevention Training.
- Valid BC Driver's license, reliable vehicle, clean driver's abstract and ability to obtain business use vehicle insurance (if applicable).
- Signed Confidentiality Agreement.
- Adherence to OneSky policies and procedures, program operations manual and commitment to Code of Ethics.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
- Knowledge of developmentally appropriate early childhood and inclusive practices and the ability to model and communicate these concepts to staff, childcare settings and families.
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and commitment to, the inclusion of all children into community-based childcare settings.
- Knowledge of cultural and socio-economic issues, including family systems and culturally appropriate practices.
- Strong, oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Basic knowledge of computer skills – able to write and submit monthly reports, utilize computer database for reporting, and communication via email.
- Ability to maintain a positive, professional presentation.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development training/courses and a commitment to enhancing your skills and knowledge in relation to this position.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to establish and maintain supportive, collaborative relationships with families and childcare setting staff.
- Ability to support children with a wide variety of support needs (examples being Autism, Challenging Behaviour, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, FASD, speech and language delays and others).
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position, demonstrated in a doctor’s letter of reference.
- Ability and flexibility to travel from community to community and program to program.
Working Conditions
Travel within the South Okanagan/Similkameen region may be necessary, as this position may be assigned to specific geographic areas within our service delivery region. The SCD Assistant may also be assigned to a variety of settings within those geographic areas based on identified service delivery needs.
Responsibilities
Supported Child Development is committed to working in partnership with families and the childcare setting. The following is a guide that outlines the expectations for a SCD Assistant in the partnership with families, childcare setting staff and Supported Child Development Team.
Expectations in Working in a Child Care Setting
- Maintain professionalism (arrive on time, sufficient notice of absences, strong communication and interpersonal skills, appropriate dress etc.).
- Communicate effectively with childcare setting team.
- Understand and respect the childcare setting philosophy.
- Be receptive to new ideas and suggestions from childcare setting team, community professionals and Supported Child Development.
- Seek guidance from the Centre Supervisors, Supported Child Development Consultants and Program Supervisor in an appropriate and professional manner.
- Be aware of emergency plans at the setting and your responsibilities within those plans.
Expectations for Working with Children
- Actively work to include the child in the childcare setting activities (adaptation of activity, encouraging interaction with other children).
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of developmentally appropriate practice and utilize this knowledge while working in the setting.
- Demonstrate the skills needed to develop strategies and activities that are play based, developmentally appropriate and inclusive.
- Understand child's goals, as outlined in the service plan and work to achieve them in the context of the childcare setting and activities.
- Understand appropriate amount of support to ensure successful outcomes for the child.
- Treat all children in a respectful manner.
- Effectively deal with behavioural concerns.
- Observe child in the setting and be able to document functional change, if any, in a professional manner. Submit monthly and quarterly reports on time.
Expectations for Interaction with Child’s Family
- Respect confidentiality of the child and the family as outlined in the Confidentiality Agreement and Code of Ethics.
- Communicate appropriate information to parent/guardian (information from therapists, setting info and Supported Child Development).
- Demonstrate respect for and respond appropriately to the concerns of the parents.
- Demonstrate respect for the background of all children and families in childcare setting.
- Participate in team meetings, assessment and goal planning meetings as well as attend home visits, as requested or required.
Responsibilities to Supported Child Development
- Communicate, as necessary, with the Program Supervisor or designate regarding needed resources, child related concerns, program questions, child’s development and noteworthy events.
- Submit any documentation in a timely manner including Incident Reports, monthly reports and observation records.
- Complete and submit monthly reports for each child you support by the first week of the next month.
- Attend and participate in staff meetings, workshops and training as required.
- Submit timesheets, Requests for Leave/Sick Leave Reporting and notify of any absences on time.
- Participate in other SCDP events, projects and meetings as requested by the Program Supervisor or Designate.
Responsibilities to the Agency
- Maintain a commitment to maintaining inclusive quality service environments that provide participants with respect, and value their choices and abilities.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Support and maintain CQI initiatives and accreditation requirements.
- Participate in OneSky meetings and events as required.
- Support OneSky’s mission, vision and values.
- Perform any related duties as assigned and/or required to maintain the operations and integrity of the program.
Why Work at OneSky?
At OneSky Community Resources, we are committed to creating inclusive and supportive environments where every child can thrive. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with diverse abilities, helping them participate fully in community-based childcare settings. We foster a collaborative and respectful workplace culture where you will work alongside passionate professionals, families, and childcare staff. OneSky values diversity and inclusion, and we provide ongoing training and professional development to help you grow in your career. As part of our team, you will contribute to strengthening families and building inclusive communities across the South Okanagan/Similkameen region.
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