Childhood Staff

Childcare Staff PositionThe Childcare Staff is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for young children. This role requires full compliance with Texas Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers and supports the goals of the Texas Rising Star program. Teachers must demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to early childhood best practices.Key ResponsibilitiesProfessional Conduct & EthicsDemonstrate competency, good judgment, and self-control at all times.Interact with children using courtesy, respect, acceptance, and patience.Recognize and support the unique needs, cultures, and potential of every child and family.Ensure that no child is abused, neglected, or exploited while in care.Report suspected abuse or neglect to DFPS as required by Texas Family Code 261.101.Classroom and Supervision ResponsibilitiesKnowing and following all Minimum Standards for licensed child care centers.Maintaining active supervision at all times by: Knowing each child's name, age, and total number of children in your care Maintaining visual and auditory awareness of each child's activity Remaining physically close enough to intervene quickly if necessary. Remaining free from non-care duties such as: Administrative or clerical tasks not related to child supervision. Janitorial responsibilities Personal use of electronic devicesCurriculum, Instruction, and Child-Centered PracticesPlan and implement daily, developmentally appropriate activities aligned with the Frog Street curriculum.Differentiate instruction to meet the individual needs of children across all developmental domains.Integrate language, literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning into daily routines.Adapt care and instruction to reflect each child's developmental stage, interests, and any special care needs.Foster positive behavior and self-regulation through clear, age-appropriate expectations.Promote independence and problem-solving through intentional, flexible activities.Follow the center's written activity plans, including required outdoor play per 746.2907.Create an inclusive classroom atmosphere that values each child's contributions.Ensure continuity of care by sharing relevant information with staff during shift changes or classroom transitions.Family Engagement and CommunicationBuild positive, respectful relationships with families and communicate regularly about children's progress, behavior, and needs.Maintain confidentiality in all child and family matters.Participate in parent-teacher conferences and center-wide family engagement events.Training & Certification Requirements8 hours of pre-service training before assuming caregiving responsibilities24 hours of annual training, including: At least 6 hours in child development, guidance and discipline, age-appropriate curriculum, or teacher-child interaction At least 1 hour on child maltreatment prevention, recognition, and reporting Additional required topics such as emergency preparedness, communicable disease prevention, food allergy response, and safe environments If caring for children under 24 months: training in shaken baby syndrome, SIDS prevention, and early brain developmentCurrent certification in: Infant and child CPR First AidPreferred Qualifications CDA, Associate's, or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field Minimum of 1 year classroom experience Familiarity with Frog Street curriculum and Conscious Discipline approach Experience in a Texas Rising Star or NAEYC-accredited program.Physical RequirementsAbility to lift up to 40 lbs.Engage in active movement throughout the day.Work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditionsAbility to sit, stand, kneel, and move quickly to engage with and supervise children.