Child Care Worker

Job Details

Description SHIFT Mon-Fri 7:30am-2pm or 2pm-9pm SCO Family of Services is currently seeking compassionate Child Care Workers join our team in our Madonna Heights Morning Star programs. Our Morning star II program allows Mothers in recovery to live and bond with their children at the residence will strengthening their parenting skills.

I. Specific Responsibilities Child Supervision & Safety

• Maintain constant visual supervision of children while in childcare.
• Ensure children remain in approved childcare areas and are never left unattended.
• Adhere to established staff-to-child supervision ratios at all times.
• Monitor children’s physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being and respond promptly to safety concerns.
• Immediately report injuries, incidents, behavioral concerns, or supervision issues to supervisory staff.
• Follow all MSC safety protocols, including safe sleep practices, hygiene standards, and emergency procedures.

Daily Care & Structured Routines

• Support daily childcare routines, including play, meals/snacks, rest periods, diapering, and transitions.
• Implement age-appropriate, developmentally supportive activities as outlined by program schedules and guidance.
• Model positive, trauma-informed caregiving and supportive interactions.
• Create and maintain a nurturing, orderly, and predictable environment for children.

Behavior Support & Trauma-Informed Practice

• Use developmentally appropriate, non-punitive behavior guidance strategies.
• Support emotional regulation through redirection, co-regulation, and calm presence.
• Follow MSC behavior guidance policies, including prohibition of restraint and punitive discipline.
• Seek supervisory guidance when behaviors present safety or program concerns.

Environmental Safety, Cleaning & Sanitation

• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the childcare/play room throughout the shift.
• Clean and sanitize toys, equipment, surfaces, and materials in accordance with program cleaning standards.
• Complete assigned pre-shift and post-shift cleaning responsibilities, including setup and breakdown of the childcare space.
• Launder childcare items as assigned, including but not limited to crib sheets, sleep sacks, blankets, and bibs.
• Ensure cleaning supplies are stored safely and out of children’s reach at all times.
• Report cleanliness, supply, or maintenance concerns to supervisory staff promptly.
• Adhere to infection control and hygiene protocols as outlined in MSC policies.

Documentation, Shift Accountability & Communication

• Complete required childcare documentation accurately and in a timely manner, including:
• Daily logs
• Attendance/sign-in and sign-out records
• Incident reports, when applicable
• Complete daily childcare task checklists as assigned for each shift.
• Ensure cleaning and sanitation responsibilities are completed before shift handoff.
• Communicate relevant information to supervisors, residential staff, and clinical team members as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and agency communication standards.

Program Structure & Oversight Support

• Follow all MSC policies, procedures, and program expectations.
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and required training.
• Cooperate with supervisory oversight, including room checks, documentation reviews, and quality assurance activities.
• Support consistency and accountability across shifts by adhering to established protocols.

Other Duties

• Perform additional duties related to childcare operations, safety, or program support as assigned by supervisory staff.

Ii. Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required;
• Early childhood education coursework, certificate, or credential preferred.
• Experience working with infants and young children in a structured setting preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to get)
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate childcare practices.
• Ability to maintain constant supervision, follow safety protocols, and complete required documentation.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and acceptable driving record, as applicable.
• Successful completion of required background checks and health clearances.

Required Early Childhood Training (In Addition to Orientation)

In addition to agency orientation, all Child Care Workers are required to complete OCFS-aligned early childhood training through the Early Childhood Education and Training Program (ECETP) administered by the Professional Development Program (PDP) at Rockefeller College, University at Albany.

Required trainings focus on child supervision, health and safety, infant and toddler development, emergency preparedness, safe sleep, trauma-informed care, and bias-aware practice.

All required training must be completed within the first month of hire, with completion monitored and documented through program supervision and quality assurance processes.

Iii. Knowledge, Skills, & Compentencies

• Ability to maintain continuous supervision and prioritize child safety.
• Strong observational and communication skills.
• Ability to follow direction, policies, and escalation protocols.
• Professional boundaries and respectful interaction with residents, children, and staff.
• Team-oriented, reliable, and accountable.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and family dynamics.
• Belief in families’ capacity for growth and change.

Iv. Working Conditions

• On site role in a residential program.
• Shift – based schedule between the hours of 7am and 10pm

Benefits Include Medical insurance, Vision and Dental (for FT staff), 100% agency paid life insurance, 403B retirement plan, generous PTO package, paid training, tuition reimbursement, discounts on phone services & more!!

SCO Family of Services is an equal employment opportunity employer.